2025 Season: Myths & Magic
This summer, the Lakes Area Music Festival will fill central Minnesota with MYTHS AND MAGIC. As hundreds of artists from around the globe return to their summer home for music-making,…
By Series
Winter Series
Outside the busy summer season, LAMF brings you an intimate concert experience with recitals and small ensemble performances by your favorite LAMF musicians. From October through April, LAMF presents four…
Special Events
The Lakes Area Music Festival hosts special events and fundraisers throughout the summer to support the concerts, education, and outreach activities that impact our region. Mark your calendar for our…
Casual Classics
Our Casual Classics series brings our world-class roster of musicians outside the concert hall and into the community. Get to know these artists in an informal setting, and bring a…
Live Streaming
Over the past years the Lakes Area Music Festival has streamed its concerts and drawn many thousands of views from around the world. This season we remain committed to accessibility…
2025 Prelude Series
The Prelude Series brings our musicians to the surrounding communities of central Minnesota during the month of July. Warming up to the official festival season, this year's series will span…
All Upcoming Events
Musicians' Night Out
Jack Pine Brewery
Thursday, July 10, 2025, 7:00PM
We’re kicking off our very first Musicians' Night Out at Jack Pine Brewery with the return of our resident ensemble, the Thalea String Quartet! A perfect pairing: Beethoven and Beer! Our Musicians Night Out is a chance for our musicians to let loose playing music with colleagues and friends, new and old. Grab a pint and …
Pillsbury Castle Open House
Join the Lakes Area Music Festival for an elegant evening welcoming you to our new Twin Cities home: the historic Pillsbury Castle in Minneapolis. Built in 1903, this Tudor-style mansion offers a stunning backdrop for an enchanting musical open house. Luxuriate in the salon, Peacock lounge, and GreatRoom while enjoying musical vignettes performed by LAMF artists …
Prelude Series – AITKIN
The Ripple Center
Saturday, July 12, 2025, 7:30PM
The Thalea String Quartet returns as Artists in Residence, bringing energetic and innovative programs to venues throughout the Lakes Area—from parks and churches to senior centers and the county jail. Winners of the 2021 Ann Divine Educator Award from the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, the Thalea Quartet will perform over two weekends in venues …
Prelude Series – NISSWA
Lutheran Church of the Cross
Sunday, July 13, 2025, 2:00PM
The Thalea String Quartet returns as Artists in Residence, bringing energetic and innovative programs to venues throughout the Lakes Area—from parks and churches to senior centers and the county jail. Winners of the 2021 Ann Divine Educator Award from the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, the Thalea Quartet will perform over two weekends in venues in …
Prelude Series – BEMIDJI
First Lutheran Church
Sunday, July 13, 2025, 7:30PM
The Thalea String Quartet returns as Artists in Residence, bringing energetic and innovative programs to venues throughout the Lakes Area—from parks and churches to senior centers and the county jail. Winners of the 2021 Ann Divine Educator Award from the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, the Thalea Quartet will perform over two weekends in venues in …
Prelude Series – BRAINERD
Lyman P. White Amphitheater
Friday, July 18, 2025, 7:30PM
An outdoor concerts for families and all ages! The Thalea String Quartet returns as Artists in Residence, bringing energetic and innovative programs to venues throughout the Lakes Area—from parks and churches to senior centers and the county jail. Winners of the 2021 Ann Divine Educator Award from the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, the Thalea Quartet will …
Prelude Series – ST. CLOUD
Great River Regional Library
Saturday, July 19, 2025, 2:00PM
The Thalea String Quartet returns as Artists in Residence, bringing energetic and innovative programs to venues throughout the Lakes Area—from parks and churches to senior centers and the county jail. Winners of the 2021 Ann Divine Educator Award from the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, the Thalea Quartet will perform over two weekends in venues in …
Cabaret - AITKIN
Experience one of the Lake Area’s most elegant evenings out! Whether at the historic Aitkin Ripple Center—where Vaudeville acts graced the stage a century ago—or in the timeless charm of the Norway Center at Grand View Lodge, you’ll be captivated by performances from our renowned international opera cast and talented Resident Artists. Let life be …
Cabaret - NISSWA
Experience one of the Lake Area’s most elegant evenings out! Whether at the historic Aitkin Ripple Center—where Vaudeville acts graced the stage a century ago—or in the timeless charm of the Norway Center at Grand View Lodge, you’ll be captivated by performances from our renowned international opera cast and talented Resident Artists. Let life be …
Open Rehearsal: Symphonie Fantastique
Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts
Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 2:15PM
Years of practice and hours of preparation go into each of our world-class performances. Now, you are invited to join us in our new venue for open rehearsals, giving you a glimpse of the process from the initial read-through to the final performance. Each open rehearsal is preceded by an informal discussion with one of …
Gala: Spellbound
Broadway sensations Meghan Picerno and Andrea Ross will leave you Spellbound, performing with Christian Reif and the Lakes Area Music Festival symphony in the gala kick off to the season. Our largest fundraiser of the year, Spellbound includes pre-concert dinner packages, a live auction, and opportunities to support the world class professional musicians who bring …
Symphonie Fantastique
An impassioned artist, legendary women, and a wizard in training. Rich with magical characters and riveting storytelling, our season opens with two of the most spellbinding orchestral works of all time. Enchanted broomsticks spiral into chaos in The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, bringing whimsical mischief to life. Hector Berlioz’ Symphonie fantastique sweeps us into a vivid opium-fueled hallucination, …
