240 Strings will play a concert on March 27 at Mechanics Hall in Portland. Members of the trio are, from left: Anastasia Antonacos (piano), Wayne Smith (cello), and Tracey Jasas-Hardel (violin). Courtesy photo

240 Strings presents their second concert of the season: The Portland Piano Trio will perform “Folk Songs,” a free, live community concert at Mechanics’ Hall on March 27 at 4 p.m. The program includes trios by Franz Joseph Haydn, Felix Mendelssohn, and Reena Esmail, a prolific young composer whose music is heavily influenced by the pacing and sonorities of Indian classical music.

The Portland Piano Trio, recognized as “among the city’s must-hear groups” by critic Allan Kozinn, has played public performances and house concerts throughout Maine and New England, including in Portland, Portsmouth, Camden, Freeport, and Peaks Island. Musicians Tracey Jasas-Hardel (violin), Wayne Smith (cello), and Anastasia Antonacos (piano) are committed to bringing “energy, understanding, technique, insight, great beauty, humor, impressive ensemble, and shared musical values” to the music they play. Their varied programs feature traditional repertoire alongside newer works. The trio was chosen for week-long residencies in 2017 and 2018 at the prestigious Avaloch Farm Institute in New Hampshire.

The Portland Piano Trio is the resident ensemble of 240 Strings, which cultivates young minds and hearts by providing free classical music education, while building community along the way. To learn more, visit www.240strings.org or call 207-221-2613.

Check the 240 Strings Facebook page or www.240strings.org for more information. Proof of vaccination required.