Sunset ChamberFest, now in its sixth year, is the next performer of the Second Saturday Series, which takes place on Saturday, June 15 at 5 p.m. at Glendale City Church. The theme for the concert is “Shades of Love” and includes String Quartet No. 2 “Intimate Letters” by Leos Janacek; “Echoes of the Heart,” a world premiere by Todd Mason; “Cinema Paradiso Suite” by Ennio Morricone (arranged by Patrick O’Malley); “Princess Leia’s Theme” by John Williams (arranged by Patrick O’Malley); “In a Heartbeat,” a world premiere live-to-picture by Arturo Cardelus, film by Beth David and Esteban Bravo. 

A free-will offering will be accepted at the door. A reception will follow the concert providing an opportunity to meet the artists.

Michael Kaufman, founder and co-director of the Sunset ChamberFest said, “We try to make every summer unique, but this summer will be truly special. For the first time, we will be performing live-to-picture ‘In a Heartbeat,’ with music by Arturo Cardelús.” 

This short film has been view over 40 million times and is about “a closeted boy [who] runs the risk of being outed by his own heart after it pops out of his chest to chase down the boy of his dreams.”

Each year, on the weekend prior to the concert, high school and early college student composers meet with professional Los Angeles composers to present their compositions and receive mentoring on further developing those pieces. The pieces are played by professional musicians to give them the best possible presentation.

Michael Kaufman was born in New York City and moved to Cleveland at the age of 3. One year later, he began cello lessons with teacher Pamela Kelly, and continued with her for 10 years. By the age of 17, he was already participating in music festivals in Sarasota and Norfolk. In 2004, he was the only cellist to be accepted to the Young Artist Program of the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studied with Alison Wells. He then received a Bachelor of Music degree with distinction and a Performer’s Certificate from the Eastman School of Music. 

Kaufman earned his master’s degree and doctorate from the University of Southern California, studying with Ralph Kirshbaum. He has collaborated in concert with artists such as Midori, Joseph Silverstein, Tony Nys and Carol Rodland. He has participated in music festivals such as Open Chamber Music at Prussia Cove, Music@Menlo, Verbier, Kneisel Hall, Norfolk and Sarasota.

Glendale City Church is located at 610 E California Ave in Glendale.