In a program reflecting the rich musical heritage of the past, the Scharoun Ensemble of Berlin will perform the Thomasville Entertainment Foundation’s penultimate concert of its 81st season.

The ensemble, formed in 1983 by members of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, will visit Thomasville for the first time on Tuesday, March 12. With its wide repertoire, ranging from composers of the Baroque period by way of classical and romantic chamber music to contemporary works, the octet has been inspiring audiences in Europe and overseas for more than a quarter of a century.

The evening’s program will include Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet in A Major, K. 581, and Schubert’s Octet in F Major, D. 803, said TEF Artistic Director Rick Ivey.

“These pieces were written to be performed in venues like ours, with its more intimate space and excellent acoustics,” Ivey said. “The Berlin Philharmonic is among the best of the best of European orchestras, and having the opportunity to hear these works played by this ensemble of chamber players continues TEF’s long tradition of bringing internationally acclaimed artists to Thomasville.”

Innovative programming, a refined tonal culture and spirited interpretations are hallmarks of the ensemble, which performs in a variety of instrumental combinations. The permanent core of the Scharoun Ensemble is a classical octet, made up of members of the Berlin Philharmonic. When called for, the ensemble brings in additional instrumentalists as well as noted conductors. 

Lending his name to the ensemble is the architect of its musical home, Hans Scharoun (1893-1972), who founded the Berlin Philharmonic. Scharoun inspired a synthesis between innovation and awareness of tradition and opened up new approaches to artistic communication — ideals to which the Scharoun Ensemble is also committed.

Artists performing in Thomasville will be Rachel Schmidt and Christophe Horak, violin; Micha Afkham, viola; Kristian Katzenberger, horn; Claudio Bohorquez, cello; Peter Riegelbauer, double bass; Alexander Bader, clarinet; and Markus Weidmann, bassoon.

“We are excited to share this special program with our TEF audience,” said Charlotte Brown, TEF president. “We look forward to an exceptional evening of music by this talented classical octet.”

The concert will take place at the Thomasville Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. on March 12. For tickets or more information, visit TEFconcerts.com or call the box office at (229) 226-7404.