Curious about the origins and context of a piece of music or how to follow the developing theme central to a composer’s work? Music Lovers’ Seminars (MLS) focus on the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival’s (OICMF) concert programming and intriguing topics close to the hearts and minds of musicians and music lovers. First initiated during the ’07 Festival Season, MLS are also planned to be offered during the spring and fall. An enthusiastic participant during the ’07 Season described her experience after attending a seminar: “One would think you could not make the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival more intimate and approachable than it is and always has been, but no! The Music lovers’ Seminars add a dimension and opportunity for appreciation for all levels of musical sophistication.”

George Shangrow will return as OICMF’s highly respected guest lecturer to offer a Music Lovers’ Seminar on Saturday, April 12. The focus of the half-day session is the repertoire for the ’08 Festival Season recently announced by Artistic Director, Aloysia Friedmann and now listed on OICMF’s web site at www.oicmf.org. Click on ‘The Season’ then ‘Season Program.’

Shangrow is well known for his breadth of historical knowledge blended with contemporary wit and humor. A musician with a broad range of skills, as a Conductor and Music Director, Shangrow founded the Seattle Chamber Singers in 1969 and Orchestra Seattle in 1979. A University of Washington graduate, he began his professional conducting career at age 18.

Shangrow has appeared as guest conductor with the Seattle Symphony, Northwest Chamber Orchestra, Tacoma Opera, Rudolf Nureyev and Friends, East Texas University Opera, Oregon Symphony and the Sapporo (Japan) Symphony. He has conducted world premieres of many operas, orchestral, and choral works and as an educator, he has taught music history, theory, and composition at Seattle University, Seattle Community College, and Seattle Conservatory of Music.

Shangrow performs as pianist and harpsichordist in partnership with flutist Jeffrey Cohan as the Cohan-Shangrow Duo, has toured Europe as keyboardist and enjoyed performing with the 2004 Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival ensemble where he is also a guest lecturer. Seattle-area music lovers also recognize Mr. Shangrow as former announcer and host of the Live! By George radio program on Classical KING-FM.

Season Sampler: Festival ’08 will take place at the St. Francis Catholic Church from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 12. Students may attend free and are welcome. Bring brown bag lunch for mid-day break. Coffee, tea, water and homemade cookies provided

Registration is $30 at 376-6636 or e-mail Victoria@oicmf.org. Participants may also register at the door the day of the seminar.