True North String Quartet

ESCANABA — Bay College has announced a new season of Strings on the Bay, its annual chamber music concert series, continuing a tradition of bringing high-quality performances to the community while embarking on an inspiring new chapter.

Founded by Arol Beck, a longtime Bay College trustee and dedicated arts supporter, Strings on the Bay has enriched the region for decades through exceptional musical experiences. This enduring partnership with Bay College has helped sustain and grow the series, making it a cherished part of the local cultural landscape.

After more than 30 years of artistic leadership by Paul Lundin, the series now transitions into new hands. Longtime Strings on the Bay flutist Emily Olson will step into the role of music director. Olson also serves as artistic director of Beacon Arts Michigan, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting chamber music across the Upper Peninsula and expanding access to high-quality performances, arts education, and community engagement opportunities.

All concerts will be held in the Besse Center Theater on Bay College’s Escanaba Campus. Performances begin at 7 p.m. Eastern time on select Tuesdays throughout the summer.

The 2026 Concert Schedule includes

Tuesday — Merged/Submerged with the Beacon Arts Trio: A vibrant and imaginative program featuring flute, violin/viola, and harp. This performance explores poetic landscapes, the Harlem Renaissance, and the depths of the sea.

July 14 — Once Upon a Piano, There Were Four Hands featuring Amy I-Lin Cheng and Alexander Burrow: An intimate evening featuring a mother-son duo performing solo and four-hand piano works, celebrating storytelling, legacy, and new beginnings.

Aug. 11 — American Echoes with the True North String Quartet: A powerful season finale honoring cultural heritage and community, including a special opportunity for local voices to participate in a collaborative musical experience.

Tickets are available online, at the Besse Center Box Office, or at the door prior to each performance. Admission is $15, or $7 for students through Bay College. A three-concert bundle is available for $35, a $10 savings, by going to baycollege.tix.com and using the discount code 3for35 at checkout.

Strings on the Bay is made possible through the generous support of its sponsors. Sponsorship opportunities are available for $130, which includes two tickets to each concert, recognition in the program, and a tax-deductible receipt.

For more information or to become a sponsor, go to www.baycollege.edu/strings or mail a check to: Bay College Foundation, 2001 N Lincoln Rd., Escanaba, MI 49829.