The Connecticut Early Music Society presents their annual Fall Benefit Concert as their inaugural virtual presentation at 5 p.m. Friday.

The event kicks off with "Cocktails and Conversation"; join in as Early Music's artistic director Ian Watson, cellist Guy Fishman and violinist Susanna Ogata discuss a wide variety of topics ranging from the "true colors" of Beethoven to a musician's life during a pandemic. Watson recommends the discourse is best enjoyed with a Beethoven Spritz cocktail — the recipe of which will be delivered to all guests prior to the event.

Immediately following, patrons will enjoy early access to the premiere of a concert featuring Haydn's Piano Trio no. 39 in G Major and Beethoven's Piano Trio in E-flat Major, opus 1 no. 1 performed by Watson (on fortepiano), Fishman and Ogata.

All proceeds benefit the Connecticut Early Music Society's Annual June Festival, which was cancelled last summer due to virus concerns and which is tentatively planned for 2021. Cost for the event is $65 and available at www.ctearlymusic.org.