A Musical Valentine

As the February mist settles back over the islands after the surprising long stretch of beautiful sunshine, we find warmth in the intimate embrace of chamber music. Many chamber music pieces were composed with love in mind such as Janáček’s String Quartet Intimate Letters, Schoenberg’s Verklärte Nacht, Brahms’ Liebeslieder Waltzes, and Clara Schumann’s Romances, but there is nothing more romantic than listening to private, shared conversations between violin and piano—where every note feels like a secret whispered between friends.

This month, we invite you to cozy up to last summer’s Festival performance by violinist Zachary DePue and pianist Chelsea de Souza of Ennio Morricone’s Love Theme from Cinema Paradiso.

Whether you are revisiting a beloved classic or discovering a new favorite through our YouTube Channel, let these masterpieces provide the perfect soundtrack to your February.

Stay warm and keep listening.

Also, enjoy an Intermission Artist Interview hosted by Sophie Parker with violinist Zachary DePue discussing his Festival performance repertoire:

Iwo & Karolina Return to Orcas!

Karolina Mikołajczyk, violin & Iwo Jedynecki, accordion

We are excited to welcome back Karolina Mikołajczyk, violin, and Iwo Jedynecki, accordion, returning to the San Juan Islands March 11 - 13 for their second appearance in our Musicians-in-Residence program. They will be working with music students at the Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw Island schools.

Join us for a very special Salon Concert with Iwo & Karolina

5 pm, Thursday, March 12

Performed at a beautiful Private Residence on Orcas Island

featuring Festival wines and hors d'oeuvres provided by the Orcas Hotel.

Tickets are $75 with limited seating for this exclusive event, available online now:

The duo is one of the most vibrant and innovative chamber ensembles of the current generation of classical musicians. In 2024 they were awarded Poland’s most prestigious prize for classical music - the Polityka’s Passport - praised for their “versatility and ability to navigate through diverse musical realms; virtuosity, unbridled imagination, and ingenuity in selecting and creating new repertoire for the distinctive combination of violin and accordion.”

Iwo & Karolina also appear at a free public concert at the

Lopez Island Library at 4 pm on Wednesday, March 11.



This performance is supported, in part, by a grant from the Washington State Arts Commission and the Driftwood Fund.

Mark your Calendar!

OICMF's 29th Season is August 7 - 22, 2026.

You can still read all about the concerts, artists, repertoire, program notes, and so much more that made up our 28th Season in our program book - here

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more fun and news -

updates on concerts, interviews with artists, OICMF fashion tips, and more!

We look forward to sharing more OICMF news and events with you — keep your eyes peeled for next month's Scherzo!

All the best,

Christopher Peacock

Executive Director

Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival