Bridge Chamber Music Festival 2024

This year, Bridge Chamber Music Festival celebrates its 25th season with a diverse array of national and international musicians in Northfield Minnesota. During the week of August 18-24, four Festival Concerts and one Young Artists Recital will be held at various Northfield venues including St. Olaf and Carleton Colleges, St. John’s Lutheran Church, The Grand Event Center, and The Northfield Depot. Featuring classical, jazz, and Balkan music genres, the Bridge Chamber Music Festival’s 2024 Season promises a rich and varied musical experience that offers something for every music enthusiast.

The Bridge Chamber Music Festival kicks off on August 18th, as the Northfield Jazz All-Stars take the stage for Festival Concert I. The ensemble includes acclaimed musicians Laura Caviani on piano, Kevin Clements on bass, Dave Hagedorn on percussion, David Milne on saxophone, and JC Sanford on trombone. With their diverse instrumental lineup, the Northfield Jazz All-Stars promise an exhilarating performance that will set the tone for the entire festival. Festival Concert I will be held at the Grand Event Center at 7:30 PM.

On Tuesday, August 20th, BCMF presents the Balkanicus Ensemble with special guest artist Angel Dobrev to perform at the second Festival Concert. The Balkanicus Ensemble specializes in music from various Balkan countries, presenting audiences with a glimpse into an unexplored aspect of Balkan culture – modern chamber music from the Balkan regions. Bulgarian artist Angel Dobrev will be featured on the gadulka, a high-pitched, string bow instrument with a very characteristic sound. Festival Concert II is located at Carleton College’s Kracum Performance Hall at 7:30 PM.

The next concert of the season is the Young Artists Recital, featuring talented young performers from southern Minnesota. The Young Artists Recital will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church on August 21st at 7:30 PM.

Festival Concert III, August 23rd, presents the Arianna String Quartet, one of America’s finest chamber ensembles based in St. Louis, Missouri. Performing works by Haydn, Martinů, and Beethoven, The Arianna String Quartet brings a vibrant and dynamic presence to the National Music scene with their outstanding musicianship and innovation. Festival Concert III is located at St. Olaf College’s Urness Recital Hall at 7:30 PM.

Finally, the Bridge Chamber Music Festival concludes on August 25th with the Stone Arch Brass Ensemble, a Minneapolis-based brass quintet. Celebrated for their local talent and captivating performances, Stone Arch Brass will close the season with a lively and memorable finale. Festival Concert IV will be held at The Northfield Depot at 3:00 PM.

For a complete 2024 festival concert schedule, artist biographies, and further opportunities to become involved with the festival, visit our website at bridgechambermusicfestival.com. Tickets are available for purchase at the door for $5 each, and student admission is free of charge.

Bridge Chamber Music Festival is made possible in part by the support of St. Olaf College and Carleton College, as well as by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. . For more information, visit the website at bridgechambermusicfestival.com or contact us at  bridgechambermusicfestival@gmail.com or (617) 271-3263.