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July 2022
Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto
For opening night, Orion Weiss, one of the most sought-after pianists of his generation, tackles one of the greatest piano concertos ever written. Filled with joy, beauty, and heartbreaking tenderness, this is not the stomping and thrashing-about Beethoven of caricature. From the rising “fountains” of piano in the opening moments, to the ever-so-soft transition from the second into the final movement, the romance of this piece distances it from its classical predecessors. The season opens with the Star Spangled Banner, of course, followed by Jesse Montgomery’s Banner, a rhapsody on the theme of its famous predecessor.
The Lighter Side of Tchaikovsky and Schubert
Tchaikovsky’s theme and variations in a Rococo style is one of the most performed cello concertos in the repertoire. The composer himself defined “Rococo” as “a carefree feeling of well-being.” It’s a warm-hearted, gracious, and charming work, featuring Amos Yang, the Festival’s own Principal Cello, as soloist. Mozart fans will love Schubert’s fifth symphony, an uplifting piece full of jaunty and light melodies, any one of which you’re likely to find yourself humming on the way home.
Orion Weiss with Festival Musicians
It’s a rare treat to hear two world-class pianists at the same time, so mark your calendars for this performance by Orion Weiss and Peter Henderson, the Festival’s Principal Keyboard. They’ll play Schubert’s Fantasy in F Minor, a haunting piece, in which according to one critic, “we hear Schubert’s soul pouring itself out like a nightingale in the flowering shrubs.” Following, Festival musicians join Weiss for Schumann’s Piano Quintet, a piece widely regarded as one of the composer’s finest compositions. It was the first piano quintet ever written and was premiered featuring the composer’s spouse, pianist Clara Schumann (a gifted musician in her own right!).
Stories and Poems
In 1942, the BBC commissioned Benjamin Britten to put six English poems to music as a portrayal of life in England. The authors included Tennyson, Blake, and Keats. Tenor Nicholas Phan and Principal Horn William VerMeulen will converse through music in Britten’s resulting Serenade for Tenor, Horn, and Strings. In Mother Goose., Maurice Ravel set five fairy tales to music as a gift to two children of his good friends for them to play on the piano. He later turned it into a complete ballet score, which the Festival Orchestra will perform in this concert.
“It’s where we all gather: it’s the center of town life
With picnic basket, folding chairs, blanket, and our two kids in tow, we find ‘our spot’ on the lawn and settle in for what we know will be a wonderful evening of music, fine dining, and chatting with friends old and new. As the glorious music wafts over us and the mountains start to change color in the background, we enjoy a wonderful family night out. And it’s free!"
Pre-Concert Chats
Located on the lawn next to the Paver Bar, these 30-minute chats offer insightful, entertaining introductions to the concerts 45 minutes before every performance at the Pavilion, except the Gala.
For more information, visit attending a concert
Festival Store
The Festival Store is open every concert day during the Summer Concert Series from 1:00 PM through 1/2 hour after the performance. It is closed during the concert. The Store is your source for information, Festival swag and CDs, picnic supplies, and lost and found.
For more information, visit Festival Store
“Everything comes together here to create truly moving musical experiences—whether you're a devoted classical music fan, or just out for a great evening.
The elevation, mountains, trees, endless sky—combined with the most welcoming of communities—inspires me and all our musicians to bring the ideas and passions of composers from across the centuries to life."
