Melinda Bargreen, music critic for Seattle Times,
writes for American Record Guide, Nov-Dec 2006

The white ferry glides to Orcas Island through an assortment of smaller tree-covered islands that look like someone scattered a fistful of giant emeralds onto northern Puget Sound. On such late-August days, the water is as calm as glass, though there’s plenty of bustle at the departing ferry terminal in Anacortes, about a 90-minute drive north of Seattle.

Orcas Island, one of four ferry-served islands in Washington State’s San Juan Islands, has been home for the past nine years to the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival. A cozy boutique event run by founding Artistic Director Aloysia Friedmann, it’s an outgrowth of some very serendipitous circumstances. Friedmann, a violist, met her husband, pianist Jon Kimura Parker, while performing at Toby Saks’s Seattle Chamber Music Society’s Summer Festival (now in it 25 th year). The couple wanted to create a junior version of the Seattle festival up on Orcas Island, where Friedmann’s parents (violinist Martin Friedmann and oboist Laila Storch) had a vacation house. They knew the arts-friendly environment of the island, which nurtures many writers, musicians, and artists. And they knew the spectacular scenery, which led to the fledgling festival’s subtitle, “Chamber Music with a View”.

Best, there were some excellent venues: the small but acoustically lively Orcas Center, whose 213 seats are perennially full, and the sanctuary of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, which is perched on the rocks overlooking vistas of islands, water, and mountains.

With advice from Saks, Friedmann and a cadre of Orcas friends set forth to create a festival where the ambience is almost as great an attraction as the music. Having Parker, a Leeds Competition winner and international soloist, as the house pianist is a draw in itself; his faculty colleagues at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, including the likes of cellist Lynn Harrell, have proved a rich trove of talent from which to draw an artist lineup. More artists have come from Friedmann’s wide circle of friends at the Juilliard School and summer music camps, including trumpeter Stephen Burns and violinist Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio.

From day one, innovation has been one of the festival’s hallmarks. Over the years, Friedmann has introduced the bandoneon, alphorn, cajon, organ, and sitar as well as more traditional chamber instruments and repertoire. Distinguished film director and photographer Otto Lang gave two seasons of inspired lecture –screenings before his death last January at 98. Composer and pianist Jake Heggie appeared with mezzo-soprano Zhen Cao in his own song cycles. Two San Francisco Ballet principal dancers, Muriel Maffre and Benjamin Pierce, have created two Stravinsky dance-music-video evenings (one of them this season) that would do credit to any festival on the planet. And the artist roster has included such icons as John Mack and Claude Frank alongside William Preucil, Jeffrey Kahane, and (in a nice quid pro quo) cellist and mentor Toby Saks. During the last two weeks of August this year, happy concertgoers pile in for the pre-concert lectures and lined up at the box office, where a wait list of substantial proportions usually formed. This is a festival that’s very good to it audiences; community donors underwrite a terrific little reception after each concert with big tables of catered hors d’oeuvres, fruits, cheese, and wines. (Donors, many of them individuals, also underwrite each performer, pre-concert lecture, and concert.) Rehearsals are open to the public; a youth-involvement program works with local school music programs through the school year and brings kids to the concerts. Children are admitted free to a Family Concert, which Parker hosted this year with horn player William VerMeulen, who performed on the garden hose and funnel, alongside excerpts from main stage programming.

The four main stage concerts, each presented twice, included a nod to Mozart in every program, with repertoire ranging from the standard to the startling. In the latter category was Michael Daugherty’s 1993 Dead Elvis, where “The King” ( Benjamin Kamins, very much alive) emerged from the wings clad in a white metal-studded jumpsuit and bearing a bassoon. Daugherty’s chamber piece is a tour-de-force for any bassoonist brave enough to handle its considerable technical challenges as well as hip-swiveling ones, and Kamins made it a personal triumph, losing no opportunity to kiss women in the audience and in the onstage chamber ensemble.

