This year is a benchmark year for the Lake George Music Festival. Celebrating its fifth season, this festival conjures up images of old Lake George when big bands and celebrated musicians would summer in this lakeside resort. Executive Director Alexander Lombard’s dream of providing classical and chamber music has blossomed into a must hear musical extravaganza, drawing from some of the biggest names around the nation.

“To celebrate our fifth year our headliner is [violinist] David Kim, Concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra,” Lombard told the Almanack. “The stars just aligned. We have many amazing artists and a wonderful lineup, but he is legendary. To have him here in Lake George is truly amazing.”

According to Lombard the Lake George Music Festival schedule has found a format that seems to be successful. The Chamber Music concerts will take place at Sacred Heart Church as well as St. James Church with all daily rehearsal venues open to the public. The “Art Attacks” are back to perform impromptu “flash-mob” sessions of classic music around the village. There will even be late night sessions such as a moonlight cruise aboard the Minne-Ha-Ha and an evening at The Boathouse Restaurant.

“Our Children’s Concert will be August 22 from 5-7 pm,” says Lombard. “Last year we put this on for about 1,000 people. There is an instrument petting zoo and free concert at the outdoor amphitheater at Shepard’s Park. We are also collaborating with local dance companies. We have 17 young dancers from the region performing to an Aaron Copland ballet. It is just another way to intertwine with the community.”

This year the LGMF Children’s Concert takes place during the 2015 Fireman’s Family Festival (August 21-23) so there will be a variety of vendors, games and food available.

In addition to the various concerts there are panel discussions and even a special exploration of orchestral audition techniques with Philadelphia Orchestra Concertmaster David Kim. Tickets range in price from FREE to $25 for the August 17-27 festival concerts, depending on the venue and time. Enjoy!

Photo provided.