It’s ticket time! Wednesday, May 15 is opening day for ticket sales for the 2013 Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival, which takes place August 9 – 24.

Tickets for Chamber Music Festival go on sale May 15 with an Early Bird Celebration beginning at 9 am at Orcas Center.

Tickets for Chamber Music Festival go on sale May 15 with an Early Bird Celebration beginning at 9 am at Orcas Center.

Join fellow islanders and music lovers for conversation, coffee, goodies and the opportunity to select some great seats. If you can’t come in person, phone lines open at 11 am for ticketing. Call 360-376-2281. Online sales will open at noon www.oicmf.org.

After May 15th, box office hours are Wednesday through Friday from noon to 4 pm.

The 16th Annual Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival will bring world renowned musicians who are returning to perform, as well as exciting new artists.

Opening weekend features the extraordinary reunion of three superb artists: renowned pianist Jeffrey Kahane, international violin soloist Joseph Swensen and New York Philharmonic Principal Cellist Carter Brey.

The great Mendelssohn Octet is back, with Cleveland Orchestra concertmaster William Preucil leading a stage full of superstars. Los Angeles Philharmonic concertmaster Martin Chalifour returns to Orcas in a performance of César Francks’ passionate Piano Quintet in F minor.

Closing weekend features Czech composer Antonin Dvořák, including one of the most glorious musical masterworks in chamber music, the Piano Quintet in A Major. Many more spectacular show pieces are part of this popular two-week Festival, so order your tickets as soon as possible.

The 2013 Season Brochure was mailed island-wide and to our off-island patrons this week. If you didn’t receive yours, or need further information, call the OICMF office 360-376-6636. And visit the website www.oicmf.org.