“Transforming!”
Before the curtains open for the 18th Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival August 6 – 22, 2015, go behind the scenes for what many call a “transforming experience.” Music Lovers Seminars are presented for each program by five Lecturers who are highly respected musicians and classical music experts. OICMF Board Member and Seminar sponsor Glenn Prestwich summarizes his seminar experience: “Before attending phenomenal concerts featuring the world’s top artists, you have learned about the personal lives and sociopolitical challenges of each composer, you’ve understood the arc and key “what-makes-it-great” elements of each musical composition, and you’ve attended a live rehearsal of one of the works. Then, at the concert, you can really appreciate each work and the performers’ artistry and collaboration to the fullest!”
Opening weekend we’re delighted to welcome Robert Baldwin as Lecturer for the “Russian Tableaux” program being performed August 6 on Lopez Island, and August 7 and 8 on Orcas. Dr. Baldwin is an accomplished violist, the Music Director of the Salt Lake Symphony, and Director of Orchestras and Professor of Conducting at the University of Utah. He performs and conducts concerts across the United State and Europe. His pre-concert talks and community music classes are popular mainstays of the Utah Arts scene, and you can view his award-winning blog on music and creativity at before the downbeat. Dr. Baldwin, a specialist in Russian music, will present these lectures on both Lopez and Orcas Islands!
Lopez: Thursday, August 6, Port Stanley School, 9 am – noon.
For tickets, visit Lopez Bookshop, Paper Scissors on the Rock or email .
Orcas: Friday, August 7, St. Francis Catholic Church 9 am – 12:30 pm.
For tickets, visit our web site.
On Tuesday, August 11th, Steve Reeder, who we’re also welcoming as a new Festival Lecturer this year, will provide insights into the “Façade” concert. Steve is an announcer at Northwest Public Radio, and served as on-air host and Program Director for Classical KING-FM in Seattle.
Friday, August 14th, Stephen Rumph, associate professor of music history at the University of Washington and internationally recognized scholar, explores “The Romantic Cello” concert. Patrons will remember Stephen Rumph’s fascinating lecture last year for “Miró|Beethoven|An Epic Journey” Concerts.
On Tuesday, August 18th the Miró Quartet’s amazing violist, John Largess, will educate and entertain patrons with his seminar exploring “Orcas~trations:Into the Woods.” John is also performing in this concert for Arnold Schönberg’s Verklärte Nacht (Transfigured Night).
Friday, August 21st, popular Lecturer Lisa Bergman will return to provide insights for the magnificent closing concert, “Hallelujah Junction.” A passionate promote of classical music and concert pianist, Lisa is founder and Artistic Director of the Mostly Nordic Chamber Music Series and is a national Gracie award-winning radio announcer on KING-FM.
Music Lovers Seminars take place at St. Francis Church from 9 am – 12:30 pm, with the exception of the August 14 Seminar, which will be held at the Eastsound Fire Hall. All Seminars on Orcas include a coveted visit to a rehearsal. Tickets are $30, students 18 and under free. To purchase, visit our web site! A limited number of seats may be sold at the door, depending on available space. Call the OICMF Office for more information 360-376-6636. www.oicmf.org