On the same program was an utterly fascinating version of Stravinsky’s L’Histoire du Soldat, created and choreographed by Muriel Maffre, whose concept included a nearly life-size puppet soldier cunningly manipulated by her and fellow dancer Benjamin Pierce. The seven-piece chamber ensemble (with Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio leading from the violinist’s chair) played with unanimous vigor and wit, and three narrators, Adam Stern, Owen Kotler, and John Clancy – gave voice to the major characters. The extraordinary pliancy of the dancing and the effective use of the puppet (underscoring the Soldier’s puppet-like manipulations by the Devil) were enhanced by Maffre’s video images on a small screen. It was both visually and musically mesmerizing, as fresh as new paint and as exciting as a newly minted classic.

When you realize that both Dead Elvis and L’Historie du Soldat shared the same program with Poulenc’s Sonata for Horn, Trumpet and Trombone, Mozart’s Flute Sonata No. 6, and Loeffler’s Two Rhapsodies for Oboe, Viola and Piano, not to mention a little hors d’oeuvre in the form of Adam Stern’s new chamber transcription of Ginaster’s final dance from Estancia, you begin to understand the extraordinary creativity of this festival. Of course, there were more conventional programs. The final one, “Mozart Meets Tchaikovsky”, offered a sparking Mozart E-flat Piano Quartet with two married couples performing: Parker and Friedmann, and Lynn Harrell and his violinist wife Helen Nightengale. The second half was a supercharged Piano Trio by Tchaikovsky with Parker, Friedmann, and Harrell (Harrell, by the way, won a Grammy Award for his recording of this work).

An even smaller-scale program put Parker and Harrell together for some dream repertoire: Schubert’s Arpeggione Sonata, Brahms’s Cello Sonata No. 2, and Beethoven’s Seven Variations on The Magic Flute. Here were two top-flight players at their best in a duo recital of true partners, with cellist powerful enough to let pianist play at full strength in music that showed the deep commitment of both artists.

Afterward, as the blissful audience wafted into the reception room for treats and some of the festival’s reserve-label wine (bottled by Mount Baker vineyards), one audience member happily murmured, “We’re so spoiled.” Three words said it all.

(This article is from http://www.oicmf.org/ !)

Check out this sweet video of The Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival (kid version)!

Orcas Island has so many great activities for families!

Eastsound, WA | Orcas Island

Summer is in full swing on Orcas Island. The weather is warm and the opportunities for fun and adventure are endless!

Here are a few things up and coming that you and your family might be interested in during your stay on Orcas:

12th ANNUAL WOODSONG ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL
A grassroots outdoor summer music & arts festival. The festival address is 358 Emma’s Lane, Eastsound. Three and a half miles from the ferry landing off of Orcas Road. There is no charge. Donations only. Visit the Woodsong website for a complete rundown on the Festival.

Thursday, July 22 from 5 pm – 10 pm
Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy the music. Jan Krist / The Rare Exceptions / Patrice O’Neill & Hilary Field / Carolyn Cruso / Jason Harrod

Friday, July 23 – see times below
9:30 am – 11 am: All ages/abilities drawing workshop led by Chicago artist, Tim Lowly
11 am – 1 pm: Open Mic
1 pm – 10 pm: Music: Kate Phillips / Dana Little / Sanoma / Tim Lowly / Peter LaGrand / Jan Krist / Uncle Bonsai / Engine and the End / Jon Anderson / Victoria Williams
Craft Tent open all day long

Saturday, July 24 – see times below
9:30am – 11am The Fine Arts Struggle: a get together of artists over coffee
11am-1pm Open Mic
1pm-10pm Music: Where the Wild Things Aren’t / Mandy Troxel / Lower Lights Burning / Austin Jenckes / Tara Ward / Opiate Mass / Nancy Colton / Robert Deeble / Joel Willoughby / Citizen Hands / Bill Mallonee
Craft Tent open all day long

