Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival returns to Lopez Aug. 11
Published 1:30 am Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Submitted by the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival.
Summer has arrived, and the islands are buzzing! Leading the charge is one of the season’s most anticipated events: the annual Lopez Concert of the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival, kicking off on Aug. 11 at 3 p.m. at Lopez Center for Community and the Arts in Lopez Village. Get ready to be captivated!
The 28th Season of the Festival offers a brilliant array of musical artists and composers to Lopez Island music lovers, thanks to the curatorial expertise of Founder and Artistic Director Aloysia Friedmann. Her words reveal the magic that unfolds during OICMF’s Concert on Lopez: “All of us onstage feel your love of the music and take inspiration from it. For us, there is no greater excitement than turning our years of discipline and hours of practice into a precious few minutes of divine concentration.”
Those who have attended past Lopez concerts of the Festival know you are in for an amazing treat. President of the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival Board and Classical KING-FM host Lisa Bergman described the musical fireworks in store for attendees:
“The warm connection between Lopez and the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival deserves a standing ovation even before it starts! The magic of live performance with musicians head-over-heels-happy to share their inspiration and delight with Lopez music lovers is just the beginning. From Schubert to Hollywood and Yankee Doodle, there’s something for every age and musical taste in a fun and welcoming surrounding. Friends, it just doesn’t get better than this.”
Musicians bringing the magic this August include cellists Ani Aznavoorian and Valentin Radutiu, violinists Chee-Yun and Zachary DePue, pianist Chelsea de Souza and OICMF’s Quartet in Residence and Lopez favorite the Miró Quartet. The stage will also feature Friedmann on violin and viola and Jon Kimura Parker on piano. This year’s dynamic program spans from the romantic Spanish composer Joaquin Turina to 20th-century composer Jessie Montgomery, with lush works by Franz Schubert, Felix Mendelssohn and more in between.
After the concert, join the musicians for a wine and refreshment reception. Lopez Concert Coordinator Suzanne Trebnick encourages everyone to attend, calling it “a concert not to miss.” This concert is made possible by numerous artist sponsors, the concert sponsor Driftwood Fund and dozens of dedicated volunteers.
Secure your seat by purchasing tickets online at oicmf.org. Tickets may be possible to acquire at the door, but there are no guarantees! Adult tickets are $40, and youth (18 and under) are $10. Thanks to Sunset Builders Supply, a limited number of free youth tickets are available for music students. To request these, contact Trebnick at lopezsuzanne@oicmf.org. Parents of these students can also request free tickets through the Friends of Joyce fund by calling the OICMF office at 360-376-6636.
For those unable to attend in person, Orcas Island concerts are available for screening after the live performances. Register online and provide a donation at oicmf.org to access these screenings.
Lopez Concert day is getting even more exciting this year with a free children’s concert: “Symba and the Lobster,” on Aug. 11 at noon at the Lopez Concert Pavilion. Bring a picnic blanket and lunch, and get ready to hear the musical story of tiny Symba, a microscopic ocean critter who lives on the whiskers of a lobster and eats his leftovers! This musical ocean tale is perfect for preschool through fifth graders, with interactive elements to engage young audiences, but older children and parents will enjoy learning about the real Symbion Pandora as well! The adaptation, written by violinist Nanki Chugh, will include spoken narration and costume design by Sophie Parker and live music performed by Chugh and oboist Anne Pinkerton. No tickets are required, and water and light refreshments will be provided.
