Summer Season

Extraordinary, admission-free performances, world-class musicians—and truly something for everyone: July 28-August 22, 2024

Latest Past Events

Season Finale: Mahler 5

Sun Valley Pavilion 300 Dollar Rd, Sun Valley

After hearing Sasha Cooke sing Mahler’s Rückert Lieder on August 10, audiences may recognize some themes in tonight’s symphony. The fourth movement, the Adagietto, draws explicitly from the Lieder and is recognized as a love letter from Mahler to his wife, Alma. Leonard Bernstein famously led the New York Philharmonic in a performance of the heartbreakingly beautiful Adagietto at Robert Kennedy’s funeral service in 1968. The rest of the symphony is pretty good, too.

Augustin Hadelich with Festival Musicians

Sun Valley Pavilion 300 Dollar Rd, Sun Valley

Violinist Augustin Hadelich joins Festival Orchestra musicians for an evening of chamber music featuring Brahms’s Sextet No. 1 in B-flat Major. It’s a work of infectious joie de vivre, offering both songs and dances alongside lively musical conversations between the two violins, two violas, and two cellos. The second movement’s theme and variations have been featured in settings as diverse as Star Trek: The Next Generation and the 2001 French film The Piano Teacher.

Augustin Hadelich Plays Tchaikovsky

Sun Valley Pavilion 300 Dollar Rd, Sun Valley

Vivacious and unpretentious—and both emotionally and physically exhausting to play—Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto has become so popular that it’s often performed at opening night galas. Grammy-winning violinist Hadelich performs this concerto with the Festival Orchestra on a program with Florence Price’s Andante moderato.

“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!"

—Sun Valley Resident and Lawn Super-Fan

Sun Valley Summer Symphony attendee

“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."

—Alasdair Neale, Music Director

Sun Valley Summer Symphony celebrates its 35th season and Music Director Alasdair Neale outside in front of mountain