BETHEL – The renowned DaPonte String Quartet will kick off  the month-long free Bethel Bandstand Series  of concerts beginning at 4 p.m., Aug. 2 at the United Methodist Church, 75 Main St.

 The series is presented by the Mahoosuc Arts Council.

“We are excited to be embarking on a new collaboration with the Methodist Church to bring outstanding performances to the general population of the area in a beautiful sanctuary which also has great resonance for concerts,” said Aranka Matolcsy, executive director of the arts council.

The remaining three concerts will be held at the Common.

The mission of the DSQ is to connect audiences to composers and their influences by bringing to life the human context of each score’s creation. They achieve this mission through: performance, research, discussion, insight, varied style, themed programs, education and youth access.

Not long after forming in Philadelphia 21 years ago, the DSQ surprised the musical world by moving from a cosmopolitan urban area to rural Maine. The DSQ had been — and continues to be — sought after to perform and teach all over the U.S. and around the world.

They have appeared in France, Scotland, Canada, and more than 20 American states. Their performances have been broadcast over nationwide radio and television in both the U.S. and Canada. They have received awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Philadelphia Musical Fund Society, the Music Teachers National Association, Chamber Music America, and have participated in several of the nation’s most prestigious concert series to rave reviews. 

For the rest of the concert series, bring  lawn chairs, kids, dogs and snacks to the historic Bethel Common every Sunday at 4 p.m. for a free, rain or shine concert. FMI: www.mahoosucarts.org