Estonian girls choir to perform at music festival

By Kitty King

On Sunday, July 10, Blaine audiences will have a rare opportunity to see two remarkable performing groups in one evening. The event is the kick-off concert for this year’s Drayton Harbor Music Festival.

The evening will begin with the Calidore Quartet – four young, dynamic musicians playing violins, viola and cello. They are an award-winning classical group who have performed at Carnegie Hall and have toured North America, Europe and Asia.

When awarded the prestigious $100,000 M-Prize by the University of Michigan, they were described as “simply one of the greatest string quartets that exists in our country today… the dynamic musicianship and character and personality they brought to the stage – it was truly profound.”

While in Bellingham for the Bellingham Festival of Music, the quartet will work with students at the Drayton Harbor Music Festival camp.

The Ellerhein Girls Choir, founded 64 years ago, will come all the way from Estonia to perform. They have traveled all over the world, winning awards in choral competitions. They have also recorded five CDs, and won a Grammy Award in 2004. Their close harmonies and unique arrangements will enchant the audience.

The Pacific Arts Association is presenting this by-donation concert at the Blaine PAC at 7 p.m. on July 10. For more information, visit draytonharbormusic.org.