Poster Scott Lykins and Taylor Ward
Scott Lykins and Taylor Ward, artistic directors of the Lakes Area Music Festival.
David Boran

Friending Classical

John Birge interviews Lakes Area Music Festival co-founders Scott Lykins and Taylor Ward

The power of friendship: that's the secret of success for the Lakes Area Music Festival, now back in Brainerd for its eighth season. Co-founders Scott Lykins and Taylor Ward met as friends at the Eastman School of Music. They invited musician friends to discover Minnesota's beautiful vacation country. Those friends invited still more friends until suddenly Brainerd had a summer orchestra.

Meanwhile in the community, friends of classical music started sharing by word-of-mouth that a new festival was presenting three weeks of symphony, opera, and chamber music, and all for free.

I talked to Lykins and Ward about their ever-expanding community of friends who make this year's festival bigger, better, and more audience-friendly than ever.

Love the music?

Donate by phone
1-800-562-8440

Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.

Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.

YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.

More Ways to Give

Your Donation

$5/month
$10/month
$15/month
$20/month
$
<!--DO NOT REMOVE-CONTENTS PLACED HERE-->