Few composers in the twentieth century have had the kind of natural talent for writing for the human voice as Samuel Barber and Benjamin Britten. Barber’s affinity for the voice, derived from his own vocal studies as a concert baritone at the Curtis Institute, and Britten’s, stemming from a lifelong partnership with the accomplished tenor Peter Pears, are evinced by their large catalogues of solo and ensemble vocal works. Their works for chamber ensembles, while not as numerous, are equally vibrant and distinctive. The second concert of OFAM’s 2005 American Symphonia Spring festival will combine the best of both, in a collection of songs performed by soprano Maria Jette and music for small instrumental ensembles. Featured works will include Barber’s Summer Music for woodwind quintet, Britten’s early Suite for violin and piano, performed by Symphonia Concertmaster Charles Rex, Barber’s settings of poems by Rilke entitled Mélodies Passagères, and Britten’s Phantasy for oboe and string trio, featuring Symphonia oboist Tom O’Connor, and other pieces.