Fresh off their Italian debut, the Martha’s Vineyard Minnesingers are back and excited to perform for their “favorite audience” director Janis Wightman said.

There was standing room only onstage at the Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center Thursday evening, when about 100 string students from the Island’s town schools joined forces for America the Beautiful, the finale of their spring orchestra concert.

MV Sound Series is getting ready to raise the curtain on its 2017 season.

Audiences at the weekend performances by the Island Community Chorus were treated to selections from two Verdi operas, a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta and eight musicals.

On Saturday, April 8, Andres Vera will host a free concert featuring himself, local strings instructors and Vineyard students.