Welcome to the third annual Stillwater Music Festival! Come join us for two exciting concerts exploring vocal chamber music with the string quartet Brooklyn Rider and two very special guest vocalists.

The festival's not-to-be missed opening concert on June 20th will be a celebration of song, past and present. Brooklyn Rider will be joined by Christina Courtin, who at the age of 24 was named as one of the five best up-and-coming singer-songwriters to watch out for by Time Out New York. Brooklyn Rider will also perform the work of one of classical music's greatest songwriters: Franz Schubert's breathtaking "Death and the Maiden" String Quartet.

The festival finale on June 26th celebrates Minnesota's 150th Anniversary with a delightfully eclectic all-Scandinavian program. The quartet will be joined for the festive occasion by Minnesota native and celebrated mezzo-soprano, Heather Johnson, who has sung on some of the world's greatest opera stages, including the New York City Opera and Glimmerglass.

The Stillwater Music Festival was founded three years ago by members of the Brooklyn Rider string quartet: violinists Jonathan Gandelsman and Colin Jacobsen, violist Nicholas Cords, and cellist Eric Jacobsen, all veterans of Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Ensemble. It's mission, to promote world-class concerts in the St. Croix Valley, is inspired by the shared activities and experiences of Brooklyn Rider and the deep Minnesotan roots that Nick, Colin, and Eric share. During the past two seasons, the festival has hosted a series of outreach activities, including a free masterclass for high school students and free performances at the Daily Grind Espresso Cafe.

Schedule of Concerts:

June 19, 2008 at 7:00pm
Free concert at the Daily Grind Espresso Cafe

June 20, 2008 at 7:30pm
Brooklyn Rider and Christina Courtin - "Celebration of Song"
Washington County Historic Courthouse