Northern Michigan Events: From July 24-29 2012, Lake Michigan's Beaver Island will be awash with the sounds of the baroque period, classical melodies filling the air like a Viennese music hall. The Baroque on Beaver classical music festival is a week of the world's best classical music, visiting artists enjoying one of Lake Michigan's most beautiful islands, impromptu concerts held throughout the town and more. Began in July 2002 when a small group of musicians gathered in the log cabin chapel of St. James Episcopal Mission to preform Bach, the festival now includes more than sixty Michigan musicians performing as soloists, in small ensembles, a Chamber Chorale, the Festival Chorus and a full orchestra. The Festival Orchestra is conducted by Robert Nordling; Kevin Simons leads the Festival Chorus. All events except the Opening Gala are free, but contributions are appreciated.
A schedule of the week’s events follows; for more information, go to baroqueonbeaver.org.
Tuesday, July 24
7:30 p.m. – Gala Benefit Concert – Community Center
The Choral Scholars, a professional vocal ensemble, and Fitah Rasendrahasina, young tenor from Madagascar. Champagne dessert reception following the concert
Tickets required for this event only – available at the Community Center, in person or by calling 231.448.2022
Wednesday, July 25
2:00 PM – Family Music Fair – Community Center
Introduction to musical theater with hands- on activities and fun for children of all ages
7:30 PM – Chamber Music a la Carte – CMU Biological Station
Baroque on Beaver returns to CMU with a variety of chamber ensemble pieces presented by members of the orchestra Thursday, July 26
7:30 PM – A Night at the Theatre – Community Center
Stravinsky’s thrilling mixed media piece “The Soldier’s Tale” with solo instruments and narrators, paired with “Pelleas and Melisande,” Faure’s beautiful setting of a tragic love triangle
Friday, July 27
2:00 PM – Beaver Brass Quintet – Holy Cross Church
Back by popular demand!
7:30 PM – An Ensemble of Soloists – Holy Cross Parish Hall
Program includes Vaughan Williams, Beethoven, Vivaldi and Schubert with soloists Fitah Rasendrahasina, tenor, and Elizabeth Bert, cello
Saturday, July 28
2:00 PM – Baroque on Beaver Woodwind Quintet – Livingstone Gallery
“Meet the Artists” at Livingstone while enjoying music by the woodwind quintet
7:30 PM – Americana – Holy Cross Parish Hall
The full Festival Chorus and Orchestra celebrate our American musical heritage, with traditional folk pieces, “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and Copland’s “Appalachian Spring”
Concertmaster Albert Wang featured soloist
Sunday, July 29
2:00 PM –- Baroque on Beaver 2012 Finale – Holy Cross Parish Hall
Mendelssohn’s “Scottish Symphony,” the Irish Tune from County Derry and the traditional “ Gaelic Blessing” presented by the Festival Orchestra and Chorus