By Oregon Coast TODAY
Presenting a sonic rainbow of adventurous musical offerings in classical and contemporary chamber and symphonic music, Latin jazz and Native American motifs, the Siletz Bay Musical Festival returns for its 11th season on Aug. 25, kicking off an ambitious 10-day series featuring more than 50 virtuoso musicians performing 11 concerts at five locations in Lincoln City and Newport.
Tickets are on sale now at the Siletz Bay Musical Festival’s website.
Under the leadership of artistic director Yaacov “Yaki” Bergman, the prestigious festival has become known for the unconventional diversity of its programing. And this year’s series promises to be the most adventurous series in its long history.
Returning world-class virtuoso artists will be joined by some new exciting faces and, in addition to iconic much-beloved selections from the classical canon, performances will place an emphasis on diversity and innovation with a world-premiere piece, a Latin jazz night, a multi-media music-and-art performance, the symphonic poem “How Can You Own the Sky,” based on Native American storytelling and chamber music by three women composers. As per the festival’s tradition, two free concerts are included in the schedule.
“The Siletz Bay Music Festival is the embodiment of different musical traditions that are equally profound,” Bergman said. “By blending genres together in one festival, we create the opportunity for amazing creativity. It’s quite incredible that we can bring such a multi-genre approach into fruition.”
This year’s festival will be staged at five venues, including the Lincoln City Cultural Center, the Congregational Church of Lincoln City and Newport’s Pacific Maritime Heritage Center. And, for the first time, orchestral performances will take place at Chinook Winds Casino Resort and a free concert will be held at Lincoln City’s Regatta Park.
Bergman has once again set the stage for potent music making by enlisting a stellar lineup of musicians. Returning to this year’s festival will be such world-class artists as pianists Mei-Ting Sun and Michele Chow; violinists Asi Matathias, Tosca Opdam, Anthea Kreston and James Stern; cellists Katherine Schultz and Jason Duckles; and violaist Miriam English Ward, who have all performed on recordings and in prestigious concert venues around the world. New faces include the 18-year old multi-instrumental wunderkind Michele Bushkova, who will be featured on violin and piano; acclaimed flutist Amelia Lukas; native American storyteller, drummer and dancer Brent Florendo; and Grammy-winning pianist-composer-arranger Daniel Freiberg, whose background in the field of Latin jazz will add a new dimension to this year’s contemporary musical offerings.
Festival schedule
Friday, Aug. 25
- Lincoln City Cultural Center: Gala opening night reception and recital featuring pianist Mei-Ting Sun.
Saturday, Aug. 26
- Lincoln City Cultural Center: “Saturday Soiree,” an eclectic mix of chamber music.
Sunday, Aug. 27
- Lincoln City Cultural Center: “Musical Tapas,” small bites of spirited music and gourmet food.
Monday, Aug. 28
- Lincoln City Cultural Center: “Sights and Sounds,” a multi-sensory music and art performance.
Tuesday, Aug. 29
- Congregational Church of Lincoln City: “A Musical Feast” free chamber music concert.
Wednesday, Aug. 30
- Pacific Maritime Heritage Center: “Siletz Comes to Yaquina” chamber music concert.
Thursday, Aug. 31
- Lincoln City Cultural Center: “Welcome to the Club” Latin jazz performance with vocalist Jessie Marquez.
- Friday, Sept. 1
- Chinook Winds Casino Resort: “Benefit Dinner and Dance” featuring dance music by the Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra.
Saturday, Sept. 2:
- Regatta Park Bandshell: Free family concert.
Saturday, Sept. 2
- Chinook Winds Casino Resort: “A Night at the Symphony” with full orchestra.
Sunday, Sept. 3
- Chinook Winds Casino Resort: “Sounds of the Americas” with full orchestra, storytelling and the symphonic poem, “How Can You Own the Sky” and Daniel Freiberg’s symphonic suite, “Northern Journey.”
