In "Portraits of Beethoven," the esteemed Solera Quartet chamber music ensemble presents a concert Wednesday at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook. While Beethoven's repertoire has certainly inspired, oh, a million or so classical music events over the years, the Quartet conceptualized this particular program with a purpose.

Without question a musical genius, Beethoven over time went completely deaf. The Solera presentation will utilize repertoire and storytelling to relay the artist's astonishing life and music — and how he overcame despair to find peace.

Appropriately, the concert is a collaborative effort between Vista Life Innovations, a community-based organization dedicated to supporting the personal success of individuals with disabilities, and Project: Music Heals Us a non-profit organization, in which the Solera Quartet actively participates, that uses live music to help marginalized communities such as the elderly, disabled, rehabilitating, incarcerated, and homeless populations. 

Solera Quartet, 7 p.m. Wednesday, The Kate, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook; $15; (860) 510-0453.