Baroque on Beaver

04/09/2026

As we approach Baroque on Beaver's 25th season, our Maestro Robert Nordling has written the letter below to share an important and heartfelt update.
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Dear Friends of Baroque on Beaver,
This coming summer, Baroque on Beaver celebrates 25 years of music making — an extraordinary milestone made possible by talented musicians and the generous support, enthusiasm, and presence of this remarkable community. Together, we have built a professional, artistically respected Midwest music festival that I am deeply proud to be part of. Bravo, and thank you.
As we look toward the future of the festival, I’ve been reflecting on the care and continuity that have always guided its growth. One of the great joys of my time as Music Director has been working alongside musicians and colleagues who share a deep love for this music and this place.
With that in mind, I want to share with you that the 2026 season will be my final year serving as Music Director. This feels like a natural passing of the baton; a way to ensure the artistic vision and spirit of Baroque on Beaver continue to flourish for years to come.
I am thrilled to tell you that Nathan Bieber, Associate Conductor of Baroque on Beaver, will step into the role of Interim Music Director. Nathan and I have worked closely together, and I have great admiration for his musical insight, sensitivity, and ability to connect with both musicians and audiences. I could not feel more confident about the festival’s future in his hands.
For this coming summer, I will be fully present and fully engaged in rehearsing and performing a series of wonderful programs, and I look forward to sharing another beautiful season with all of you. I will also remain involved with the festival in a new capacity that the Board and I are discussing.
I am so proud of the growth we’ve experienced together, the music we’ve made, and the friendships formed in this extraordinary place.
Thank you for 17 wonderful years of music-making, dreaming big, and creating something truly special on Beaver Island.
I look forward to seeing you in July.
Robert Nordling
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For 17 years, Robert's artistic leadership, vision, and steady care have shaped Baroque on Beaver into the respected and vibrant festival it is today. We are deeply grateful for all he has given and so thankful that he will continue to be part of our musical family in a new and meaningful way.
We hope you will join us July 23- August 1, as we celebrate not only 25 years of music on Beaver Island, but also 17 years of Robert. Tickets go on sale June 1, and we look forward to sharing more about this milestone season with you soon.
Thank you for being a part of our musical family.

03/10/2026

Did you know Maestro Robert Nordling has been shaping the sound of Baroque on Beaver for 17 seasons? 🎶

Since becoming Principal Conductor of the Festival Orchestra in 2009, Robert has brought extraordinary energy, insight, and artistry to our stage—leading performances that span baroque, classical, opera, and jazz. Many still remember the incredible leadership he showed in guiding our community through a fully online Festival during the 2020 pandemic.

A respected conductor, educator, and Fulbright scholar, Robert has helped Baroque on Beaver grow into the vibrant destination festival it is today; reaching audiences across Beaver Island, throughout Michigan, and even on public radio broadcasts across the Midwest.

As we prepare for our 25th Anniversary Season, we’re celebrating the passion, dedication, and musical brilliance that Maestro Nordling has shared with our community for nearly two decades.

📅 Join us July 23 – August 1 for Baroque on Beaver’s Silver Anniversary Season.

12/23/2025

Thanks to this generous support, we were able to share this holiday concert with the Beaver Island community 🕯️🎻🎄

12/11/2025

We’re just 6 days away from our Candlelit Christmas concert with the Northern Michigan String Collective! ✨🕯️
This free community event is one of our favorite ways to share light and music with the community, and it’s made possible thanks to generous support from the Charlevoix County Community Foundation.

If you’re planning to join us, please reserve your seat through the BIC Center’s ticketing website (link below). This helps us make sure everyone has a cozy spot.

December 17 | 6:00pm |. BIC Center
Reserve your seat: https://store.biccenter.org/product/nomi-string-collective-candlelit-christmas/

12/09/2025

Thank you for your patience during our fall quiet period. As we wrapped up a wonderful 2025 season, we've also been navigating some transitions behind the scenes. Matt Thomas stepped down as Executive Director on October 15, and we're truly grateful for all he contributed during his time with the BIPAA. We wish him the very best in his next chapter.

In that time, something beautiful has happened: our board, staff, and community partners have come together with renewed energy and commitment. Because of that shared effort, we are moving forward with full confidence into a truly special 25th anniversary season.

Baroque on Beaver is strong, focused, and ready for what's next, and we're grateful to step into the 2026 season with you.

11/19/2025

Even though it feels a little early to talk holidays… this is something you’ll want to save the date for.
✨🕯️

Beaver Island Performing Arts Alliance is bringing back the Northern Michigan String Collective for a candlelit holiday concert on December 17th at 6pm at the BIC Center.
Last year’s performance was pure magic, and this year will be just as special.

Free and open to the Beaver Island Community 🫶
Mark your calendars now and help us kick off the holiday season with warmth, music, and community.

08/21/2025

08/11/2025

From folk to jazz, Claudia Schmidt does it all! 🎶
This Thursday at 7:30pm, she leads her jazz trio (Andy Evans on bass & Steve Stargardt on piano) in a night of standards, blues, originals, and a touch of spoken word. You won’t want to miss this final installment of the Beaver Island Jazz Series!
🎟️ Tickets are still available, so grab yours now by visiting the link in our bio

The Beaver island Jazz Series is sponsored by generous donations from Bob & Julie Neff | Larry & Bev Seiford

08/05/2025

✨ Our 24th season was one to remember and it’s all thanks to you. To our generous donors, dedicated volunteers, enthusiastic audiences, world-class musicians, and unwavering sponsors, Thank You. 💙

📸 We’re still soaking it all in (and sorting through so many beautiful photos and moments). In the meantime, feel free to tag us in your festival memories or send them our way, we’d love to see the week through your eyes!

🎶 Don’t forget: we’re keeping the music going with the Claudia Schmidt Jazz Trio on August 14 at the BIC Center as part of the Beaver Island Jazz Series. See you there?

As always, for more information, visit baroqueonbeaver.org

08/02/2025

🎶From island breezes to standing ovations: it all leads to tonight.
The Baroque on Beaver Season Finale takes place this evening at 7:30pm at the BIC Center, featuring works by Piazzolla and Beethoven.

Tonight’s performance is extra special: Violet Weizer, our Young Soloist Competition winner, studies with Andrea Yun, who also happens to be our Festival Orchestra’s principal cellist. What a moment to see teacher and student share the stage. 💙

The house is full. The music is waiting.
Let’s end this season on a high note. 🎻

08/01/2025

🎺 Start your weekend at the beach…with brass!
Join us this afternoon at 4 PM at the Donegal Bay Pavilion for Brass on the Bay! This is a free concert featuring patriotic and popular favorites from Metallurgy Brass.

Bring the kids, some snacks (along with some drinks), a little sunscreen, and settle in for the happiest happy hour on the island ☀️🎶

🎟FREE + Open to all
🕓 TODAY! at 4 PM | Donegal Bay Pavilion
More at baroqueonbeaver.org

Brass on the Bay is generously sponsored by Greenwald & BC Construction