Dear Festival Friends,

It's hard to believe, but this year—2006— we celebrate our ninth season! Who would have known that what started as a small 3-concert series over one weekend would evolve to the extent of including concerts with dueling Steinways and percussionists, music by composers old and new, salon music at The Living Room, films and special reunions, along with the other offerings that we found during Season Six, just a few short months ago?

I truly don't believe that any of what we have experienced would have been possible without your continued encouragement and excitement about our mission to celebrate chamber music in such an inspiring, magical setting as Orcas Island. Again, like I do every year, I thank you.

And, every year I always tell you what wonderful, exciting programs and people are in store for the upcoming season — and it will of course be true for our 2006 line-up, too!

Our 2006 Festival will take place August 20 through September 1, and tickets go on sale mid July. If you live on Orcas Island, you'll automatically receive our season brochure the first week of July. If you don't live on Orcas, are not on our mailing list and would like to be, just click here to submit your information in our simple online form.

So, what do we have in store for 2006? Watch for 2006 Festival programming here.

Along with the concerts, our commitment to educational outreach is as strong as ever. We will continue with the return of our Orcas•trations series, a Family Concert, open rehearsals and other activities planned through our partnerships with other Orcas non-profit groups. Your support makes these programs possible.

Please take time to read about our past seasons—including some wonderful media coverage and audience comments, support the Festival, or contact us with your thoughts or questions.

We look forward to seeing you in August for what promises to be a stunning Season Eight!

Aloysia Friedmann, Artistic Director