The Valencia Baryton Project, a string trio based in Valencia, Spain, will perform in Grass Valley on Sunday, Nov. 15, as part of InConcert Sierra's concert series. The ensemble features the baryton, a rare 18th-century string instrument. Photo courtesy of Valencia Baryton Project

GRASS VALLEY, CA (MPG) - An 18th-century string instrument rarely heard in modern concert halls will take center stage Sunday, Nov. 15, when InConcert Sierra presents the Valencia Baryton Project in Grass Valley.

The concert begins at 2 p.m. at the Grass Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church, 12889 Osborne Hill Road. A pre-concert talk will begin at 1:15 p.m.

The Valencia Baryton Project, based in Valencia, Spain, introduces audiences to the baryton, a Baroque string instrument that combines bowed strings with a second set of metal strings that musicians can pluck while playing.

Ensemble founder Matthew Baker is among a small number of musicians worldwide who perform on the instrument. He established the group to preserve and perform music written for the baryton and introduce the instrument to new audiences.

The baryton resembles a viola da gamba, an early relative of the cello. Unlike traditional string instruments, however, it features metal strings behind the fingerboard that resonate as the musician plays. Performers can also pluck those strings with their thumb while bowing the main strings, allowing them to produce two distinct sounds simultaneously.

The instrument gained popularity during the 18th century, particularly at the Austrian court of Prince Nikolaus Esterházy, who played the baryton.

The Valencia Baryton Project has performed more than 100 concerts throughout North, Central and South America and Europe. Photo courtesy of Valencia Baryton Project

Composer Franz Joseph Haydn, who worked at Esterházy's court, wrote 123 trios for baryton, viola and cello. Those compositions remain an important part of the instrument's musical history.

Despite its popularity among European aristocrats, the baryton eventually fell out of favor. Its complex construction, demanding tuning requirements and challenging playing technique contributed to its decline.

The Valencia Baryton Project has performed more than 100 concerts throughout North, Central and South America and Europe.

The Grass Valley program will feature music spanning more than 300 years, including three baryton trios by Haydn and a trio by Luigi Tomasini.

The ensemble will also perform contemporary compositions by David Gorton, José Zárate and Baker.

Among the selections is Gorton's "How sighs resound," a work commissioned by the Valencia Baryton Project that incorporates music by 17th-century composer John Jenkins.

InConcert Sierra has presented classical music performances and educational programs throughout the Sierra Nevada region since 1946. The organization is also developing Crown Point Venues, a project that will include a concert hall, conference center and black box theater.

Tickets for the Nov. 15 performance cost $50 for general admission and $5 for youth ages 18 and younger.

Tickets are available by calling 530-273-3990, visiting https://www.simpletix.com/e/valencia-baryton-project-tickets-267401 or purchasing them at the venue on concert day.