In an unusually intimate setting, the audience was seated on the main stage with the Scharoun Ensemble Berlin Sunday night at the Valley Performing Arts Center for what turned out to be a mesmerizing performance.

The Scharoun Ensemble was founded by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and is one of Germany’s renowned chamber music organizations. They are praised for their mastery of romantic chamber music, performing pieces from the Baroque period with contemporary flair.

The classical octet kept the audience captivated with the clarinet, bassoon, horn, two violins, viola, cello and double bass. In a performance inspired by Johannes Brahms and Beethoven, the Scharoun Ensemble played every instrument with eloquence and passion.

In its first set, the Scharoun Ensemble played compositions by Brahms which included “Allegro,” “Adagio,” “Andantino” and “Con Moto.” The soft tones of the clarinet charmed the audience with its earthy and warm sound. The string instruments, in particular the cello, had listeners swaying their heads each time a chord was struck.

The second half of the set was a Beethoven medley. The series was a striking performance with noted from the viola, horn and bassoon. The classical octet played with more zest allowing not only the string instruments to shine, but for every single instrument to leave its individual mark on the stage.

The Scharoun Ensemble Berlin gave a contemporary nod to classical chamber music, which left the audience, who gave a standing ovation suited for an outstanding performance, in awe.