Nora Willauer and Marlene McCarthy will perform "Strings Attached" during Bay Chamber Concerts' Midday Music Series, Friday, January 23, at 1 p.m., at Hammer Hall.

In this inventive program, cellist Nora Willauer and pianist Marlene McCarthy explore the sparks of creativity born from close artistic relationships in the 20th century.

"From the youthful brilliance of Benjamin Britten’s First Cello Suite to the many colors of Maurice Ravel’s Miroirs, and Sonata for Cello and Piano by Dutch composer Henriëtte Bosmans, the duo invites listeners into the space where music and human connection intertwine," said Bay Chamber, in a news release.

Each piece in their Midday Music program carries “a spicy history,” according to Willauer, in the release. Through storytelling between pieces, Willauer and McCarthy lay out how masterpieces emerged from artistic friendships, love, and mutual inspiration.

"A rich hour of music and discovery awaits," said Bay Chamber.

"Strings Attached weaves storytelling throughout this program and invites audiences to experience each work through the lens of the friendships and romances that sparked its creation," says Willauer. "Great works of art and human connection are often deeply intertwined, and Strings Attached gives audiences a chance to learn the fascinating history that lead to this beautifully emotional music."

Originally from Hope, artist and educator, Willauer has a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the Cleveland Institute of Music. From Farmingdale, Maine, and a faculty member Marlene McCarthy has a Doctorate of Musical Arts from Stony Brook University and is a former adjunct instructor at NYU’s Steinhardt School.

Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/stringsattchd Age 35+: $32 | 22-34: $20 | 21 & Under: Pay What You Wish. *Coffee & cookies served before the concert of Bay Chamber Music School.

Bay Chamber Concerts & Music School is a nationally acclaimed chamber music organization and a cultural hub in Midcoast Maine. Bay Chamber presents more than 50 concerts each year by top musicians from the US and abroad, including traditional chamber music ensembles, soloists, and small groups from diverse traditions. Its Andrew Wolf Chamber Music Award is recognized nationally as a top prize for piano. The music school is a center of excellence staffed by experienced, dedicated instructors with advanced music degrees. Most continue to perform professionally. More than 370 students participate in lessons and ensemble classes at Bay Chamber.