For 23 years, the theme for the Linton Music Series has been “music making among friends.” Sunday, in the radiant First Unitarian Church in Avondale, the Linton musicians dedicated their opening sold-out concert to one such friend, David Golub, 50, who died Oct. 16 of lung cancer.

        Mr. Golub, a distinguished pianist, conductor and chamber musician, appeared on the Linton Series in six concerts between 1982-93. His Cincinnati ties were extensive. Last March, as a finalist for music director of the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, he conducted and was soloist in a thrilling performance of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3 with the CCO.

        The Linton, composed of Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra musicians “and friends,” also recruited soprano Jennifer Ringo and May Festival music director James Conlon, the latter who spoke movingly about Mr. Golub.

        The eclectic program opened with Bartok's Contrasts with clarinetist Richard Hawley, former CSO concertmaster Phillip Ruder and pianist Michael Chertock.

        Contrasts was composed for Benny Goodman, and Mr. Hawley played its dazzling clarinet part with flair. Although the “Verbunkos” movement was not ideally balanced, the group communicated the work's Hungarian soul, especially in the finale. With Mr. Ruder playing a mistuned fiddle and Mr. Hawley alternating between A and B-flat clarinets, the dance-like “Sebes” drove to an earthy, energetic finish.

        Two songs formed the heart of the program. Ms. Ringo sang Schubert's Auf dem Strom (On the River) with charm, aided by a beautiful horn obbligato (Robin Graham). A quintet of string players (including current CSO concertmaster Timothy Lees) joined her for a poignant setting of “Salve Regina” by Mendelssohn.

        The afternoon concluded with a warm and eloquent performance of Brahms' Quintet No. 2 in G, with violinists Mr. Ruder and Mr. Lees, cellist Eric Kim and violists Gabriel Pegis and Carla-Maria Rodrigues.

        Mr. Conlon, in town to conduct the CSO, remembered Mr. Golub as “like a brother.

        “David appeared as the only pianist in 22 years at the May Festival,” he said. “We have been close for 30 years; we played the complete Beethoven and Mozart concerto cycles together. ... He was a magnificent musician, and I've lost a great friend.”

        Jazz clarinetist Eddie Daniels joins the Linton Series, Nov. 19-20. 381-6868.

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