Join us for an unforgettable season!

Music in the Mountains means summer fun, shared experience, and live, world-class music!

We are eager to share this schedule of events with you in the anticipation that 2024 will be a most memorable summer in our 38-year history. Enjoy performances ranging across eras, genres, and composers, all performed in incredible settings in Southwest Colorado.

Schedule of Events:

Free Mobile Stage Concerts:

July 11, 2024:

11:00 am: Free Mobile Stage Concert: Wildwood Reed Trio in Durango

Join us for a Free community concert on our custom-built mobile stage featuring the Wildwood Reed Trio!

Our mobile stage is designed to deliver free world-class classical music concerts throughout the region. Join us on Thursday, July 11th at 11:00 am at Cottonwood Park in Durango to hear a performance by the Wildwood Reed Trio.

The Wildwood Reed Trio: Tucson based Wildwood Reed Trio brings together Max Adler, principal oboe of Tucson Symphony, Jackie Glazier, Associate Professor of clarinet at the University of Arizona, and Marissa Olegario, principal bassoon of Tucson Symphony and Assistant Professor of bassoon at the University of Arizona. Together, the dynamic trio has delighted audiences across Arizona and the Southwest, engaging audiences with unique programs that span the repertoire from Baroque to newly commission works.

Location: Cottonwood Park, Next to Animas Valley Elementary, Durango, CO 81301.

2:00 pm: Free Mobile Stage Concert: Wildwood Reed Trio in Durango

Join us for a Free community concert on our custom-built mobile stage featuring the Wildwood Reed Trio!

Our mobile stage is designed to deliver free world-class classical music concerts throughout the region. Join us on Thursday, July 11th at 2:00 pm in Three Springs in Durango to hear a performance by the Wildwood Reed Trio.

The Wildwood Reed Trio: Tucson based Wildwood Reed Trio brings together Max Adler, principal oboe of Tucson Symphony, Jackie Glazier, Associate Professor of clarinet at the University of Arizona, and Marissa Olegario, principal bassoon of Tucson Symphony and Assistant Professor of bassoon at the University of Arizona. Together, the dynamic trio has delighted audiences across Arizona and the Southwest, engaging audiences with unique programs that span the repertoire from Baroque to newly commission works.

Location: Three Springs, 151 Heritage Lane, Durango, CO 81301.

7:00 pm: Free Mobile Stage Concert: Wildwood Reed Trio in Pagosa Springs

Join us for a Free community concert on our custom-built mobile stage featuring the Wildwood Reed Trio!

Our mobile stage is designed to deliver free world-class classical music concerts throughout the region. Join us on Thursday, July 11th at 7:00 pm in Town Park in Pagosa Springs to hear a performance by the Wildwood Reed Trio.

The Wildwood Reed Trio: Tucson based Wildwood Reed Trio brings together Max Adler, principal oboe of Tucson Symphony, Jackie Glazier, Associate Professor of clarinet at the University of Arizona, and Marissa Olegario, principal bassoon of Tucson Symphony and Assistant Professor of bassoon at the University of Arizona. Together, the dynamic trio has delighted audiences across Arizona and the Southwest, engaging audiences with unique programs that span the repertoire from Baroque to newly commission works.

Location: Town Park, Corner of Hermosa St. and Hot Springs Blvd, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.

July 12, 2024:

11:00 am: Free Mobile Stage Concert: Denver Brass Quintet in Mancos

Join us for a Free community concert on our custom-built mobile stage featuring the Denver Brass Quintet!

Our mobile stage is designed to deliver free world-class classical music concerts throughout the region. Join us on Friday, July 12th at at 11:00 am in Boyle Park in Mancos to hear a performance by the Denver Brass Quintet.

