2019 Festival

In 2019, the White Lake Chamber Music Festival celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a stunning season. Running from August 2nd to 11th, a continuous lineup of exceptional performances and events took the stage each day.

Ahead of the festival itself, a highly anticipated pre-celebration concert — “Sunset Serenade” — was held at the beautiful home of Harold and Barbara Wheaton. Detroit Symphony flutist Jeff Zook and Oakland University guitarist Bret Hoag performed.

The Festival officially opened with a spectacular brass concert featuring the Gaudete Brass Quintet. Special presentations were made by local officials in honor of the 10th anniversary.

A highlight of the event was the return of the Chicago-based, world-renowned Avalon String Quartet who presented three full concerts, a children’s concert, open rehearsals, and community outreach. Other local, national, and international performers came together to perform as well, including virtuoso violinist James Buswell who was joined by cellist Carol Ou and pianist Andrew Goodridge in performing a trio concert featuring Beethoven’s “Ghost” Piano Trio and Brahms’s Piano Trio in B major, Op.8.

The Detroit Symphony Trio explored repertoire from classical to modern. Flutist Jeffery Zook, violinist Sheryl Hwangbo and cellist David Ledoux made their debut at the festival by performing Devienne, Piazolla, and Edgar Girtan, among others. Andrea Swan, Chicago’s well-known chamber musician, collaborative pianist, orchestral keyboard player, soloist, and teacher, performed a brilliant piano recital. Another audience favorite was the Festival Chamber Orchestra’s showcase of Baroque composers.

A range of talented guest artists performed daily at the Book Nook and Java Shop, including William Watson, tenor and Tracy Watson, soprano; Cello duo Michael Carrera and Pablo Mahave-Veglia; and 4 Hand Piano (Bryan Uecker and Steve Thielman plus flutist Don Bailey). Solo Competition winners also performed: Vireo Trio (violinist Michelle Valllier, cellist Erin Wang, and pianist Bryan Uecker); classical guitar duo Brian Morris and Jonathon Marshall; and the John Varineau Woodwind Ensemble.

Youth programming was also expanded to include more events:

  • The popular educational concert at the White Lake Community Library featuring members of the Avalon String Quartet
  • An opportunity for young musicians to perform
  • A children’s concert at the Montague Public Library featuring educator and cellist Erin Wang
  • A performance by the top three winners of the Young Artists College Solo Competition

The White Lake Chamber Music Festival is a truly unique and collaborative community event. The White Lake area is increasingly becoming known for presenting the best in classical music. Audiences continue to grow and come from greater distances, solidifying the festival and our area as a highly desireable vacation destination.

Learn More About The Festival