West Michigan is the final stop for a talented international tour
The sound of international music will fill the air on Monday, July 14 at 2:30 p.m. when the RhineTalents Youth Concert Band from St. Gallen, Switzerland performs a free concert at the Stewart Shell at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp.
Image courtesy of Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp
This talented wind orchestra, made up of 50–65 musicians ages 16 to 25, is wrapping up their 10-day U.S. tour right here in our community. The RhineTalents, primarily from the Rhine Valley in Switzerland, have a passion for taking on new musical challenges and bringing works by Swiss composers to audiences both at home and abroad.
West Michigan marks the final stop on their journey, following visits to Chicago, Grosse Pointe, and Manchester/Ann Arbor. Their time here is made even more meaningful thanks to the generosity of host families in the White Lake and Muskegon area, who are housing the musicians from July 13–17.
Their visit is sponsored in part by the Blue Lake International Exchange Program, a long-standing initiative that brings global youth music experiences to local communities.
“We are very excited to welcome to West Michigan the RhineTalents of St. Gallen, Switzerland,” said Rich Erne, Director of Arts Programs at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp.
The group is led by Michael Wachter, a longtime friend of Blue Lake, and aims to make Swiss musical treasures accessible to wider audiences through youthful energy and exceptional skill.
A special thanks goes out to Emma Greenwood (Montague) and Angelina Jerome (Reeths-Puffer) for their behind-the-scenes work in organizing host families for every student and adult traveling with the band. Their efforts ensured a warm, welcoming stay for the visiting musicians during their final days in the U.S.
Catch this rare and inspiring cultural experience right in our backyard. The concert is free and open to the public—a wonderful opportunity to enjoy international music without leaving town.
RhineTalents Youth Concert Band
Monday, July 14
2:30 PM
Stewart Shell, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp
Free Admission
Learn more about the band at www.rhinetalents.ch
Come celebrate music, culture, and community—right here in West Michigan.
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