The Pine Mountain Music Festival returns in 2025 with a renewed focus on local talent and regional outreach. Executive Director Lara Neves and Artistic Director Joel Neves recently visited Public Radio 90 to share a preview of this season's highlights and the festival’s ongoing mission.
Founded in 1991, the festival has long featured world-class performances across the U.P., including opera, chamber music, and emerging artists. While a fully staged opera hasn’t been mounted since "Carmen" in 2018, the Neveses plan to change that in the near future. “It’s what the people want—and what we want, too,” said Lara.
The 2025 season opens with "Three Sopranos and a Tenor," a vocal showcase featuring Pine Mountain alumni and new faces: Kathryn Summersett, Maitri White, Julia Janowski, and Darrius Morton. “It’s a nod to the legendary Three Tenors,” said Joel, “but with a Yooper twist.”
The Bergonzi Trio—an evolution of the original Bergonzi String Quartet—returns with violinist Scott Flavin, cellist Ross Harbaugh, and pianist Lindsay Garritson. Their program blends classical masterworks with contemporary pieces, continuing a relationship with the festival that spans over two decades.
Another anticipated series is UPStarts!, which highlights emerging classical musicians from the region. This year’s performers include tenor Curt Rogan, flutist Rachel Nulf, and violinist Jane Fall-Lakatos. “It’s always inspiring to see the level of talent that’s developing right here in the U.P.,” said Lara.
Listen to Kurt's full discussion with Lara and Joel Neves:
The festival is once again reaching all three of its historical hubs—Houghton, Marquette, and Iron Mountain—with performances across the region, including a special return to The Braumart in Iron Mountain, celebrating its centennial this year.
Despite the festival’s longevity, sustainability remains a concern. “We’re proud that, except for 2020, Pine Mountain has never missed a season,” said Joel. But, with future grant funding uncertain, Pine Mountain may rely more on the support of patrons and donors.
Pine Mountain Music Festival's 2025 season at-a-glance:
- Three Sopranos and a Tenor
- June 13th, St. Paul Episcopal Church, Marquette
- June 14th, Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts, Houghton
- June 17th, Crystal Theatre, Crystal Falls
- The Bergonzi Trio
- June 18th, Iron Mountain High School, Iron Mountain
- June 20th, Children's Concert, Peter White Public Library, Marquette
- June 20th, Reynolds Recital Hall, Marquette
- June 21st, Children's Concert, Portage Lake United Church, Houghton
- June 21st, Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts, Houghton
- UPStarts!
- June 25th, Ontonagon Theatre, Ontonagon
- June 26th, The Braumart, Iron Mountain
- June 27th, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Marquette
- June 28th, Portage Lake United Church, Houghton
For performance dates, ticketing, and more information, visit pmmf.org or follow the festival on Facebook.
