Washington Island Music Festival

The planning and programming for the Washington Island Music Festival can be traced back to 1990 when Milwaukee Symphony oboist Stephen Colburn and his wife soprano Marlee Sabo first visited the Island and saw its potential for classical music performance, education, and a unique community/artists partnership. After discussions with the director and Board of the Island Art and Nature Center for over a year, it was mutually agreed to attempt it with the ANC as the sponsor. Today, the Washington Island Music Festival, Inc. is an independent nonprofit organization. From a core of ten musicians performing five concerts in a week to today’s complement musicians offering concerts and lectures over two weeks, the Festival has gained strength, stature, and widespread acceptance and support in the Washington Island community.