On Sunday, July 9, at 4 pm, Francestown Old Meeting House will again host Francestown native and cellist Jacob MacKay for the second free event of the 2023 Sunday at 4 series. MacKay will combine classical and more-contemporary compositions.

MacKay graduated summa cum laude from Brandeis University in 2016 with degrees in environmental studies and cello performance. He received a master’s degree in 2019 from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, having studied with Norman Fischer. He is the resident cellist and education director at the Newport String Project, and serves on the faculty of Salve Regina University, St. George’s School and the Rhode Island Philharmonic Music.

MacKay is involved with  teaching and performance projects that bring classical music to new audiences, highlight cultural challenges in society, and spotlight underrepresented communities. In 2018, he collaborated with the Silk Road Ensemble, presenting KayhanKalhor’s “Silent City” at the inaugural event for the Boniuk Center for Religious Tolerance in Houston.

He performed the Brahms “String Sextet in B-flat major” at the Kennedy Center as partof the Millennium Stage’s 2019 Conservatory Project. He has also worked closely with the Apple Hill String Quartet and performed the 2018 East Coast premiere of Mike Kelley’s “Five Animal Stories for String Octet.” He has also played at the Kennedy Center in Washington and with Yo-Yo Ma.

Attendees can bring a picnic, chairs or blankets to the free concert of classical music on the lawn at the Francestown Old Meeting House. In case of rain, the concert will move inside the Old Meeting House.