Marcelo Lehninger Leads Bellingham Festival of Music
Since its inception in 1993, the Bellingham Festival of Music has been a cherished event in Northwest Washington, drawing musicians from across the country. With co-founder Michael Palmer stepping down from conducting duties in 2002, the festival welcomed Brazilian-born Marcelo Lehninger as its new artistic director, injecting fresh energy into the orchestra.
Marcelo Lehninger's Vision
Marcelo Lehninger expresses his excitement about joining the festival, highlighting the positive chemistry with the orchestra and the dedication of everyone involved. He emphasizes the balance between artistic excellence and the enjoyment of making music during the summer season.
Star-Studded Guest Artists
Lehninger has curated a star-studded lineup of guest artists for the festival, including Sarah Chang, Pablo Sáinz-Villegas, Natasha Paremski, and Stewart Goodyear. These esteemed musicians are not only performers but also Lehninger's close friends, adding a personal touch to the upcoming season.
Opening Concert and Highlights
Sarah Chang will headline the opening concert on June 30th, featuring Sibelius’s Violin Concerto. Lehninger looks forward to every concert of the season, particularly highlighting the finale on July 21st, where he will hand over the baton to young conductors as part of the new Conducting Institute initiative.
Conducting Institute Initiative
The festival introduces the Conducting Institute this year, aiming to nurture young conductors. Two fellows will participate, attending rehearsals, having lessons with Lehninger and orchestra members, and conducting two tangos by Piazzolla during the finale concert. This initiative underscores the festival's commitment to education and fostering the next generation of musical talent.
Honoring Maestro Michael Palmer's Legacy
Lehninger acknowledges the responsibility of building upon Maestro Michael Palmer's legacy, emphasizing the festival's dual mission of presenting outstanding concerts while nurturing future musicians and conductors.
