Beginning June 4, Music on the Hill will present its eighth annual Chamber Music Festival. Six concerts will offer audiences intimate combinations of small ensembles and solo works, featuring performing artists returning to Rhode Island. In addition, Music on the Hill will continue its annual educational outreach performance for the Warwick schools. Concerts will take place in North Providence, Cranston and two venues in Warwick, all beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at www.musiconthehillri.com through PayPal, Brown Paper Ticket or mail order. Ticket prices are $20 before June 1 (plus processing fees) or $25 at the door (cash or check). Students with I.D. are admitted free of charge.

Music on the Hill’s innovative programs combine highlights of the chamber music repertoire with exciting gems from living composers. Bach, Mozart, Schubert, Ravel, Vivaldi and Strauss are heard alongside Peaslee, Ewazen, Plog, Maric, Wallen and Torke.

The 2015 festival features Rhode Island College trumpet professor and Rhode Island Philharmonic principal trumpeter Joseph Foley along with seven Rhode Island-raised musicians: violinists Ji-Yeon Lee and Kristen Pellegrino,cellist Elisa Kohanski, bassist John M Pellegrino, oboist Anne Marie Gabriele, guitarist Nicholas Goluses and percussionist Peter Ferry. Other familiar faces returning to the festival to perform this year are the Miller-Porfiris Duo, violist Suzanne LeFevre and cellist Trevor Handy. Each plays in multiple concerts in a variety of ensembles.

“From my Juilliard days and professionally since then, I’ve met so many gifted musicians from the Ocean State,” says Artistic Director John M. Pellegrino. “Most have lamented the fact that they haven’t performed in Rhode Island since high school, and would love the opportunity to return to concertize as professionals. Our festival gives them that chance, and creates extraordinary music for Music on the Hill’s growing audience. I’m excited to announce that of the thirteen musicians participating in the 2015 festival, violinist Ji-Yeon Lee and pianist Bonnie Anderson are making their Music on the Hill debut this year. We hope you’ll join us for some fantastic music making in June!”

My wife and I have attended many of these concerts over the years,” said entertainment writer Don Fowler. “We have always been amazed at the quality of these terrific Rhode Island born and raised musicians. We wouldn’t miss this festival for anything.”