Ladies' Chamber Orchestra and Benevolence Society forms

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A new chamber orchestra has formed in Port Townsend made up of nine professional and seasoned musicians and named the Ladies' Chamber Orchestra and Benevolence Society.

The ensemble's artistic director, Dahti Blanchard, says the women share a love of music making and a desire to help out in the community. They plan to perform concerts to raise funds for various local organizations. According to Blanchard, the name was first suggested in jest but the group quickly realized it was a fitting description and seemed natural for a Victorian city chamber orchestra.

Members play an array of instruments, including harpsichord, harp, piano, cello, viola, violin, recorder and krumhorn.

The first concert takes place at 4 p.m., Sunday, May 1 at the First Baptist Church, 1202 Lawrence St., Port Townsend.

Admission is by donation, though no one is turned away. The performance benefits Dove House Advocacy Services.

Much of the music performed is to be from the Baroque period, but the concert also includes Renaissance, Celtic and Romantic pieces. An early classical piece for two harpsichords and two violins by composer Maria Cosway is also on the program. Three guest musicians join the orchestra: Amelia Grant on violin; Gino Lucchetti, tenor; and Lee Inman, on viola da gamba.