BRUNSWICK — Violinist Ray Chen, 21, one of the most compelling young classical violinists today, will perform as soloist Friday, July 16, at the Bowdoin International Music Festival’s Festival Friday concert featuring music by Johannes Brahms.

The festival’s advanced students and several faculty mentors will perform the German composer’s Violin Concerto in D Major, Op.77, conducted by festival co-founder Lewis Kaplan, at Crooker Theater in Brunswick High School.

Chen, 21, a recent Curtis Institute of Music graduate, is one of four Bowdoin Virtuosi for 2010. Virtuosi are selected from the most accomplished young artists worldwide to perform with Bowdoin faculty and participate in individualized study programs to further their careers. Chen was the 2009 winner of the Queen Elisabeth Competition in Brussels and the 2008-09 Young Concert Artists International Auditions, which earned him the loan of the 1721 “Macmillan” Stradivarius. He is in demand throughout the world as soloist for major orchestras and festivals.

The Ying Quartet will open the concert, and close out its summer residency at the Bowdoin festival, with a performance of Ludwig Van Beethoven’s “Rasoumovsky” String Quartet No. 9 in C Major, Op. 59.

The concert will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35. Call 725-3895.

Visit www.bowdoinfestival.org for details on other festival concerts, including the Artists of Tomorrow concert, July 15 and 16; Festival Fridays concert, July 16; Bowdoin Festival Extra concert, July 18; Monday Sonatas concert, July 19; Artists of Tomorrow concert, July 20; and Wednesday Upbeat! concert, July 21.