The Treehouse Musicians continue their inaugural season with a concert for all ages on Sunday, May 20, at 3 p.m. at the Red House Arts Center (201 South West St., Syracuse). Titled “Journeys: Music of Travel and Trade,” the program features traditional and contemporary fare from around the world, including three new pieces by area composers. The concert is free and open to the public; a $5 donation is recommended. For more information about the Treehouse Musicians, call Alina Plourde at 315-422-4582, or visittreehousemusicians.com.

“The Red House Theatre is the perfect space for our eclectic style of chamber music playing,” says Plourde, oboist of the genre-bending ensemble. “Intimate and inviting, it enables us to fully engage with the audience, and to make them part of the creative process.”

The concert features musical postcards from Burundi (Africa), Puerto Rico, Colombia, and England, as well as from various points along the Silk Road and Erie Canal. “We have loved preparing for this concert,” she adds. “The musical depiction of cross-cultural exchange creates gorgeous and intriguing music that is a treat to play.”

In addition to Plourde, the core members of the quintet are the husband-and-wife team of Anita and Eric Gustafson on violin and viola, respectively; cellist Zachary Sweet; and soprano Laura Enslin. They will be joined by local storyteller Vanessa Johnson and members of the newly formed Imagine Syracuse Young Musicians Project (iSYMP).

The program contains three pieces commissioned by the Treehouse Musicians:

• “Road Trip,” by Syracuse composer Paola Marquez, drawing on South American and African rhythms;
•  “Eastern Passage,” by Brooklyn-based violist/composer Leanne Darling, celebrating the legacy of the Silk Road; and
• “Erie Canal Lament,” by Anita Gustafson and arranged by her husband, Eric.

Also on the program are the following:

• “Shamba,” by Burundian pop star Jean Pierre Nimbona (a.k.a. Kidum), arranged by Eric Gustafson;
• Benjamin Britten’s “Phantasy Quartet” for Oboe and Strings, Op. 2;
• “De Barrio Obrero a la Quince,” by Puerto Rican bongoist Andrew Lázaro
• An audience sing-along to “Wade in the Water,” a popular spiritual; and
• A set of live music, spoken word, and art improvisation, featuring the Treehouse Musicians and members of iSYMP.

Founded in 2011, the Treehouse Musicians is a chamber music group offering performances and educational programs throughout Central New York. Most of their concerts feature global music; encourage audience participation; and incorporate musical, literary, and visual arts guests of all ages and backgrounds. The Syracuse-based ensemble is available for public and private engagements in homes, schools, libraries, and museums.