The cultural events that go on in this area of the Northwest are truly amazing. For a geographically large area with a very small population it is quite an accomplishment. One that has been going on in an area between Port Townsend and Sequim is the Olympic Music Festival.
This is held on a sunny and tranquil 55 acre farm in a beautiful area, dense with forest and snuggled under the Olympic Mountains. The concerts are held in a barn and can also be heard from the grassy knoll. Tickets range from $18 to $30. People are invited to bring a picnic lunch and snacks for the outdoor area or you can purchase a box lunch for $13.00. Atmoshpere and dress is casual on stage and off and music is classical from the most beloved classical composers.
This all began when in 1966 members of the Philadelphia String Quartet moved to Seattle to become the University of Washington Quartet in Residence. During their 30 year tenure they made numerous tours and recorded the chamber music repertoire.
In 1984 Alan Iglitzin, a group member, founded the Olympic Music Festival. Since it's opening season, the Festival has grown from three weekends to twelve. Today more than 10,000 people attend "Concerts in the Barn". A must for Port Townsend folks, some people come from California and Canada.
This summer's schedule is starting June 27 with Chopin, Schubert and Brahms. The last perforamance weekend is September 5th and 6th. These performances can be heard on KING FM and are featured throughout the year on NPR's "Performance Today"
http://www.porttownsendrealestatesearch.net/
What a great summer tradition. It takes a lot of work behind the scenes to make these kinds of things happen year in and year out including spreading the word like you are. I only wished I lived closer
Thank you very much for sharing your post with us today. I look forward to more posts from you.
Come on over for a visit. You are right. One thing we are very good at on the Olympic Peninsula is volunteering, as the ticket price would never cover all the people needed to put on these performances. We are truly blessed with a community devoted to the arts. Thanks for reading.
Sounds like a lot of fun. We have this type of thing down here in the southeast, but it's usually limited to country music. I'd love one with more variety.
Great fun - We have a "Music on the Green" here in Sherwood. They hold it at Stella Olsen Park in the summer. Great localism post!
Amber Gardner
The Gardner Team - Sherwood Oregon