Classical musical talent from across the world is coming to the Iron Range.

The 14th annual Northern Lights Music Festival, a three-week extravaganza featuring world caliber classical musical performances, opens Sunday, July 2, and runs for three weeks in communities across northeastern Minnesota.

“It started out as a way to bring some action to the community,” said Veda Zuponcic, an Aurora native and concert pianist who founded the festival. “It’s now a big operation with over 100 people who come in from all over the world to perform.”

Internationally known performers in opera, chamber music and orchestra, along with award-winning young performers, will conduct musical performances, chamber music coachings, masterclasses, and daily lessons over the three-weeks.

It’s an opportunity for northeastern Minnesotans and visitors to be entertained by the music of composers such as Tchaikovsky and Copland performed by renowned musicians from Russia and across the United States.

Gavriel Heine of the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg, Russia, is the festival’s conductor/music director.  Russian bass Maxim Mikhailov performs, teaches and directs the festival’s opera.  

“If you like classical music, symphony or opera, it’s for you,” said Zuponcic of the festival.

Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation is supporting the festival with a Culture & Tourism grant. 

Events begin at 2 p.m., Sunday, July 2, with a Vance Gellert “Iron Country” photography exhibit at Veda Zuponcic Auditorium Lobby at Mesabi East High School in Aurora.

A Gala Opening Concert is at 4 p.m., Sunday, July 2, at Mesabi East High School Auditorium featuring violin, cello and piano performances.

A Festive Fourth! Northern Lights Music Festival orchestra concert is at 4 p.m., Tuesday, July 4, at Mesabi East High School Auditorium.

Free “Kids for Kids” concerts are at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 5, at Aurora Public Library and 11 a.m., Thursday, July 6, at Virginia Public Library.  

Over the three weeks, a variety of additional musical performances will be held in Aurora, Chisholm, Virginia, Eveleth, Duluth, Hibbing, Ely, Grand Marais, and Bemidji, concluding July 23.

“It’s all because of Aurora,” said Zuponcic, who was born in Aurora and has performed on four continents. “In our little way, it’s a contribution to our home town.”

Tickets for ticketed events are available online, at the door, or at Bradach Lumber in Aurora; Schmitt Music in Virginia; Valentini’s Supper Club in Chisholm; or Kess Gallery & Frame Shop in Ely.  

Visit www.northernlightsmusic.org for a complete schedule and additional information.