Classical Music
Colorado’s high country leads the way for hot spots for orchestras this summer
Academy of St Martin in the Fields, June 23-26, Bravo Vail Music Festival
The Vail music fest expands in a big way this summer, adding a new resident orchestra to its fold. And it’s a contender: London’s Academy of St Martin in the Fields, led by music director — and violin superstar — Joshua Bell. The pick of the three-concert lineup: June 23’s program, pairing Bell and the likable Jeremy Denk for Mendelssohn’s “Double Concerto for Violin and Piano.” Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail, 877-812-5700 or bravovail.org.
“Season Preview,” July 16. Colorado Symphony Orchestra.
Yes, this Colorado Symphony event at Boettcher Concert Hall is a marketing effort disguised as a free concert. But let me break that down: Free concert. Colorado Symphony. Boettcher Concert Hall. Get your tickets in advance and fast, and get a look at conductor Brett Mitchell, who comes along just as the CSO is shopping for a new music director. Boettcher Concert Hall, 303-623-7876 or coloradosymphony.org.
New York Philharmonic, July 28, Bravo Vail Music Festival
The New York Phil hangs out in Vail July 22-29, bringing outgoing music director Alan Gilbert along for a final ride. This concert has Beethoven’s masterful “Eroica” symphony and a guest appearance by soloist Leila Josefowicz, who will perform Prokofiev’s smashing Violin Concerto No. 1. Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail, 877-812-5700 or bravovail.org.
Sarah Chang, July 28, Aspen Music Festival
Aspen has plenty of attractive offerings this summer, including an ongoing exploration of 20th century modernism, a night of Flamenco dance and a look back at the history of Motown (with Smokey Robinson on stage). But there’s a barnburner in the making July 28 with violinist Chang taking on Astor Piazzolla’s “Four Seasons of Buenos Aires.” Added bonus: Héctor Del Curto starring center stage on Piazzolla’s “Bandoneon Concerto.” Harris Concert Hall, Aspen, 970-925-9042 or aspenmusicfestival.com.
CMF Goes to the Velodrome, July 29, Colorado Music Festival
The Colorado Music Festival has so much good fare this summer, including violinist Jennifer Koh at the June 30 season opener and cellist Joshua Roman on July 15. But the real adventure will be this excursion to the outdoor Boulder Valley Velodrome with a pro- gram that includes traditional classical sounds and an appearance by guest artist DJ Spooky. Boulder County Velodrome, 601 Bonnell Ave.,Erie, 720-7224237 or comusic.org.
“Time Spans,” Aug. 4-6, Crested Butte Music Festival
The major news out of Crested Butte this summer is its new Mt. Crested Butte Mirror Palace, a massive circular performance tent filled with elaborate woodwork and scores of reflective mirrors. The temporary venue will host a series of concerts, including the “Time Spans” programs of contemporary classical works by living composers. The always interesting International Contemporary Ensemble, better known as ICE, is among the guest artists. Mt. Crested Butte Mirror Palace, Crested Butte, 970-349-0619 or crestedbuttemusicfestival.org.
“Inuksuit,” Aug. 6, Bravo Vail Music Festival
Vail breaks down all the classical stuffiness for one hot and sunny August afternoon, coproducing with the Aspen Music Fest composer John Luther Adams’ “Inuksuit.” Sixty-six percussionists will disperse themselves across Minturn’s Maloit Park, performing in various configurations and generally messing with the mind of anyone who shows up to hear the daring piece. OK, we hope it’s hot and sunny on Aug. 6. Maloit Park, Minturn, 877-812-5700 or bravovail.org.
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Aug. 23-25, Aspen Music Festival
Think of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s new residency at Aspen as a lush classical dessert served up at the end of a rich season. The PSO brings with it respected conductor Manfred Honeck and some surprise soloists, including Pinchas Zukerman, who joins for an Aug. 23 program featuring Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4 and Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1. Benedict Music Tent, Aspen Music Festival, 970-925-9042 or aspenmusicfestival.com.