INFORMATION: You can call Burke or Barbara Thomas at 376-3424 or 376-2926

‘MADE IN AMERICA’ ART SHOW AT CROW VALLEY – RECEPTION FRIDAY
(Friday, July 23 – Labor Day) Opening Reception: Friday from 4 pm – 7 pm ‘In Town’
“Made in America”… a celebration of American arts “In Town” and at “The Cabin” too…A collection of American antiques from travels back east. Early Pennsylvania pieces like dressers and farm tables; Pie-safes and cupboards; chairs and some fabulous clocks! Jars, crocks and early ceramics. ‘Made in America’ has also on tap the work of some of our favorite artists and craftsmen: painters and printmakers, weavers and quilters, basketmakers and glassblowers. And offerings in ‘Found Object Art’ epitomize the concept of American Folk Art! And we’ll also be featuring the work of some of Washington’s BEST PleinAir painters by working once again with Plein Air Washington Artists! This show promises to present the very best of American art, both past and present!

INFORMATION: Call 360-376-4260

‘TOY STORY 3′ & ‘GET HIM TO THE GREEK’ ON SCREEN AT SEAVIEW THEATER
(Friday – Monday @ 6 pm & 8:15 pm)
Toy Story 3 (6 pm): The toys are mistakenly delivered to a day-care center instead of the attic right before Andy leaves for college, and it’s up to Woody to convince the other toys that they weren’t abandoned and to return home. Starring the Voices: Tom Hanks & Tim Allen. Rated G.
Get Him to the Greek (8:15 pm): A record company intern is hired to accompany out-of-control British rock star Aldous Snow to a concert at L.A.’s Greek Theater. Starring: Jonah Hill. Rated: R

INFORMATION: Call SeaView @ 376-5724

EMMANUEL PARISH MARKET DAY
(Saturday, July 24 from 11 am – 3 pm)
A great selection of kitchen and household supplies, plus toys, games, books and jewelry, will be on sale at 10 a.m. on the lawn. Also featured will be the bake sale and tea and cookies in the Parish Hall. Grilled hot dogs and soda also available. Come early for best selection.

INFORMATION: Contact: Judy Schliebus @ 376-7373.

UNDER THE ORCAS SUN – AN ORCAS CENTER BENEFIT
(Saturday, July 24 begins @ 5:30 pm)
There are still tickets available to Under the Orcas Sun, Orcas Center’s summer gala fundraiser this Saturday. Enjoy a delicious Italian country meal prepared by Christina Orchid, surprise entertainment moments, a fast-paced Auction with valuable dining and travel experiences, and a concert with the delightful a cappella quartet, The Coats. All net proceeds benefit Orcas Center’s programming. Casual festive attire suggested. Tickets $150 at Orcas Center Box office. For more information and to view the Auction catalog, visit http://www.orcascenter.org/

INFORMATION & TICKETS: Call 376-2281 ext. 3 or online www.orcascenter.org

THE COATS @ ORCAS CENTER
(Sunday, July 25, 7:30 pm)
Imagine a polished a Capella quartet singing Route 66, Bridge Over Troubled Water, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, and even DEVO’s Whip It! These guys have moved from busking in Seattle’s Pike Place Market to opening for The Beach Boys! They’re a lot of fun! $25, $17 (Orcas Center members), $11 (students).

INFORMATION: Call 376-2281 or visit www.OrcasCenter.org

‘MUSIC IN THE PARK’ – A NIGHT OF JAZZ – FREE CONCERT
(Sunday, July 25; starts at 5:30 pm) Village on the Green Bandshell
Come enjoy an amazing group of jazz musicians, including trumpet legend Willie Thomas, Charlie Porter, Steve Alboucq, Gene Nery, Bruce Russell and Chris Ghazel. They are joined by Lizanne Hennessy and Roland Stolk. Enjoy The Fiddlin’ Four, the youngest jazz group on Orcas, with Matthew Lazlo-White, Paris Wilson, Cierra Lutz & Christian Bailey.Bring your chairs and blankets and enjoy the music. A great way to end a beautiful weekend.

