Veda Zuponcic, originally from Aurora, Minnesota, created the Northern Lights Music Festival in order for young talented musicians and instructors from all parts of the world to have the opportunity for a small rural town experience, while at the same time offering the opportunity to study and perform classical music to appreciative audiences. The participants have theory classes, private lessons, play in ensembles, and perform live in the newly renovated Mesabi East High School Auditorium. Participants play an assortment of different instruments such as piano, violin, viola, cello, and clarinet. Typically, there is one big performance. This year it is “Carmina Burana” which will star Maxim Mikhailov, an internationally-known opera singer. Members of the local community have also been included in the performances.

Maxim Mikhailov has performed in opera houses world wide, such as the Paris Opera, the De Norske Opera in Oslo, the German State Opera in Berlin and many more. So, it is quite an honor to have him performing in our towns.

Performances of “Carmina Burana” were held Friday, July 9, at the University Of Minnesota, Duluth in the Weber Hall, Saturday, July 10 at the Washington Auditorium in Ely, and Sunday, July 11, in Virginia at the Roosevelt Auditorium.

Performances by students were held at the Mesabi East Auditorium. My mother teaches two classes of theory to these students and has enjoyed the opportunity to get to know the participants.

The ages of the performers range from seven through college-aged. The instructors are from colleges and universities that are known internationally.

They stayed out at Giants Ridge, experienced the local cuisine, and rode in the 3rd of July float in the Aurora parade.

So thank you Northern Lights for giving the Iron Range the opportunity to experience international, incredible music.