Live music by Beethoven, Shostakovich and Mendelssohn and the world premiere of a piece by Seattle-born composer Paul Chihara are among the facets of the two-weekend Music on the Strait festival that kicks off Friday, Aug. 26.

The event, at Maier Hall at Peninsula College, 1502 E. Lauridsen Blvd., is hosted by co-artistic directors James Garlick and Richard O’Neill, natives of Port Angeles and Sequim respectively. They have gathered a variety of guest artists from across the United States for these five concerts, one of which is sold out.

Tickets are still available for the other four performances.

• Friday, Aug. 26 (Opening Night): Flutist Demarre McGill, violinist Elisa Barston and pianist Jeremy Denk play Debussy, Franck and Amy Beach — nearly sold out

• Saturday, Aug. 27: Cellist Efe Baltacigil and Jeremy Denk play Beethoven — sold out

• Sunday, Aug. 28: “Every Good Boy Does Fine,” a recital and author talk with Denk — nearly sold out

• Friday, Sept. 2: Concert featuring virtuoso pianist George Li, cellist Saeunn Thorsteinsdottir and Shostakovich’s Eighth String Quartet

• Saturday, Sept. 3: Grand finale concert with works by Mendelssohn and Elgar, plus a new work for violin and viola by Seattle-born Paul Chihara.

On Sept. 2 and 3, Lisa Bergman of Classical KING-FM will give short pre-concert talks at 6:15 p.m. All performances will start at 7 p.m. except for Denk’s recital at 3 p.m. this Sunday.

For information about tickets — and discounts for donors and for students up to age 25 — see MusicontheStrait.com.