BEST-SELLING AUTHOR READING AT DARVILL’S BOOKSTORE
(Tuesday, July 27 @ 7 pm)
National best-selling author Jim Lynch will be at Darvill’s Bookstore to read from his latest novel, Border Songs. Lynch’s visit to Darvill’s is one stop on a sailing book tour through the San Juans on his 1970 Bristol 32. Border Songs was picked as among the best books of 2009 by by many major publications, including The Washington Post and The Toronto Star. His first novel, The Highest Tide, won the 2006 Pacific Northwest Bookseller Award, has been translated into 10 languages, and was adapted to the stage by Seattle’s Book-it Theater.

INFORMATION: Darvill’s can be reached at 360-376-2135

BROWN BAG CONCERT FEATURING OLGA SYMPHONY
(Wednesday, July 28 @ Noon)
The Olga Symphony began over 25 years ago when a group of friends gathered at the Olga Store on Orcas Island to play tunes. As most of them played fiddles (aka violins), and they played at the Olga Store, and since the violin is the most numerous instrument in an orchestra, someone dubbed the group The Olga Symphony. These half-hour concerts are held every Wednesday during July and August from 12 to 12:30 pm at Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Concerts are free but donations are accepted.

INFORMATION: Contact Karen Blinn @ 376-2352.

ORCAS REC PROGRAMS FOR KIDS!
Funky Art Fun! When: July 24th (1pm-3pm) Free craft activities for kids! Where: Farmers Market at the Village Green
Mosaics Fun: When: July 28 & 29 (10am-noon) Where: Senior Center Multi-Purpose Room Please pre-register!
British Soccer Camp: When: August 2-6 (M-F) Where: Buck Park. See website details and to register. www.challengersports.com

INFORMATION: Go to www.orcasrec.org or call 376-5339

FRIDAY NIGHT BOREDOM? NIGHT GOLF IS THE ANSWER!
(Stop by any Friday night)
“Bored Friday night? Come give NIGHT GOLF a try! Every Friday in July and August, come see the course lit up in LED glow-in-the-dark lights! Come hit a glowing golf ball and see a whole new way to play the game. Don’t golf? We’ve got plenty of other fun glow-in-the-dark stuff to play with! Starts as soon as it gets dark! (07.15)

INFORMATION: Call the clubhouse at 376-4400

YOGA AT DOE BAY!
(Daily)
Did you know that Doe Bay offers daily yoga classes during the summer? Call the front desk at 376-2291 for the schedule, or check out our events calendar online at http://doebay.com/calendar.html This is a great option for our Eastside neighbors who want a great class minus the drive to town! (07.22)

INFORMATION: Call 376-8059 or see www.doebay.com

JUNIOR SAILING PROGRAMS OFFERED
Two new Junior Sailing evening classes offered!
July 26 -29, 5 pm – 8 pm. For Beginners and Intermediates – no experience necessary. Ages: 8 – 15 Cost: $80 Limited to 12 students

August 2 – 5, 5 pm – 8 pm. For Advanced sailors with experience. Includes spinnaker work and possibly Keel boats. Ages: 8 – 15 Cost: $80 Limited to 9 students

If you are interested in having your child enroll in either of these classes please call Orcas Rec at 376-5339 for details and to register. Because these are new classes you can NOT register online, please call Orcas Rec. For all other sailing classes register at www.sailorcas.org

AMA TARA HEALING & MEDITATION CENTER
(Register Now for these CE classes)
Registration is open for two 4 CC massage classes. Stay on island and meet your continuing ed requirements!
Ship Shape Shoulders-new methods for total glenohumoral health, Saturday July 24th, 9 am – 1 pm.

