— by Brigid Ehrmantraut —
The 17th season of the annual Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival is fast approaching and it looks like a wonderful series of programs are headed our way. This summer, I have the honor of being the Festival’s first-ever Intern and here are five of my personal reasons for being excited about the upcoming concerts:
- Tango!: By turns fiery, seductive, and heart-rendingly passionate, this Argentinian dance music is also just plain fun. “Nuevo Tango!” opening night of the 2014 Chamber Music Festival features the world-famous Pablo Ziegler Classical Tango Quartet.
- Favorite Musicians/New Faces: If you’ve been a Festival patron in the past, you’re probably delighted to know that long-time Festival favorites including violinist Chee-Yun and baritone Philip Cutlip are returning. If you’ve only ever listened to your friends and neighbors raving about these talented individuals, you’ll have a chance to hear what all the fuss is about. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, there’s no time like the present to learn!
- Support Local Volunteer Work: This year alone, over 360 of your family, friends, and fellow community members have and will spend countless (unremunerated) quantities of time and energy making the Festival happen. By attending any or all of this summer’s performances, you’re showing that all their dedication and hard work is worthwhile.
- Music You Can’t Hear Anywhere Else: “Yeah, sure,” you may be thinking, “what isn’t on iTunes or Spotify?” Well, think again…. This summer’s programming incorporates several never recorded works specially arranged and/or composed for Festival musicians.
- Johannes Brahms: In my own humble opinion, Brahms is responsible for the majority of the most amazing chamber music ever written. My rationale could take several pages to convey, so just save yourself some trouble and come to closing night’s “Brahms in Vienna” concert.
The Festival runs August 8 – 23. More information can be found online at: oicmf.org.