Open Rehearsal: The Nightingale
Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts
Monday, July 28, 2025, 1:15PM
Years of practice and hours of preparation go into each of our world-class performances. Now, you are invited to join us in our new venue for open rehearsals, giving you a glimpse of the process from the initial read-through to the final performance. Each open rehearsal is preceded by an informal discussion with one of …
Julia Bullock: Open Work Session
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Monday, July 28, 2025, 6:00PM
Go behind the scenes and watch the creative process unfold as GRAMMY-winning Metropolitan Opera Star, Julia Bullock, coaches LAMF’s Resident Artists on opera scenes and arias. This open work session offers a rare glimpse into artistic training and preparation—up close and in the moment. Free and open to the public. Featured Artists
The Nightingale
Take flight in a musical fairy tale. This enchanting chamber music concert celebrates the elegance and charm of our feathered friends. Loki Karuna brings Hans Christian Andersen’s The Nightingale to life with a newly composed musical narration. Camille Saint-Saëns and Olivier Messiaen capture the magic of birdsong, while Ernest Chausson’s groundbreaking Concerto for Violin, Piano, and …
Open Rehearsal: A Night at the Opera
Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts
Thursday, July 31, 2025, 1:15PM
Years of practice and hours of preparation go into each of our world-class performances. Now, you are invited to join us in our new venue for open rehearsals, giving you a glimpse of the process from the initial read-through to the final performance. Each open rehearsal is preceded by an informal discussion with one of …
A Night at the Opera
Witness the fusion of music and drama. Perfect for opera fans of all ages, this concert showcases the stars of tomorrow and the LAMF Symphony Orchestra in excerpts from opera’s most famous and fascinating stories. The LAMF Resident Artist Program provides singers early in their careers with mentorship and performance opportunities. These artists work one-on-one with our …
Sound Garden
Northland Arboretum
Saturday, August 2, 2025, 9:00AM
Venture through the scenic forest trails of the Northland Arboretum, discovering musicians from every section of the orchestra along the way! Free and open to the public; no tickets required.
Magical Keys
Presto chango! Prepare to be amazed as music and magic come together with award-winning pianist and master illusionist Igor Lipinski. The entire family will marvel by dazzling sleight-of-hand, suspenseful storytelling, and breathtaking piano virtuosity. From the brilliance of Sergei Rachmaninov’s radiant rhapsody to the sparkle of George Gershwin’s gleaming concerto, the magic of music shines through …
Block Party
Lyman P. White Amphitheater
Wednesday, August 6, 2025, 7:30PM
Familiar hits at the river’s edge. Join LAMF for an outdoor celebration at the picturesque Mississippi Landing Amphitheater in downtown Brainerd. Enjoy a perfect blend of pop hits and classical favorites, all set against a beautiful summer backdrop. With food trucks, a beer tent, and a lively atmosphere, it’s the ideal way to spend a …
Musicians' Night Out
Jack Pine Brewery
Thursday, August 7, 2025, 7:00PM
Grab a pint and meet musicians from around the world between sets of informal live music outdoors at local breweries. Free and open to the public; no tickets required.
Yoga + Live Music
Lyman P. White Amphitheater
Saturday, August 9, 2025, 10:00AM
Join Jennifer Smith of Nisswa Yoga for sun salutations, accompanied by a live quintet of LAMF musicians. All levels are welcome to this serene experience! Donation-based participation; registration recommended.
Hänsel & Gretel
A classic tale set in Minnesota’s North Woods. Get lost in the pines and lady slippers as we follow Hänsel and Gretel on their magical journey, with a luscious score by Engelbert Humperdinck and a world premiere production. Described as “a standout” by Opera News, Ariana Wehr makes her festival debut as Gretel alongside the …
Open Rehearsal: Haydn & Shostakovich
Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts
Monday, August 11, 2025, 2:15PM
Years of practice and hours of preparation go into each of our world-class performances. Now, you are invited to join us in our new venue for open rehearsals, giving you a glimpse of the process from the initial read-through to the final performance. Each open rehearsal is preceded by an informal discussion with one of …
Haydn & Shostakovich
A galloping evening of music to keep you on your toes. Did a chandelier really fall from the ceiling during the premiere of Haydn’s symphony? What ancient secrets lie behind the iconic bronze Horses of Venice’s St. Mark’s Cathedral? Join us for a lively evening where comedy, boldness, and historical intrigue converge. Haydn and Shostakovich deliver …
Open Rehearsal: Wagner's Ring
Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts
Thursday, August 14, 2025, 2:15PM
Years of practice and hours of preparation go into each of our world-class performances. Now, you are invited to join us in our new venue for open rehearsals, giving you a glimpse of the process from the initial read-through to the final performance. Each open rehearsal is preceded by an informal discussion with one of …
Musicians' Night Out
Roundhouse Brewery
Thursday, August 14, 2025, 7:00PM
Grab a pint and meet musicians from around the world between sets of informal live music outdoors at local breweries. Free and open to the public; no tickets required. Additional dates and locations coming soon!
Wagner's Ring
Three powerful scores, two mythic rings, and one concert to rule them all. Join us for an unforgettable evening of epic music, featuring Howard Shore’s Oscar-winning score from The Lord of the Rings alongside Wagner’s orchestral Ring Without Words. A striking new work by Camille Pépin opens our season finale, which features the largest orchestra …