Returning LAMF founding members, violists Benjamin Magruder, Alexander Peña and Samantha Rodriguez have taken their Brainerd performing experiences to the national stage by participating in the Music Teachers National Association String Chamber Music Competition as the innovative viola trio, ¡Voila!. After being selected as the 1st place Winners in the MTNA New York State and Eastern Division this past winter, the contemporary trio traveled to compete at Disneyland in March where they were named the 2013 MTNA National 2nd Place String Chamber Music Winners.

Breaking ‘instrumental stereotypes’, this unusual viola trio (more…)

Festival musicians Che Ho Lam, violin, and Kelsey Farr, viola, performed as members of a quartet at President Obama’s Inaugural Luncheon on January 21, 2013. Click here for a short clip of the quartet rehearsing, click here for a post-event interview upon returning to Rochester, New York’s Eastman School of Music, or click here for photos taken during the stay.

Scott Lykins, Festival Artistic Director, recently chatted with Marlene Pauley, three-time Festival clarinetist, who guest conducted the Festival’s very first Family Concert, “Symphonic Tales” during the 2012 season.  When and how did you first become interested in music and pursuing it as a career? I cannot remember a time when I was not pulled towards music, except perhaps in 8th grade when I thought I might want to be a veterinarian. In high school I craved exposure to music and musicians and was happiest when I was with my musician friends. I chose my college for its music program but never believed (more…)

We invited Leslie Zander to sit down and chat about her multi-faceted role in classical music in the Brainerd Lakes area. Music teacher in multiple roles, trio member, concertmaster, and Festival volunteer—her activities are far-reaching. (more…)