Over the next two weeks, local music students have an opportunity to learn from and perform alongside some of the country’s top musicians.

Langley Community Music School is once again holding its annual summer music festival, which includes countless workshops for the students, as well as numerous concerts of which the public is invited to partake.

The festival takes place during LCMS’s summer music workshops, July 19 to Aug. 1. Admission is by donation, explained Elizabeth Bergmann, the director of summer programs and co-artistic director for the school.

Amid all the classes, concerts will be taking place at various times throughout the day to give everyone an opportunity to attend a concert this summer.

“As a community music school, LCMS welcomes the public to experience music making at its finest during our summer concert festival,” Bergmann said.

In addition to a comprehensive summer program, LCMS music programs run throughout the year for students of all ages, from babies through to seniors, at beginners to pre-professional levels.

LCMS offers music programs for enthusiasts of all ages and levels. The music festival is an extension of the school’s summer educational programs that provide an introduction to music in a family friendly, fun-filled environment.

“Bringing affordable concerts to our community is a big part of who we are as a community organization. Admission to the summer festival is by donation, so attendees can pay as little or much as they like to attend.”

Collaboration is the theme of the festival, so concert goers can expect to see many musicians working together at these performances, she explained.

“This fun family experience is great for kids and adults of all ages,” added Bergmann. “The festival promises to be an eclectic mix of music featuring a variety of repertoire and styles.”

The concerts kick off Monday, and will feature a number of inspiring young musicians, as well as celebrated professionals like Bergmann and her husband Marcel on piano, clarinettist and composer Francois Houle, percussionist Rod Thomas Squance, and celloist Joel Stobbe.

Suzuki Summer Institute Concerts

July 19: 12:30 p.m. – Bruce Henczel, percussion

July 20: 12:30 p.m. – Solo performances by LCMS music students

July 22: 2:30 p.m. – Suzuki Summer Institute students showcase pieces from the workshop

Pulse Creative and Innovative Chamber Music Program Concerts

The Pulse music program is centred on chamber music and festival concerts will feature various collaborations among faculty, visiting artists and student participants.

• July 23: 7:30 p.m. – Pulse opening concert featuring the Pacific Rim String Quartet (LCMS ensemble in residence), Marcel and Elizabeth Bergmann on piano and Rod Thomas Squance on percussion.

The program includes works by Chick Corea, Francis Poulenc and Beethoven as well as some original compositions by the faculty.

Squance and Marcel Bergmann will team up to perform some of their own compositions – a result of their long-time collaboration. Marcel Bergmann will also join forces with the Pacific Rim String Quartet to perform Dvorak’s beautiful piano quintet.

• July 26: 7:30 p.m. – Rod Thomas Squance, percussion, Marcel Bergmann, piano, and Francois Houle clarinettist/composer.

These artists and improvisers will surprise the audience with impromptu performances, each bringing their own unique voice as composers to the stage.

The audience can expect to be part of a special event as the artists play each other’s works. The Pacific Rim String Quartet will perform a work by Houle for clarinet and string quartet.

• July 28: 12 p.m. – Pulse participant ensembles will take to the stage in a noon hour recital.

• July 29: 1 p.m. – The Young Composers Competition features young composers whose original works will be played and critiqued by the Pulse faculty and jury. The winning compositions will be performed at the final concert on Aug. 1.

• July 30: 7:30 p.m. – Elizabeth Bergmann, piano, Annette-Barbara Vogel, violin, and Joel Stobbe, cello.

These international artists will explore works for duo and trio by the lesser known Brahms contemporary Robert Kahn as well as works by Mendelssohn and Beethoven.

• July 31: 7:30 p.m. – Billed as a highlight of the festival, this student composition concert will exhibit feature personal creativity by showcasing compositions that have been worked on during the festival.

• Aug. 1: 7:30 p.m. – A special final concert showcasing the Pulse ensembles and more.

Tickets are by donation. The Rose Gellert Hall is located at 4899 207th St. For more concert information, visit www.langleymusic.com or call 604-534-2848.