SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The Fischoff National Chamber Music Association, in conjunction with Visit South Bend Mishawaka, will hold pop-up soirées at several locations around South Bend on Thursday and Friday.

The performances are free and open to the public.

Organizers say each ensemble performance will last for 30 to 40 minutes.

The performances are running in conjunction with the 52nd Annual Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, taking place May 8-11 on the campus of the University of Notre Dame.

Schedule for Fischoff Pop-up Soirées:

• Thursday, May 8 at 5:30 p.m., Howard Park Public House ft. Odigo, a saxophone quartet from Michigan State University
• Friday, May 9 at 7 p.m., Tippecanoe Place ft. Alira String Quartet, from the New England Conservatory
• Friday, May 9 at 8 p.m., The Hideaway ft. Halite Quartet, a saxophone quartet from Michigan State University
• Friday, May 9 at 8 p.m., Ironhand Wine Bar ft. Emery Quartet, a string quartet from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music

Organizers describe the pop-up performances as a unique opportunity to experience live chamber music featuring exceptional young musicians.

The Fischoff Competition is the largest and longest-running chamber music competition in the nation, organizers say.

The competition is set to conclude at the Leighton Concert Hall at DeBartolo Performing Arts Center with a Gold Medal Concert on Sunday, May 11 at 4 p.m.

A nonprofit organization, the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association, was founded in South Bend, in 1973.