By Len Pizzey Special to the Echo

April 26 2016

Butterflies and beautiful music shared the stage at the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion last week as young and not so young music students from across the county performed in the 19th annual Haliburton Highlands Music Festival.

The three day event was a celebration of the joy of musical performance. Participants in the non-competitive festival showcased their abilities on a wide range of instruments including piano violin cello harp and guitar as well as jazz combos orchestral ensembles and voice.

Following each performance participants got advice and encouragement from professional pianist and chamber music performer Cheryl Duvall whose qualifications include a Masters Degree in piano performance and pedagogy from U of T as well as a world-ranging concert career.

The festival will conclude with a highlights concert on Wednesday evening showcasing the range and variety of music performed during the adjudicated sessions.

At the conclusion of the evening a number of scholarships will be presented to deserving students to help them further their musical studies. The funds are generously donated by individuals organizations and business across the county who want to show their support for music education.

The public is warmly invited to attend the highlight concert this Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. Tickets are just $7.50 and are available at the door.