The Barn Is Alive with the Sound of Music

Perhaps Seattlest is overstating things when we say that most people, when they think of classical music, think of stuffy concert halls, people dressed like penguins, and paying a lot of money for an uncomfortable nap. Of course, we say this only when we feel especially pessimistic about people's perceptions of classical music.

Because, you see, we really enjoy classical music. And we enjoy when it becomes accessible to a wide range of people. Enter Seattlest's interest in the Olympic Music Festival, beginning its 22nd season on June 25th, continuing through September 11th.

From their website:

"Imagine a turn-of-the-century dairy farm nestled on 55 acres of tranquil farmland on Washington's beautiful Olympic Peninsula...the sounds of exquisite chamber music floating in the air. "Inside the beautiful barn, world-renowned musicians clad in blue jeans are enthralling Northwest natives and visitors with outstanding music from the most-beloved classical composers."

The 22nd season's program really does focus on some of the "most-beloved classical composers." The first four weeks are dedicated to Beethoven (hey, the man is a cornerstone
of the Western Classical Canon), and the following two weeks are dedicated to Mozart. Week 9 looks especially good to Seattlest, since we have special places in our heart for both Shostakovich and Debussy.

Aside from the program and the location, what's really great about the festival is the price. Tickets range from $13 (youth) to $22 for barn seating, if you buy in advance. And then there's lawn seating, which will only run you $12 in advance. Picture it: a perfect Northwest afternoon, a blanket, perhaps a picnic, and world-class chamber music surrounding you. It doesn't get less stuffy than that.