Sevenars Concerts originated in 1968 when pianist Robert Schrade and his wife, composer/songwriter/pianist Rolande, began performing during the summer in a small Methodist church in South Worthington. The parents took to including their five young pianist children, Robelyn, Rhonda Lee, Rolisa, Randolph, and Rorianne (hence the name “Sevenars”), and in 1976 the concerts moved across the little street to the roomier — and acoustically excellent — Worthington Academy. Since then Sevenars has presented more than 300 guest artists and been selected as one of the six best small music festivals in the United States by Time magazine.
Despite the severe blows of losing daughter Robelyn Schrade-James in 2014, and founders Robert and Rolande Schrade in 2015, the festival continues under the stewardship of pianists David James, Randolph Schrade, Rorianne Schrade and Lynelle James, and cellist Christopher James.
Sunday’s opening concert will feature a celebration of the three departed Rs, with a program of works by Mozart, Beethoven, Borodin, Poulenc, Milhaud, and a piece by Robert Schrade himself, arranged by Rorianne.
4 p.m. at The Academy, South Ireland Street and Route 112, South Worthington. $20 suggested donation includes refreshments. 238-5854, sevenars.org