Massapequa resident Kathleen Dougherty, a hornist with Celebrations Brass, had a bright idea a little over seven years ago. Why not introduce her college-age daughter Kristine to the brass ensemble as a guest artist? Together they played a piece, Kathleen on French horn and Kristine on flute, and the audience went wild. At the end of the concert, someone suggested the mother daughter duo form a musical group of their own, and Momentum was born.

The Doughertys specialize in the performance of music written, arranged and/or transcribed for flute, French horn and piano by composers such as Quantz, Beethoven, Devienne, Telemann, Pachelbel and Graun. Formed in 1997, Momentum has gained a large following and is carving a path for itself in the chamber music world.

Local residents and chamber music fans should plan to attend a special free concert by Momentum to be held Jan. 16 at 2 p.m. at the Plainedge Public Library. With Kathleen playing the horn, Kristine on flute, and Henry DeVries on piano, the concert will feature the music of Bach, Mozart, Telemann, Franz Strauss, Quantz, Devienne and more.

"Although I have done many memorable performances, particularly on the baroque horn in the early music field, I think that nothing could be more rewarding than making music in a concert with your own daughter," Kathleen said.

"It's like being on stage with your best friend," Kristine agreed.

Kathleen has been a free-lance hornist in the New York Metropolitan area for more than 25 years. In addition to her work with Momentum and Celebrations Brass, she has performed on natural horn with some of the country's leading early music ensembles, including Clarino Consort, Concert Royal, Artek, Portland Baroque Orchestra, New York Grand Bande, 18th Century Ensemble and live NPR broadcasts. She plays an ambronze "Classical" model Lawson horn.

Kristine is an accomplished flutist who has performed solo recitals in New York, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. She has also played on NPR Radio, performed at Lincoln Center and toured Europe. She plays a 14 karat rose gold Brannen Cooper flute with a 14 karat white gold Dave Williams Headjoint.

"Please remember to support the arts by attending live concerts," Kathleen urged. "It's your attendance at these concerts that helps demonstrate the need for funding to continue. It is important to realize that many chamber music concerts, especially those that are free to the public, have probably been funded by arts grants."

For more information about Momentum, visit their web site: www.momentumchambermusic.com.

For more information about the upcoming concert, call the Plainedge Public Library at 735-4133.