I said it last year, and I’ll say it again: there must be something in the country air that makes Orange Chamber Music Festival so special. Whether it’s the anticipation that builds during the trip there, the sweeping surrounds, or the clear passion for community and chamber music that Festival Director Carmen Nieves has, there’s not much else like it.

The Festival Gala is the heart of the four-day festival. Bringing stellar programming and indomitable performers to the regions, it’s an event that looks exciting on paper. In the flesh, it’s better still.

First up was Australian composer Moya Handerson’s On and Off the Ground, the fourth movement from her piano trio Yapu Vudlandha. The work was originally commissioned by Musica Viva Australia in 1990, but this version was commissioned by OFCM especially for this ensemble. A light, folky tune performed by violinist Zoe Freisberg, violist Dana Lee and pianist Yerim Lee, it was a short and gentle opener to the program.

Brahms’ Trio in A minor brought a measure of seriousness and passion to the program, a thoughtful anchor for works to come. Emerging cellist Noah Oshiro joined for the trio....