The University of Georgia Performing Arts Center will present the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble in the annual Jack Payne Memorial Concert on Oct. 5 at 3 p.m. in Hodgson Concert Hall. Admission is free, but tickets are required.
Formed in 1967 from the principal players of the world-renowned London orchestra, the Chamber Ensemble has earned an international reputation for its dynamic performances and distinguished recordings. The group’s Athens program showcases three masterworks for winds and strings, combining contemporary brilliance with classical elegance.
The concert opens with Huw Watkins’ new Octet, written especially for this ensemble’s autumn tour. Watkins, a celebrated Welsh composer and pianist, blends stately slow passages with virtuosic energy, culminating in an exuberant conclusion.
The program continues withJean Françaix’s Octet,a witty and stylish work dedicated to Franz Schubert. True to Françaix’s motto of writing musique pour faire plaisir (“music to give pleasure”), the piece sparkles with playful banter between winds and strings.
After intermission, the ensemble will perform Ludwig van Beethoven’s Septet, Op. 20. Filled with charm, wit and color, the six-movement masterpiece has delighted audiences since its 1800 premiere and remains a staple of the chamber music repertoire for winds and strings.
The Payne Memorial Concert is named for Dr. William Jackson “Jack” Payne, former dean of the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, who founded the Franklin College Chamber Music Series in 1978. In honor of his efforts, the Payne Memorial Concert is presented free to the public once each season.
Join the audience for a free pre-performance talk by Theresa Chafin in Ramsey Concert Hall from 2-2:30 p.m. Patrons may also attend a post-concert reception.
This performance is supported by Jennifer Holcomb.
Three ways to get tickets
- Purchase tickets online at pac.uga.edu.
- Call the Performing Arts Center box office at 706-542-4400, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Visit the UGA Performing Arts Center box office, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Five-minute parking is available in the drop off circle at the Performing Arts Center for purchasing or picking up tickets.)
Audience members can create their own series of three or more performances for 10% off. UGA Presents single tickets start at just $30 with promo code PAC30, and UGA student tickets are $15.
Information about accessibility and venue amenities is available on the PAC website. Parking is free. To learn more about all UGA Performing Arts Center events, visit pac.uga.edu.
