BRAINERD — John Taylor Ward believes classical music doesn't belong only on the concert stage.
"Our duty is to bring those musicians out to places like elder care facilities, public parks, amphitheaters and to the Crow Wing County Jail," he said on the KAXE Morning Show.
Ward serves as the artistic director of Lakes Area Music Festival and said fulfilling a mission keeps him engaged. the mission of the festival remains clear: "To spark connections between its central Minnesota community and the nation’s top classical performers to create transformative musical experiences."
Performing in rural areas for all kinds of people affirms Ward’s belief that everyone deserves access to culture and art, no matter where they live.
For festival leaders, the mission remains even more important after receiving an email with the news of a complete cut of their approved National Endowment for the Arts grant.
"We're just one organization in Central Minnesota," said Scott Lykins, artistic and executive director, in May. "But this email that went out and the future of the NEA affects arts organizations across the country, of all different sizes and all different genres."
The show must go on
This year, over 237 musicians have descended on Brainerd for more than 60 events, as part of the festival’s “Myths and Magic” season. Most of the visiting artists will stay with local residents, something Ward says makes this gathering uniquely personal. “It’s not just a festival,” he said. “It’s a family.”
Highlights from this summer’s performances include the opera Hansel and Gretel, a chamber music interpretation of The Nightingale, and a special appearance by concert pianist and magician Igor Lipinski, performing with a full orchestra.
The festival will also feature works by composers such as Haydn, Wagner and Shostakovich, as well as immersive experiences like a "sound garden" along the trails of the Northland Arboretum, where live musicians will perform throughout the woods.
For Ward, building this festival isn’t a luxury or an extra, it is essential. “This is not frivolous,” he said. “Arts and culture bring people together. They create real impact.”
At 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, there will be an outdoor celebration of the Lakes Area Music Festival at the Mississippi Landing Amphitheater in downtown Brainerd. This will feature local food trucks, beer and familiar classical music. Like many of Lakes Area Music Festival events, the event is free with a goodwill donation.
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