The season will begin on Friday, April 27. Wei Luo, born in Shenzhen, China, is a 2018 Gilmore International Keyboard Festival Young Artist Award recipient. In 2010 Wei won the first prize in the 11th Chopin International Competition for Young Pianists in Poland.

On Friday, June 29, the Series will continue with a concert by Dr. Rhea Olivacce, soprano. Dr. Olivacce grew up on the island of Dominica in the Caribbean listening to reggae and calypso, country and gospel. She began her career in opera while in college. Olivacce is an adjunct professor of voice at Western Michigan University. She received master’s and Ph.D.degrees from the University of Michigan.

Pianist Ikuyo Nakamichi from Japan, a South Haven High School graduate, will perform on Saturday, August 4. While a student here, Nakamichi studied under Phyllis Rappaport at Western Michigan University before continuing her education in Japan. After taking numerous prizes in Japan and abroad, she
began her performing activity in Europe and Japan in 1987. With a broad repertory ranging from Classical to Romantic, Nakamichi has performed as a soloist with Japan’s leading orchestras as well as many European and American orchestras. She is recognized as one of the leading Japanese pianists in terms of both popularity and ability.

The summer portion of the Series will conclude on Friday, August 31, with a concert by Grammy winner Rhonda Larson, flute, with backup musicians from her band, Ventus. Born and raised in the mountains of Montana, Larson entered the national music scene by winning first prize in the National Flute Association’s Young Artist Competition at the age of 22. Composing much of her own music, Larson’s visionary force showcases her gold flute and an array of ethnic flutes in a new and refreshing light. As a sought-after teacher, she conducts master classes at universities, flute organizations, community outreach events, and gives individual instruction.