The last string has been plucked and all of the musicians have packed up and gone home, but the melodies will linger on in the hearts of Orcas Islanders.

The 12th Annual Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival wrapped up its two weeks of concerts on Aug. 29, which covered everything from the classics to more modern compositions.

“I’ve had more extreme feedback this year,” Artistic Director Aloysia Friedmann said. “There have been ecstatic people saying, ‘you’re a risk taker. I appreciate your courage for programming.’ There will always be an element of adventurous programming in the festival.”

This year’s event focused on the composers Mendelssohn and Dvorák and featured younger musicians who brought a new element to the festival. Among Friedmann’s more unconventional selections was pianist Gabriel Kahane, who was also the Musician in Residence. His father, Jeffrey, performed as well.

“Kahane’s music is important in today’s evolution of music,” Friedmann said. “I’m proud of the audiences here; they are great listeners. I appreciate their openness to hearing something unusual.”

George Shangrow returned as the guest lecturer for Music Lovers’ Seminars, and violinist Mark O’Connor both performed and presented a seminar.

Friedmann says scheduling the programming is like a “huge jigsaw puzzle.”

“I try to be thoughtful with who I select. I’m always open to having comments and critiques, but I feel happy with the festival in every way. It’s been a phenomenal two weeks. Everything from the brilliance of artists and the magic they bring to the stage to the incredible behind the scenes work from volunteers and the staff.”

More than 100 chamber festival volunteers were honored during a party, where they received tiny bags filled with M&Ms stamped with “thank you” and “OICMF.”

Friedmann says the musicians feel an unparalleled connection to Orcas.

“It’s gratifying to me to once again see how all the musicians truly appreciate being here,” she said. “They say there’s no other festival like it. And they form friendships with their host families, the chefs, and all of the volunteers.”

All 19 musicians and OICMF board members went on an Eclipse Charters boat trip, where they saw a pod of orca whales emerge out of the mist.

“It was a very special moment,” Friedmann said.