The Bellingham Festival of Music was established in 1993 by conductor Michael Palmer, and cellist Robert Sylvester, inspired by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and with the help of volunteers.
The orchestra’s members are professional musicians who are principal chairs in ensembles throughout the country. The event has also drawn brilliant soloists such as singers Frederica von Stade and Jamie Barton – both stars of the Metropolitan Opera – as well as guitarists, cellists, pianists, and violinists.
The Festival comprises five orchestral performances throughout the summer, as well as two chamber music concerts, with Artistic Director Marcelo Lehninger on the podium.
The season opens with an appearance by pianist Simon Trpčeski, who was born in Skopje, North Macedonia. He first came to notice when he participated in the BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists scheme in 2001. He has since appeared with notable conductors and orchestras around the world, including the London Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. A review says:
"The best thing to come out of Macedonia since Alexander the Great is pianist Simon Trpčeski... the pianist is pretty good at conquering audiences . . . not only with his playing but also with an engaging manner that connects with his listeners."
The concert venue is the Western Washington University Performing Arts Center, and the concert is June 29 at 7.30 pm. Organizers of events like this often use brochure printing to create programs for them.