Live classical music returned to the Sun Valley Pavilion this year, along with the Festival’s all-star orchestra and renowned guest artists. Students returned to classrooms to learn music with Festival faculty and musicians. And exuberant audiences joined in as online broadcasts in the winter and spring transitioned—with much excitement—to live, in-person concerts at the Sun Valley Pavilion. The Wood River Valley came together as one musical community again.
The impact of Festival programs can be estimated with numbers but is also revealed in the smiling faces and joyful memories of all who participate. This year’s Annual Report includes figures from throughout the year, along with narratives, photos, and videos that help tell the full story. There’s also a new concert broadcast to enjoy, available for a limited time (October 29-November 5) with this report.
Of course, the concerts and education programs exist only because of Festival supporters who value bringing live music into the lives of children and adults in the community, whether online or in person, and always for free. Your support makes it all possible. Thank you!
2021 Annual Report
WATCH AN ALL-NEW ONLINE PERFORMANCE
Available for a limited time
5 Minutes That Will Make You Love Harp Music
October 29, 6:30 PM (MT)-November 5, 6:30 PM (MT)
Gretchen Van Hoesen, Harp
Gary Shocker
Quest from Quest-Reunion
David Watkins
Fire Dance from Petite Suite for Harp
The harp is one of the oldest instruments (originating around 15,000 BC) that is still played today. It’s a fitting vehicle for the music on this program. Performed first is a work titled “Quest” from “Quest-Reunion” by Gary Shocker, a composer renowned for his melodic style and his work as one of today’s greatest flutists. Throughout the piece, contemplative phrases interplay with moments of innocence and transcendence. Following is living composer and harpist David Watkins’s award-winning “Fire Dance” from Petite Suite for Harp. Its powerful, rhythmic—and sometimes vivacious—melodies were inspired by native South American ritual dances and cultural music performed on the smaller Paraguayan harp.
Watch below or enjoy the concert (and share it with friends) from the Festival website (svmusicfestival.org), YouTube channel (youtube.com/c/SunValleyMusicFestival), and Facebook page (facebook.com/SunValleyMusicFestival).
2021 Summer Season: Music And Moments To Remember
Two years in the making, live classical music returned to the Sun Valley Pavilion this summer. Amidst the reunions and celebrations were musical moments that will resonate for years to come. Here’s a look at a few in the video below: