Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival Announces March Performances Featuring Orpheus Chamber Orchestra with Marc-André Hamelin and the Viano Quartet with Zuill Bailey

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. (February 2026) — The Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival (AICMF), now in its 25th season, continues its 2025–2026 concert series with two marquee March performances bringing internationally celebrated artists to Fernandina Beach alongside free educational programs designed to connect audiences and students more deeply with the music.

On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the world-renowned Orpheus Chamber Orchestra appears with 11-time GRAMMY-nominated pianist Marc-André Hamelin at First Baptist Church. The program features orchestrations of beloved works by Beethoven, Liszt, and Schubert, as well as Hamelin’s own Passacaglia for piano and strings.

AICMF continues on Friday, March 13, 2026, with the award-winning Viano Quartet joined by Festival favorite, GRAMMY Award–winning cellist Zuill Bailey, at Amelia Plantation Chapel. The evening includes Mendelssohn and Schubert, culminating in Schubert’s expansive String Quintet in C Major, D. 956.

Free public education events (March 12)

In keeping with AICMF’s mission to present world-class artists and expand music education opportunities, the Festival will also offer two free community programs on Thursday, March 12:

• String Quartet Masterclass with the Viano Quartet March 12, 2026 | 2:30–4:30 PM
  • University of North Florida Fine Arts Center (Recital Hall), Jacksonville
  • Free and open to the public (no RSVP required).

• Meet the Musician: Zuill Bailey March 12, 2026 | 5:00–6:30 PM
  • Story & Song Center for Arts & Culture, Fernandina Beach
  • A free on-stage conversation and audience Q&A with photo opportunities and a cash bar.

Community spotlight: sold-out Emmylou Harris benefit (March 28)

Later in the month, AICMF will present a special sold-out evening with Emmylou Harris and Friends on March 28, 2026, at the Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa, benefiting Nassau Humane Society. This concert highlights the Festival’s community partnerships.

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March event details (calendar listings)

• Orpheus Chamber Orchestra | Marc-André Hamelin, piano Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | 7:00 PM
  • First Baptist Church, 1600 8th St., Fernandina Beach Tickets: $55–$85
  • https://aicmf.org/event/orpheus/

• String Quartet Masterclass with Viano Quartet (FREE) Thursday, March 12, 2026 | 2:30–4:30 PM
  • UNF Fine Arts Center (Recital Hall), 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville
  • https://aicmf.org/event/free-strings-masterclass-with-the-viano-quartet/

• Meet the Musician: Zuill Bailey (FREE) Thursday, March 12, 2026 | 5:00–6:30 PM
  • Story & Song Center for Arts & Culture, 1430 Park Ave., Fernandina Beach
  • https://aicmf.org/event/meet-the-musician-zuill-bailey/

• Viano Quartet | Zuill Bailey, cello Friday, March 13, 2026 | 7:00 PM
  • Amelia Plantation Chapel, 36 Bowman Rd., Fernandina Beach Tickets: $50
  • https://aicmf.org/event/viano_bailey/

• SOLD-OUT: Emmylou Harris and Friends (benefiting Nassau Humane Society) Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 5:00 PM
  • Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa (Amelia Ballroom) SOLD OUT

About the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival

The Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2001, presenting world-class artists in chamber music concerts while offering music education programs and supporting local tourism and community life across Nassau County and Northeast Florida.