Eyeful Of Grand Vistas, Earful Of Great Music: Critics Hit Bravo! Vail

VAIL, Colo. — Nestled in the mountains of Colorado, the town of Vail is practically synonymous with snow, skiing, and winter sports, but during the summer it becomes a mecca for classical music lovers with its acclaimed Bravo! Vail Music Festival. For six weeks, from June to August, Bravo! Vail offers orchestra concerts, chamber music, recitals, and music-education events, drawing more than 50,000 fans to the town, which has an elevation of 8,150 feet.

Founded in 1987 by arts administrator John Giovando and violinist Ida Kavafian, Bravo! Vail started with a few chamber concerts and a budget of $25,000. Now in its 36th season, the festival’s budget has grown to $9.2 million in support of more than 60 events, generating an economic impact of $29.2 million for Eagle County. Since 2011, it has been led by artistic director and pianist Anne-Marie McDermott; executive director Caitlin Murray joined five years ago.