Before you attend a concert at the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival, which takes place Aug. 9 through 24, go behind the scenes and add depth to your concert experience. Music Lovers Seminars are presented for every program. They take place at St. Francis Catholic Church from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and include an opportunity to attend a closed rehearsal for that evening’s performance.

Tickets are $30; young adults 18 and under attend free. To order tickets, visit www.oicmf.org or call 376-6636.

World renowned pianist Jon Kimura Parker “Jackie” kicks off the seminars on a high note Friday, Aug. 9 for the Three’s Company concert. Parker is professor of piano at The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University and artistic advisor of the festival.

On Tuesday, Aug. 13, violist Toby Appel will lecture on the music and the stories behind Moonlit Music.

Verne Windham as a new guest lecturer for César Salad. He is an acclaimed musician, conductor and director of Music and Arts for KPBX Public Radio in Spokane.

Popular lecturer Lisa Bergman returns to provide insights for the Orcas~trations: Bravura! Concert.

Roupen Shakarian, composer, conductor and music director of Skagit Symphony will take seminar-goers behind the closing concert, Czech Mate.

Music Lovers Seminar Schedule

Friday, Aug. 9: Three’s Company with Jon Kimura Parker. Tuesday, Aug. 13: Moonlit Music with Toby Appel. Friday, Aug. 16: César Salad with Verne Windham. Tuesday, Aug. 20: Orcas~trations:Bravura! with Lisa Bergman. Friday, Aug. 23: Czech Mate with Roupen Shakarian