Since 1983, the Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra (PSO) “Valley Vivaldi” has been a wonderful staple for summer classical music in the Lehigh Valley.

The Baroque chamber music series of concerts in June, July and August is of small ensembles of PSO musicians.

In its 40th year, the summer 2023 “Valley Vivaldi” begins at 7 p.m. June 25, Christ Lutheran Church, 1245 Hamilton St., Allentown, featuring the music of composers Francesco Geminiani, Alessandro Marcello, Georg Philipp Telemann and, of course, Antonio Vivaldi.

The PSO, founded in 1982, celebrated its 40th anniversary season, which concluded in May.

Dr. Allan Birney, Founder and Director of “Valley Vivaldi,” says, “While I do select the program, ‘Valley Vivaldi’ musicians have the opportunity to recommend chamber music pieces and perhaps be the featured soloist.”

The June 25 program includes:

Geminiani’s “Violin Sonata in C Minor, Op. 4 No. 9” with PSO Concertmaster Simon Maurer as featured soloist;

Marcello’s “Oboe Concerto in D Minor, S. D935” with oboe soloist Nobuo Kitagawa; and

Telemann’s “Recorder Concerto in C Major TWV 51:C1” with recorder soloist Rainer Beckmann.

“This year, we will perform all four of Vivaldi’s ‘Seasons,’ featuring one season per concert,” says Birney.

“During the June 25th concert, violin soloist Linda Kistler will perform Vivaldi’s ‘Concerto No. 1 in E Major, Op. 8, RV 269, Spring,’ followed by Inna Eyzerovich’s performance of the “Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 8, RV 315, Summer’ during our July 23rd concert.

“The chamber ensemble’s final summer concert is August 20th and will feature Concertmaster Simon Maurer’s performance in Vivaldi’s ‘Concerto No. 3 in F Major RV 293, Autumn.’

“You might ask ‘what about Vivaldi’s fourth season?,” Birney continues. “Well, as would be appropriate, we will perform Vivaldi’s ‘Concerto No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 8, RV 297, Winter’ during our ‘Winter Vivaldi’ concert in February 2024.”

Concerning chamber music, Birney says, “Music of the Baroque era, 17th and 18th centuries, has different qualities than music which came before and after.

“It requires different interpretation, for example, ‘ornamentation’ ... things like trills and grupettos (i.e, turns). One needs to understand how they were performed during that time period.

“Another difference is the sound. Today, we use modern instruments, which have a totally different sound than the old Baroque instruments.

“Back then, some instruments were made of wood whereas today they may be made of metal alloy or other materials. As such, the musician seeks to adjust and interpret accordingly.

“As an aside, depending upon the piece, Simon Maurer has on occasion performed on his personal Baroque violin, which has a very distinct sound.”

Concertmaster Maurer concurs: “It is not easy to mix the Baroque sound with modern instruments. But when I play with Rainer Beckmann [recorder], I oftentimes use my Baroque instrument. It is a great match with the sound of the recorder.”

“Valley Vivaldi” features the talents of many of the principal players of the Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra with the occasional addition of special guests.

The series offers outstanding players the opportunity to perform a wide range of music, from works by little-known composers, whose pieces are not readily available in the United States, to the more familiar repertoire, including audience favorites such as Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” and Pachelbel’s “Canon in D.”

Tickets: Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra, 1524 Linden St., Allentown; 610-434-7811; https://www.pasinfonia.org/

“Classical View” is a column about classical music concerts, conductors and performers. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com