Orchestra North Summer Strings Festival is coming to Owen Sound from Thursday July 23 to Sunday July 26.After three successful seasons in Smithers BC, Sebastian Ostertag and Roxi Dykstra are launching Orchestra North in Owen Sound for local musicians of all ages.
"I can't wait to work with the incredible talent that our area has to offer. Growing up in Owen Sound provided me with so many wonderful playing opportunities, whether playing in the Georgian Bay Symphony or attending Sweetwater Music Festival concerts. I look forward to engaging our community in a fun, lively, and innovative celebration of string music." says Sebastian Ostertag, coordinator of the inaugural Orchestra North Owen Sound.
The Summer Strings Festival includes playing in a chamber music ensemble, orchestral sessions, group and private coachings as well as workshops in improvisation, theory, and composition. Instruction is personalized for beginner and advanced players, ages 8 and up (students younger than 8 must be accompanied by an adult), and private/group lessons will be available for participants.
Orchestra North brings top rated faculty, includingSebastian Ostertag (BMus, ADP, cello), Roxi Dykstra (BA, MMus, violin/viola), Chantal Lemire (BMus, MMus, PhD candidate, violin/viola), Richard Mascall (BMus, Theory and Composition/violin), Keira McArthur (cello), and Daniel Kruger (BA-Guitar, improvisation). Programs begin at 10:00am on July 23rd at the Harmony Centre and the festival will include an opening faculty concert that evening at 7:00pm, and a Final Concert on Sunday July 26th at 3:00pm.
In addition, special chamber music and improvisation workshops led by our faculty will be open to the public on Friday and Saturday evenings from 6:30-8:00pm. Admission to all concerts and evening workshops is by donation.
There are still spaces available and the festival is dedicated to making music accessible for all participants. Scholarships, bursaries, family rates and financial assistance are available. For more information and to register visit www.orchestranorth.com/owensound or email sebastian@orchestranorth.com. Registration is open until July 23rd 2015.
source: media release, Orchestra North
