OK Mozart Festival Kicks Off In Bartlesville

By Tara Vreeland, The News On 6

BARTLESVILLE, OK – The OK Mozart festival kicked of its 26th year Friday night in Bartlesville.

It may have Mozart in the name, which may make you think strictly symphony. And classical composers.

"It started out as exclusively classical music," said Charlie Daniels, OK Mozart Chairman. "That's our core."

But don't be fooled by the title.

"There is something for just about everybody," Daniels said. "We don't have punk rock. And we don't have heavy metal."

Organizers have jazzed up the festival and plan to rock out Bartlesville for nine days.

"Oh this is local fun and part of what we do in Bartlesville," said David Stewart. "Just enjoy the community and this is one of those great events. OK Mozart is so exciting yeah!"

What brought me out here? The free t-shirt and to feed the mosquitoes that's why I came out," Evelyn Meade said. "I mean we don't want them to go hungry."

New this year, a kickoff ceremony in the park.

"It's really nice that they have it at Johnstone Park instead of the parking lot," said Irene Duke.

And music mavens flipped for the opening ceremonies. Gymnasts plus the re-enactment of the very first oil rig in Oklahoma, the Nellie Johnstone.

But what really keeps bringing Oklahoma to Bartlesville year after year?

"I love music," Stewart said. "So you can't go wrong with OK Mozart."

OK Mozart has more than 75 concerts and runs through June 19th, with the grand finale concert, featuring an evening of Gershwin.

The Amici New York Orchestra will also perform during the festival, with such nationally renowned artists as Robin Sutherland and David Shifrin.

There are also children's activities including teas and luncheon.  Many of the events are free.

For more information on the festival, click here