The picturesque view from Canyon Wren Recital Hall, home of the Icicle Creek International Chamber Music Festival (Photo: Reed Carlson)
When the sun comes out in Seattle, it’s time for chamber music! Washington State is blessed with a bounty of annual summer chamber music festivals and events, giving concertgoers plenty of options during the months of July and August. While several festivals are already underway, there are still many more performances on the calendar for next month. Here’s the lowdown on upcoming listening opportunities.
Jun. 29 – Jul. 26 — Now in its 32nd year, the Seattle Chamber Music Society Summer Festival is the big game in town. Each year, SCMS gathers an impressive roster of performers from around the country for several weeks of concerts at Benaroya Hall’s Nordstrom Recital Hall.
Upcoming highlights: Next week’s offerings include a live recording of Shostakovich’s String Quartets No. 7 and 8 (July 24) and a performance of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring for piano four hands (July 26).
Jun. 29 – Sep. 1 — The OIympic Music Festival is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Concerts are held in a rustic barn in the farm community of Quilcene, which neighbors Olympic National Park. With performances every Saturday and Sunday through July and August, this is Washington State’s longest summer chamber music festival.
Upcoming highlights: The “Beethoven Festival” program (July 27 and 28) features some of the composer’s most beloved chamber works, including his “Ghost” Piano Trio.