Embracing themes of heroism and community spirit, the Lakes Area Music Festival returns for its 16th consecutive year across various locations in the Brainerd area from July 26 to August 18. This year’s festival, themed “Heroic Journeys,” coincides with the excitement of the 2024 Summer Olympics.
John Taylor Ward, a prominent figure in the festival’s organization and a seasoned opera singer, expressed the essence of the event: “It’s a celebration of love and brotherhood and community.” The festival strives to break down cultural, economic, and geographic barriers often associated with classical music, ensuring accessibility for all. Performances are thoughtfully curated to encompass diverse venues including performing arts centers, breweries, and private homes, ensuring engagement with the entire community.
Notably, most concerts operate on a pay-as-you-wish basis, with unique performances even taking place during yoga classes. Ward emphasized the festival’s commitment to inclusivity and engagement, highlighting its role in fostering connections between musicians and local residents.
The festival’s repertoire will feature over 250 professional classical musicians from around the globe, showcasing chamber music, orchestral performances, and opera. Ward himself will grace the stage in Igor Stravinsky’s opera, The Rake’s Progress, scheduled for August 10 at the Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts in Brainerd.
Integral to the festival’s success are its 250 volunteers and hosts, alongside the supportive local community that welcomes visiting artists into their homes, nurturing long-lasting connections. Personalities such as conductor Christian Reif from Germany and his Grammy-winning wife, Julia Bullock, highlight the international caliber of talent drawn to the event. Reif and Bullock’s recent Grammy win for Best Classical Vocal Album underscores the festival’s reputation as a platform for excellence in classical music.
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