A Classical Soirée at Tydeman Farm on September 9th

Gili Melamed-Lev, the talented pianist and co-founder of Jazz and Classics for Change, once said, “Every time we put a program together, it’s a new adventure.” She’s always factoring in the audience, the place, the artists, and more. Each show’s journey is unique.

Speaking of which, have you marked your calendars for September 9th? There’s a can’t-miss event happening then: “A Classical Afternoon at Tydeman Farm.” Imagine listening to enchanting classical music in a rustic 19th-century barn in Germantown at 4PM. It’s like time-traveling with melodies. Need tickets? Just head over to www.JazzandClassicsforChange.org.

Gili’s been dreaming of presenting the Double Cello Quintet by Schubert for ages. She might not be playing in it, but she believes it’s among the most captivating pieces out there. “This Schubert piece? It’s pure magic,” she says with a twinkle in her eye.

What’s the secret sauce to a perfect program? It’s all about connection, according to Gili. “Our goal at JCFC is simple: we want to heal and bond through music. We want every person to walk out of the concert feeling different, more in tune with beauty and harmony.”

But it’s not just about the classics. Gili loves mixing it up with modern compositions too. “With the Schubert piece being a bit lengthy, I’ve sprinkled in a movement from Brahms Piano Quartet in G minor and a gem from the contemporary composer, Arvo Part’s Speigel im Speigel. But no matter the composer or era, the core aim remains: to inspire. Whether it’s an adult leaving the concert wanting more or a kid dreaming of playing the violin, that’s the magic of music.”

Joining the musical soirée are artists like Joana Genova and Jamecyn Morey on violins; Ariel Rudiakov with his viola; cellists Roberta Cooper and Julian Muller; and, of course, Gili on the piano.