Mimir Chamber Music Festival kicks off Thursday

Summer hasn’t stopped the usually exceptional music-making in the Metroplex. If it’s quality chamber music you want, then look further than the Mimir Chamber Music Festival in Fort Worth which is running strong during this 12th anniversary year.

Founded by violinist and Texas Christian University professor Curt Thompson, Mimir is named after the Norse god of wisdom. Savvy programming and an excellent roster of musicians have been trademarks of this festival, which is presenting five concerts this month at TCU’s PepsiCo Recital Hall. As in previous years, the festival brings together outstanding artists from the world’s leading orchestras and conservatories who share a passion for chamber music.

Pianist and 2000 Leeds Competition winner Alessio Bax is the star attraction for the first concert this season on July 9th. Bax will play the Dvorak Op 5 quintet in a program that features two Beethoven works as bookends – the early Opus 18, No. 6 quartet, followed later by the “Razumovsky” quartet Op. 59, No. 3.

String quartets by Debussy, Shostakovich, Janacek and Arvo Pärt are among the other highlights this season. You also don’t want to miss two free concerts featuring the festival’s promising young artists. They take place on July 12th and 13th. In addition, Sunday afternoon’s concert on the 12th includes a pre-concert chat with a few of the Mimir artists.

General admission for the regular concert series is $25. Tickets for seniors and students are $15. For more information, call 817-257-5443 or go to the web site http://www.mimirfestival.org/