Festival needs better balance between classical, popular music

It was disappointing to have read recently of the circumstances that will cause the executive director of The Festival at Sandpoint to be leaving her position. However, I feel that The Festival’s board of directors took the correct approach to an unfortunate situation. Now, in a “lemons-to-lemonade” opportunity, it may be time to take a good look at The Festival; steering it back toward its original focus.

As a Festival Board Member (during the 2nd through 5th seasons) I have watched The Festival change. Originally its orientation was much more toward classical music awareness and performance. The Festival had a world renowned artistic director in Gunther Schuller, chamber music workshops with numerous public performances, and a conductors training program that gave its attendees the opportunity to conduct a symphony orchestra. The Festival had the potential to become a pre-eminent institution in the world of classical music.

Over the years the focus has shifted toward popular music. There are undoubtedly viable practical reasons for the shift. I feel however, that the shift has gone too far astray from the original intended purpose of The Festival at Sandpoint.

While I have enjoyed many of the popular programs, I hope The Festival Board will take this opportunity to reorient the focus of The Festival and find a more even balance between classical and popular music performances. Perhaps, in its search for a new executive director, such a balance should be a consideration.

I would encourage other festival-goers, who may feel as I do, to express their opinion directly to The Festival at Sandpoint.

GEORGE LOUSTALET

Priest River