LEWISTON – A string quartet performance of Haydn’s Seven Last Words will be held at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 8, at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

Proceeds from the suggested donation of $10 will go to the ongoing earthquake relief effort in Pakistan, and to the basilica’s organ restoration fund.

Members of the string quartet include Greg Boardman and Cori Chism, violins, Linda Vallaincourt, viola, and Daniel Rand, cello.

Boardman is known locally for his violin and viola playing with the Maine Chamber Ensemble, the Bates College Orchestra, the Androscoggin Valley Community Orchestra, and with several Public Theater and Community Little Theater productions. He teaches strings for the Lewiston School Department and Bates College.

After receiving a degree in music performance from the University of West Virginia, Chism has taught and played professionally along the east coast. She is currently concertmaster with the Androscoggin Valley Community Orchestra, and has been heard in several Community Little Theater shows.

Linda Vaillancourt received her music education degree from the University of Southern Maine, and is currently working on a master’s degree through the University of Maine. She is an active performer, playing the viola with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra and Maine Chamber Ensemble, as well as other local groups. In addition to playing, she teaches instrumental music part-time at North Yarmouth Academy, the St. Peter/Sacred Heart School, and Lewiston High School.

Daniel Rand is a senior at Lewiston High School, and plays the cello in the LHS Strings Ensemble. He is the Principal Cellist for the Portland Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Androscoggin Valley Community Orchestra. Rand, who has also played with the Maine Chamber Ensemble and in many Community Little Theater productions, also has performed in Maine’s All-State Music Honors Festivals and in Maine’s District II Instrumental Music Honors Festivals.

Haydn’s Seven Last Words of Our Savior on the Cross was originally composed in 1785 for a Good Friday performance/service in the cathedral of Cadiz, Spain. After an introduction, seven movements follow, each based on one of the last utterances of Christ on the cross. These pieces reflect musically upon the emotion and significance of the words, and serve as both music and contemplation. The work concludes with Il Terremoto (The Earthquake), played in a powerful way at a furious pace.

For more information call 777-5320.