An important date is coming up for music lovers: Wednesday, May 23. That’s the day tickets go on sale for the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival, which takes place Aug. 9 through 25.

“Early bird” patrons get up at the crack of dawn to secure the best possible concert seats. They’re greeted outside Orcas Center with coffee, goodies, music and friends. Ticket orders will be taken starting at 8 a.m.  Phone sales will begin at 10 a.m. by calling 376-2281.  Online sales will begin at noon on May 23, and continue throughout the festival. For more information, go to www.oicmf.org.

This year marks the 15th Anniversary of the nationally renowned festival. This year’s festival features two world premiere works by composer/pianist Jake Heggie, the Miró Quartet as “Quartet-in-Residence,” mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade, returning favorites Andrés Cárdenes, Chee-Yun, Ida Levin, Lorne McGhee, Monique Mead, Anne Martindale Williams, plus world famous musicians appearing on Orcas for the first time.

New events are also being planned this summer.  There will be a free concert in the Village Green, an Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival concert on Lopez Island, and Hamlet Concerts by the Miró Quartet in Olga, West Sound and Deer Harbor.

Go to www.oicmf.org. for complete concert information or call the OICMF Office at 376-6636 with questions.