By Shandana Mufti, News Correspondent

The Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) will hold the first of five free concerts for Northeastern students and the community at the Fenway Center Friday. The concerts are a part of the BSO’s 2011-12 Community Chamber Music Series.
The motivation for holding the performances at Fenway Center came from a BSO discussion about changing the location of the Community Chamber Music series to accommodate larger audiences.
Northeastern Concert Coordinator Arthur Rishi said BSO administrators approached him and said more people wanted to come than could fit in their small function room for concerts. BSO Artistic Administrator Anthony Fogg said they found the answer close by.
“We realized we have a lovely little concert hall right down the street,” Fogg said, referring to the Fenway Center.
The series is part of ongoing BSO efforts to involve both students and members of the local community who might otherwise not be able to afford going to see the BSO.
Fogg said they want to remove any and all barriers, including ability to pay, which keep people from attending. Rishi stressed that the goal of the performances is community outreach, not profit.
“Neither us nor the Symphony was interested in making [even] a small amount of money,” Rishi said. “Instead, we wanted to do an outreach program and get people involved in the arts. We’re hoping that this brings more people to the arts at Northeastern. We see ourselves as serving the whole campus and not just music majors.”
Fogg said the intimacy of the Fenway Center provides a different musical experience than at Symphony Hall.
“The capacity of the two settings is very different, which means different relationships between the audience and performers,” Fogg said. “Fenway Center is ideal for chamber music, which is intended for small settings. You’ll be able to feel the intimacy.”
Friday’s performance will feature Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 3 in D, Op. 18, No. 3, published in 1801, and Schumann’s String Quartet No. 1 in A minor, Op. 41, No. 1, published in 1842. Fogg said he hopes the community will discover the pleasures of classical music through this and the following events.
“What the series presents is a magnificent opportunity to see world-class musicians performing amazing music,” said assistant professor of music Hilary Poriss.
Fogg said he hopes students will be open-minded.
“It’s a good way to start thinking about other musical genres,” he said. “There’s something very powerful about chamber music. It’s unique. There’s nothing like a live performance.”
The string quartet will feature Elita Kang and Jason Horowitz playing violin, Rebecca Gitter playing viola, and Owen Young playing cello. Rishi emphasized that these concerts by BSO musicians are not to be missed because of the caliber of the performers.
“This is the equivalent of major league baseball or NFL football or Hollywood movies for classical musicians. This is the best,” Rishi said. “Even if you don’t think you like this style of music, these players are some of the best in the world, and more importantly, they’re very passionate about what they do. When you sit down and you concentrate and you shut off your phone and you just listen, I think even if you never go again, you’ll remember the energy of that experience.”
The two-hour performance is scheduled to take place at 1:30 p.m at the Fenway Center. Tickets may be reserved at www.tickets.neu.edu, and any remaining tickets will be available at the door.
“Students should come along and try it for a first time,” Fogg said. “I guarantee they’ll be hooked.”