Vail’s Hottest Summer Outdoor Festivals, Concerts & More

Bravo! Vail

June 19–July 31

The usual assemblage of America’s most revered orchestras (including the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic) returns to Vail Village’s Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater this summer, but Bravo! Vail’s 38th season opens with an orchestral newcomer. 
Led by German conductor and composer Matthias Pintscher, The Chamber Orchestra of Europe makes its Vail debut June 19–22 with Israeli American pianist Yefim Bronfman performing what are sure to be commanding renditions of Brahms’ Piano Concertos Nos. 1 and 2 as well as Chamber Orchestra performances of Stravinsky, Haydn, and Brahms’ Double Concerto for Violin and Cello.

Next, Mexico’s Sinfónica de Minería, led by Artistic Director Carlos Miguel Prieto (who owns a home in Beaver Creek), will spend its five-day residency (June 23–27) making the rounds from one end of the valley to the other. Free public performances begin in Edwards (June 23, Colorado Mountain College), followed by Gypsum (June 25, Gypsum Town Council Chambers), and culminating with an orchestral debut on June 26 at Nottingham Park’s bandshell, backdropped by the venue’s eponymous lake. The repertoire ranges from Beethoven to Latin American composers Pacho Flores, Gabriela Ortiz, and Alberto Ginastera, and features guest conductors Marin Alsop, Stéphane Denève, Jakub Hrůša, Constantine Kitsopoulos, Peter Oundjian, Rafael Payare, Santtu-Matias Rouvali, and Jeff Tyzik.

For those who relish classical music in more intimate settings, the festival’s Chamber Music Series features Artistic Director Anne-Marie McDermott pairing her piano skills with the Minería String Quartet (June 24, Donovan Pavilion), guitarist Jason Vieaux performing classical works with Escher String Quartet (June 30, Donovan Pavilion), and the world’s most famed pipa player, Wu Man, harmonizing through a strikingly international lineup of pieces with the Verona Quartet (July 8, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek).

For those who prefer chamber music paired with aperitifs and mingling, the Linda and Mitch Hart Soiree Series presents small ensemble get-togethers at private homes throughout the valley on four select dates (June 27, July 5, 17 & 24).

McDermott also guides audiences through a pair of Immersive Experiences, intimate performances of Chopin at Donovan Pavilion (July 14 & 15), while the festival’s popular Classically Uncorked series finds a new home this summer at the Vail Golf Clubhouse. Both Uncorked performances (July 30 & 31) serve as a Bravo! Vail season finale, with piano duo Anderson and Roe launching into far-reaching sets ranging from the works of Mozart to Star Wars-famed numbers by John Williams to tunes by alt-rock band Radiohead, and include complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres.

Read the full article at VailMag.com