Classical music lovers and Scandinavians of the North, please consider attending the Uff Da! Chamber Orchestra Concert next Monday, Feb. 14. at 7 p.m. in the Oak Harbor High School Auditorium.

Having taught elementary music in both Coupeville and Oak Harbor school districts, I have been a strong advocate for everyone experiencing music firsthand. One group, the Saratoga Chamber Orchestra, has presented concerts on the south end of the island for several years to full houses.

Hoping to build that same audience base in Coupeville and Oak Harbor, I joined the Saratoga Chamber Orchestra Board.

By making all concerts free for those below 18, we hope to encourage more youth in our community to attend concerts, This gives the opportunity for families to attend live orchestral concerts without having to pay for their children’s tickets.

One concert a year highlights the music of a specific cultural group. Next week’s Uff Da! Concert will feature music from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland, and world renowned pianist Knute Erik Jensen from Bergen, Norway will perform the Grieg Piano Concerto with the orchestra.

I personally want this fantastic ensemble conducted by Legh Burns to keep performing in Coupeville and Oak Harbor. This will only happen by filling more seats at the Oak Harbor High School Auditorium. Encourage your friends and neighbors to attend.

You can purchase tickets at the BayLeaf stores in both Oak Harbor and Coupeville. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

Vern Olsen

Coupeville