Sitka Summer Music Festival.

• Author: PILKINGTON, STEVE
• Position: Brief Article

The heart of Sitka Sound blooms into a musical jewel this time of year, and for those lucky enough to be there for the occasion, it is a uniquely Alaska treat. For three weeks this month, the refined sounds of classical music define the Sitka Summer Music Festival.

And with a panoramic setting filled with passing fishing boats, wildlife and changing weather, there is nothing quite like this musical spectacle.

"The theme this year is we're doing lesser known pieces," said Heather MacLean, executive director of the annual festival. "We'll have pieces by standard composers, but it's going to be a different sort of feel this year."

The music festival was founded back in 1972. When violinist Paul Rosenthal, now its artistic director, visited Sitka and decided it would be a perfect setting for a reunion with some fellow musicians. People from around the state contributed money for the musicians' one-way tickets to Alaska. The reunion was held, and raised enough money for the return tickets. Because of the fun had by the audience and musicians, it has been repeated annually.

"Here in Sitka, we still don't pay them," MacLean said, noting that the performers seem to consider the festival as a way of giving as much as receiving. "It's relaxed, there are no critics. Some of them call it a glorified summer camp."

The schedule of events begins on June 2 and runs until June 23. During the festival, chamber concerts are held at the Harrigan Centennial Hall on Tuesdays and Fridays and begin in the evening, a perfect time for natural background effects to highlight the music through the scenic windows behind the performers.

"It's amazing. It looks right over the breakwater and Sitka Sound," she said...