For nearly 50 years, a summer concert series of chamber music concerts has been held in Manistique, MI. It began when Robert and Mary King, string musicians then residing in Minnesota, spent a summer in the Manistique area. They met local musicians Marion Orr and Vesta Fyvie, who encouraged them to present a concert here. Their music was very well-received, and soon a group of local citizens forme
d a committee to support a regular series of concerts. Francis de Sales, Zion Lutheran, Lakeside School, and Presbyterian Church of the Redeemer, where the series is now regularly held. The Kings organized and played in the concerts for the first 25 years. Mary was a violist and pianist extraordinaire, Bob played violin and organized and directed the summer concerts. Bob also taught at Winona State University. In later years the Kings returned to Altoona, Pennsylvania. For the past 20 plus years, Paul Lundin, violinist and a native of Escananba, has directed the series, often involving other musicians with roots in the area. A variety of chamber music has been performed over the years involving many different instruments including harp, oboe, flute, voice, strings, organ and piano. Known officially as the Manistique Community Chamber Concert Committee, a group of musician devotees worked with the Kings and then Paul to sponsor summer concerts to enrich the cultural life of the community. Performers have often included outstanding musicians with local ties, as well as imported talent from connections through higher education and professional musicians. Over the decades, the committee has solicited funds from benefactors and patrons, as well as grants from Manistique Papers and the Michiga Council for the Arts. During the concert intermissions, local artists have samples of their work on display, and the concert committee is working with the school to encourage more student art displays as well. Refreshments are served after each concert, and everyone has an opportunity to visit with the musicians, who especially enjoy talking with children who attend and encouraging their interests in music. Three concerts are held during the summer, usually one each month (June, July and August). Admission is $7.00 for adults, free for those under 18. For questions please contact Heidi Troyer at (906) 341-2965
