The Orlando Chamber Soloists are back for the 7th annual Chamber Music Festival of the Black Hills. The group first came together in 2004 with professional musicians from the Boston Pops, New Jersey Symphony, Curtis Institute, Louisiana Philharmonic and orchestras throughout Florida.
The executive director of the ensemble is Rapid City native Michael Hill, principal bass of the Orlando Philharmonic. His wife, harpist Dawn Marie Edwards, serves as artistic director. They established the summer residence in the Black Hills to bring the chamber music and educational programs to the area. Along with classical series concerts in Rapid City, the group offers dozens of free educational events for children and families throughout the Black Hills and Pine Ridge Reservation.
Hill and Edwards joined Dakota Midday and discussed the wide range of musical activities going on in July during the music festival.