News Release

Celebrate Isle Royale National Park’s 85th Anniversary through Music and Art

Jennifer Williams

News Release Date: February 4, 2025

Contact: Christopher M. Amidon, [phone]

HOUGHTON, MICH. – On February 15, 2025, celebrate 85 years of Isle Royale National Park through music and art at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts. In partnership with Michigan Technological University (MTU), Rozsa Art Galleries, and the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra, this event highlights how the power of place inspires music and art that resonates within the human spirit.

Isle Royale National Park protects wave-washed shores, boreal forests, island-evolved wildlife, rare ecology, prehistoric copper mining, maritime culture, and more. This rugged landscape has inspired countless visitors and artists for generations, including MTU composer Libby Meyer, a past Isle Royale Artist-in-Residence. To be world premiered at this celebration, Libby composed a new Isle Royale inspired symphony, The land that speaks when we've ears to listen.
 
Isle Royale 85th Anniversary Celebration Events, Saturday, February 15, 2025.

• 5:00 – 7:00 pm: Rozsa Art Galleries: Isle Royale Artist-in-Residence Exhibit Reception
• 6:30 – 7:30 pm: Rozsa Lobby: Chat with park rangers amid Isle Royale Exhibits
• 6:45 pm: Rozsa Lobby: Meet Composer Libby Meyer
• 7:30 pm: The Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra premieres Libby Meyer's Isle Royale inspired symphony The land that speaks when we've ears to listen and performs additional works by Anton Bruckner and Aaron Copland.

Celebrating 35 years, the Isle Royale Artist-in-Residence program fosters an artistic residency amid an island wilderness. Over 130 writers, composers, painters, sculptors, dancers, and more have participated. Artist-in-Residence artwork will be on display in the Rozsa Art Galleries from January 31 through March 28.
 
For more celebration information call [phone] or visit www.nps.gov/isro. To purchase event tickets, visit the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts.

Image Credit: Northern Lights, Jennifer Williams, 1998, Oil, 52 ½” W x 16 ¾” H

www.nps.gov

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