Musicians will be taking over downtown Owen Sound in a series of free/by donation concerts and events, from Open-Mics, to café music and full Symphony Concerts, this July 16-21st as part of Orchestra North Owen Sound. The program, based at the historic Harmony Centre, will feature 60 musicians learning, performing and collaborating on string, woodwind, and brass instruments, and a faculty of local favorites and nationally recognized performers and teachers.

There are many events open to the public during Orchestra North, beginning at 12:00pm on Wednesday July 18th with "Appassionato" at the Noon Hour Series, Georgian Shores United Church. "Our faculty includes some of our region's finest musicians, including Rob Tite, principal clarinetist of the Georgian Bay Symphony, and violinist Samantha Orr" says cellist Sebastian Ostertag program Artistic Director. Samantha and Rob will be joined by faculty and academy, including virtuoso violinist Yolanda Bruno, a CBC Top 30 under 30 artist performing Vivaldi's "Summer" from the Four Seasons, and Dr. Aaron Hodgson, Associate Professor of Trumpet at UWO. "This concert is unique because it offers an opportunity for collaboration between local and guest musicians, and provides audiences a chance to hear them in action" continues Sebastian.

The free events continue at 6:00pm, Thursday July 19th with "Open-Mic@Bleeding Carrot." Come take part in an eclectic mix of music that will range from Bach to Pop, Mozart, Mariachi, the Blues and more. Everyone is invited to participate in this all-ages, abilities and genres event, featuring participants and faculty from Orchestra North Owen Sound. Want to combine your electric guitar with a string trio? This event is for you! On Friday July 20th from 12:15-1:15 pm, all sixty musicians from Orchestra North will be visiting Ginger Press bookstore, The Artist Co-op, The Bleeding Carrot and other downtown shops for "Eine Kleine Lunch Musik," a beloved series of rotating mini concerts. Enjoy your lunch or coffee while being serenaded by our amazing musicians, from young beginners to professionals.

Durham Art Gallery will host the Academy Players of Orchestra North on Friday July 20th at 6:00pm. Featuring the Academy Brass Quintet, and the Janus String Quartet, this concert will showcase the amazing talents of the next generation's finest musicians. For more information on tickets, call 519-369-3692. Experience the power of a full symphony orchestra on Saturday July 21st, 2:00pm, at Harmony Centre Owen Sound with "Festival Finale". Strings, woodwinds and brass will come together for a free/by donation concert of pops and classical music. "This concert is a celebration of music in our community, and I invite everyone to join us for this very special event." says Chantal Lemire, the Orchestra North coordinator.

For more information on Orchestra North, visit www.orchestranorth.com, and follow us on social media.

source: media release, Orchestra North