Lithe and Limber Lumbar, Sunday July 25th 9 am – 1 pm. Cost is $99.00 per class. Questions? Contact Shuna at morningminis@gmail.com or 360.789.3906, www.morningminis.com for more info.
Classes will take place at Ama Tara Healing and Meditation Center, 376.5900

Silent meditation Fridays 8:30-9:30 at Ama Tara Healing and Meditation Center. after a guided relaxation/get present meditation we sit in silence, doing our own meditations. everyone is welcome! by donation. (07.15)

ORCAS ISLAND AIRPORT FLY IN
(Friday, July 30 – Sunday, August 1)
Fun for the whole family! Camping available. T-shirts & sweatshirts. Food shack. Come enjoy the best of General Aviation! Warbirds, Experimentals, Old Fashioned airplanes, local pilots & aircraft – seaplanes, flying demonstrations.

INFORMATION: Dwight Guss @ 317-5970

‘GETTING ALONG FAMOUSLY’ AT THE GRANGE
(Friday, July 30 – Premiere – see other dates below)
The Actors Theater of Orcas Island announces five performances of “Getting Along Famously” by Michael Jacobs. This play is a fun, light hearted look at what happens when Harry Leeby, the worlds most successful paperback novel writer wants to write a “good” novel. Harry Leeby has written eighteen Axel Troy mysteries which have spawned movies, TV, fame and fortune. But Axel is invincible, much too clever for him enemies so the only one left to kill him is Harry. This is the story of what happens when he does. Cast includes: Bryan Grantham, Terri Vinson, Suzanne Gropper, and David Schermerhorn. This play is directed by Doug Bechtel. Five performances: Friday & Saturday (July 30 & 31), and Friday – Sunday (August 6 – 9). All performances will be at 7:30 pm at the Grange. This script-in-hand production is suitable for all ages. Tickets are $10 and are available at Darvill’s Book Store or on-line at www.orcasactors.com or at the door.

INFORMATION: Contact Doug Bechtel at 317-5601

ECOMUSICOLOGY CONCERT @ DOE BAY
(Friday, July 30 @ 7 pm) Free Admission!
Acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, composer, and singer Carolyn Cruso takes the stage at 7 pm, followed by the danceable fun of The Hypoxic Punks, featureing Orca’s own Randy Jezierski on drums. As always, seating is limited in the Cafe so please call ahead to book your table – 360-376-8059. See you at the show!

‘THE ANNUAL POTTER’S FEST’ AT CROW VALLEY POTTERY
(Show runs July 16 thru August 1)
The Potter’s Festival includes well over 40 potters!!… many new to Crow Valley! The pottery presented this year will offer more of a mix-with lots more sculptural and incredibly creative and original work, adding to the popular functional wares folks have come to expect each year. We have been reaching out to potters all over the country- and Canada too!-and can say for sure that the Potter’s Fest momentum has created a show that potter’s want to show their work in, making for an important, extensive and truly fun ‘Crow Valley’ show! And hard-to-get work from talented sculptural potters like Kathy Raven, Lisa Muller and Larry Nelson bring totally new work to the Island! (07.15)

INFORMATION: Give a call to Crow Valley @ 376-4260

MORAN MANSION MUSEUM TOURS
(Open Daily 9 am – 9 pm)
The Moran Mansion Museum is now open daily from 9 am – 9 pm, and is free to tour.

INFORMATION: Call Rosario @ 376-2152 ext. 300

JOURNEY STORIES UNDERWAY AT HISTORY MUSEUM
(Exhibition & Events until September)
Please come by and check this exhibit out, you will want to book time to come back again with friends. Our own local Orcas islanders’ Journey Stories, an addition to the Smithsonian traveling exhibit, will capture your attention! We are delighted to host the Journey Stories exhibit through August 29, 2010. Orcas Historical Museum is open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

INFORMATION: Contact the museum at 376-4849

(To read more about what’s happening on Orcas Island, visit Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce – Schedule).

The answer is: celebrities.

For example, check out Orcas Island’s famous skatepark, donated by world class pro skier, Warren Miller…