A rare afternoon of classical music will take center stage April 19 at St. James Episcopal Church, where a unique chamber concert will feature seldom-heard works performed by an ensemble of accomplished musicians.

The performance begins at 4 p.m. as part of the St. James Concert Series a news release said. The program will highlight harp and horn alongside a small orchestra composed of a string quintet and organ, offering what organizers describe as an uncommon musical experience for the Gulf Coast.

The concert will include selections that are rarely performed live, bringing together artists from across the region, including members of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra in New Orleans.

Professional harpist Rebekah Atkinson said in the release that the event stands out for both its scale and its rarity in the region, noting that audiences along the Gulf Coast seldom have the opportunity to hear this kind of repertoire performed live.

Atkinson will perform alongside her brother, violinist Matthew Atkinson, and organist Benjamin Rollings, as well as French horn player Josiah Bullach and additional guest musicians.

“My brother Matthew Atkinson (violinist), Benjamin Rollings (organist) and I will be joined by a number of outstanding musicians from the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra in New Orleans to perform gorgeous musical masterpieces that few people have ever heard performed live. Our main featured pieces will be the Mozart Horn Quintet (with Josiah Bullach, French Horn) and the Glière Harp Concerto,” Atkinson said in the release.

She described the Mozart Horn Quintet as a defining example of the Classical Era, while the Glière Harp Concerto reflects the emotional depth and sweeping style of Russian Romanticism.

“It is my favorite piece ever written for the harp--so lyrical and expressive, while at the same time, pushing the limits of all that the harp is capable of--and I'm thrilled to have this opportunity to share it!” she said.

Additional selections on the program include Saint-Saëns’ “Allegro Appassionato, Op. 43,” a virtuosic cello work, and Edward Elgar’s “Sospiri,” an introspective piece for strings, organ and harp. The title “Sospiri” translates to “sigh” in Italian.

The concert is free and open to the public, though donations will be accepted.

St. James Episcopal Church is located at 860 N. Section St. in Fairhope. For more information, call (251) 928-2912.