Festival Amadeus returns to Whitefish
Published: July 15, 2009
A dynamic lineup of musicians is planned for the second annual Festival Amadeus, a six-night classical music festival held July 27-Aug. 1 in Whitefish.
John Zoltek, music director of the Glacier Symphony and Chorale, has selected a roster of acclaimed guest artists to perform during the week, along with the Bridger String Quartet of Bozeman, the Glacier String Quartet of Kalispell and the Festival Amadeus Orchestra.
The festival's chamber music concerts and events will be held at the O'Shaughnessy Center on Monday through Thursday nights and the larger Festival Amadeus Orchestra concerts will be held in the Whitefish Performing Arts Center on Friday and Saturday nights.
Internationally recognized artists currently scheduled include pianist Grace Nikae, violinist Tim Fain and cellist Stephen Framil – all former soloists with the Glacier Symphony – and baritone Ricardo Herrara, who recently sang in the GSC's performance of Carmen.
Chamber concerts will also feature Dinah Weimer, clarinet; Jonas VanDyke, horn; Megan McClendon and Jason Bell, violin; Miriam English Ward, viola; and pianist April Lane.
"This line up of guest artists is tremendous," says Zoltek. "Nikae, Fain, Framil and Herrera are all outstanding soloists and chamber musicians who will bring their substantial interpretive talents to our stage."
Each guest will perform as soloists with the Festival Amadeus Orchestra in addition to appearing in the chamber concerts during the week. The opening night event on July 27, "Evening with the Artists," features selected performers in an informal setting, with Zoltek hosting the conversational round-table.
The festival includes a chamber music camp for young musicians, presented by North Valley Music School in Whitefish, and designed for early intermediate to advanced string musicians entering grades 7-12 (visit www.northvalleymusicschool.org for information and registration).
Last year's Festival Amadeus attracted over 1,700 people, had an estimated economic impact of more than $200,000 and provided part-time employment for 45 people.
The GSC board is optimistic that it will be even more successful this summer. "We look forward to growing this event as a destination festival in Whitefish that becomes known and respected internationally," says Alan Satterlee, executive director of the GSC.
The complete Festival Amadeus event schedule and online tickets are available at www.gscmusic.org; or call 406-257-3241 for more information.
