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POSTED: Tuesday, Jun. 30, 2009

Bellingham Festival of Music features world class artists

BELLINGHAM - The Bellingham Festival of Music is celebrating its 16th season of orchestral and chamber concerts from Friday, July 3, to Sunday, July 19. Board member Herb Fine recently spoke about the upcoming festival.

What's makes this festival special?

"It's world class," Fine said. "While we use some local talent, most come from top orchestras from around the globe."

This year's artists include pianist Stephen Kovacevich and The Romero Family, considered one of the best classical guitar groups in the world, he said.

How do we get such high-end acts in Bellingham?

"Bellingham is a beautiful city, and performers love coming here," Fine said.

People donate their homes for fundraisers and invite the artists to come and stay with them.

For local music fans, who is an artist they might recognize?

Katie Van Kooten, who went to Meridian High School.

"She worked in the fields picking berries to go to college," Fine said.

She became a music major and has been travelling around the world doing opera ever since. She made her stage debut at the Metropolitan Opera in February.

If I am not a classical music fan, is there a concert that might be more appealing to me or a good introductory show?

"There's no pop music, but there are still some very recognizable pieces," Fine said. Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 will be performed opening night and Tuesday, July 7, will feature Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 24, he said.

Are there any free shows?

There will be a free concert at 12:30 p.m., July 16, at the Whatcom Museum. At 1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 9, the Festival Chamber Players will play a free concert at St. Joseph Hospital. Arrive early because seats fill up quickly, Fine said.

Is there anything appropriate for children?

One concert aimed at children is Haydn's "Clock," which will be performed July 15. Children seem to enjoy the "tick-tock, tick-tock" sound of the clock, Fine said.

I want to surprise a music buff with tickets to a concert. Which one should I choose?

"Everyone should see cellist Joshua Roman who performs July 15," Fine said. "He's an amazing artist."

Roman won the principal chair in the cello section of the Seattle Symphony at the age of 22.

"He's like the next Yo-Yo Ma," Fine said. "He's got a rock star aura about him."

Where are the concerts?

Most are at the Western Washington University Concert Hall.

Do the concerts usually sell out?

The first and last concerts sold out last year and looks like they will again this year with the way ticket sales are going, Fine said.

How do I get tickets or more info?

Tickets can be ordered by phone by calling 650-6146 or by mail from the Western Washington University Box Office. Or go to tickets.wwu.edu.

For more information on the festival, go to bellinghamfestival.org.