Musical Masterworks opens its 36th season in Old Lyme, and 45 dollars gets you in

Musical Masterworks opens its 36th season on Saturday, October 10 at 5 p.m. and Sunday, October 11 at 3 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, at 4 Lyme Street. The opening program, led by the series' artistic director, violinist Tessa Lark, explores American music and includes Dvorak's Piano Quartet No. 2 in E-flat Major. Lark is joined by cellist Edward Arron, pianist Jeewon Park, and violist Melissa Reardon.

Why a newcomer should care

Chamber music was made for exactly this kind of room. The church seats a small audience, so you are close enough to watch the players trade phrases and react to each other, which is most of the pleasure. You do not need to know the pieces. Dvorak wrote some of his warmest music while living in America, and it lands easily on a first listen. If you have been curious about classical music but pictured a formal hall and a big ticket price, this is the opposite of that.

What it costs, and how to go

Individual tickets are 45 dollars, which makes it one of the more affordable ways to hear players of this level in Connecticut. Tickets and the full season, including any student or subscription pricing, are on the Musical Masterworks website. Old Lyme sits on the shoreline in New London County, an easy drive from the eastern and central parts of the state, and the church is a short walk from the center of the village. If you are weighing a first concert, our beginner's guide covers what to expect once you are in your seat.

Beyond the opener

The opening weekend is the start of a season that runs through the spring, so if this one does not fit your calendar, there will be more. Keep an eye on our Concerts page, where shoreline dates appear alongside the rest of the state's classical and chamber calendar. Details can change, so confirm times and pricing on the series' own site before you go. The links are below.