The Miami String Quartet kicks off the Kent/Blossom Music Festival tonight at 7:30 p.m. in Ludwig Recital Hall.

The 42nd annual event, which runs through Aug. 9, showcases chamber music concerts from students and faculty of the Hugh A. Glauser School of music along with award-winning guest performers.

This year’s theme celebrates composer Felix Mendelssohn’s 200th birthday and Kent State’s centennial.

The Miami String Quartet will play works from Mendelssohn and Haydn to accentuate the theme. The quartet will also play a new song written specially for them.

Pianist Spencer Myer will accompany the quartet tonight and Cleveland Orchestra member Scott Haigh will play bass at their July 8 performance.

Other acts in the 13-concert-series include the Emerson String Quartet and Kent/Blossom Faculty Chamber Music, a Cleveland Orchestra Piano Trio.

This series is produced by Kent/Blossom Music in cooperation with the Musical Arts Association to bring students from across the world to study with The Cleveland Orchestra for six weeks.

All performances are free, however donations are accepted.

For more information and a listing of events visit http://dept.kent.edu/blossom or call 330-672-2613.

– Melissa Dilley