The Denver Brass Quintet: The Denver Brass was founded in 1981, as an all-new, one-of-a-kind brass chamber ensemble which would be in the forefront of performance, entertainment, commissions and education.  Today, The Denver Brass is an elite ensemble recognized throughout the U.S. and the world as one of the premier ensembles of its kind – setting itself apart through its sound, original repertoire, recordings and concert productions.  They perform their own original compositions and arrangements, and their trademark sound features a dazzling array of more than 13 distinct brass instruments plus percussion, to produce a rainbow of sound phenomena.

Location: Boyle Park, 150 Grand Ave, Mancos, CO 81328.

2:00 pm: Free Mobile Stage Concert: Denver Brass Quintet in Durango

Join us for a Free community concert on our custom-built mobile stage featuring the Denver Brass Quintet!

Our mobile stage is designed to deliver free world-class classical music concerts throughout the region. Join us on Friday, July 12th at at 2:00 pm in Claire Viles Park in Durango to hear a performance by the Denver Brass Quintet.

The Denver Brass Quintet: The Denver Brass was founded in 1981, as an all-new, one-of-a-kind brass chamber ensemble which would be in the forefront of performance, entertainment, commissions and education.  Today, The Denver Brass is an elite ensemble recognized throughout the U.S. and the world as one of the premier ensembles of its kind – setting itself apart through its sound, original repertoire, recordings and concert productions.  They perform their own original compositions and arrangements, and their trademark sound features a dazzling array of more than 13 distinct brass instruments plus percussion, to produce a rainbow of sound phenomena.

Location: Claire Viles Park, 245 E Park Ave, Durango, CO 81301.

6:30 pm: Free Mobile Stage Concert: Denver Brass Quintet in Durango

Join us for a Free community concert on our custom-built mobile stage featuring the Denver Brass Quintet!

Our mobile stage is designed to deliver free world-class classical music concerts throughout the region. Join us on Friday, July 12th at 6:30 pm in Buckley Park in Durango to hear a performance by the Denver Brass Quintet.

The Denver Brass Quintet: The Denver Brass was founded in 1981, as an all-new, one-of-a-kind brass chamber ensemble which would be in the forefront of performance, entertainment, commissions and education.  Today, The Denver Brass is an elite ensemble recognized throughout the U.S. and the world as one of the premier ensembles of its kind – setting itself apart through its sound, original repertoire, recordings and concert productions.  They perform their own original compositions and arrangements, and their trademark sound features a dazzling array of more than 13 distinct brass instruments plus percussion, to produce a rainbow of sound phenomena.

Location: Buckley Park, 1250 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301.

July 13, 2024:

11:00 am: Free Mobile Stage Concert: KAIA String Quartet in Bayfield

Join us for a Free community concert on our custom-built mobile stage featuring the KAIA String Quartet!

Our mobile stage is designed to deliver free world-class classical music concerts throughout the region. Join us on Saturday, July 13th, at 11:00 am in Eagle Park in Bayfield to hear a performance by the KAIA String Quartet.

The KAIA String Quartet: From the tango of the Rio de la Plata to the string quartets of Silvestre Revueltas, the KAIA String Quartet is an ensemble devoted to promoting the rich and colorful music of Latin America. They are active performers in both the US and abroad and their music has been described as beautifully blurring the lines between jazz, classical, Latin and world music.

Location: Eagle Park, 1189 Bayfield Pkwy, Bayfield, CO 81122.

2:00 pm: Free Mobile Stage Concert: KAIA String Quartet in Ignacio

Join us for a Free community concert on our custom-built mobile stage featuring the KAIA String Quartet!

Our mobile stage is designed to deliver free world-class classical music concerts throughout the region. Join us on Saturday, July 13th, at 2:00 pm at Shoshone Park in Ignacio to hear a performance by the KAIA String Quartet.

The KAIA String Quartet: From the tango of the Rio de la Plata to the string quartets of Silvestre Revueltas, the KAIA String Quartet is an ensemble devoted to promoting the rich and colorful music of Latin America. They are active performers in both the US and abroad and their music has been described as beautifully blurring the lines between jazz, classical, Latin and world music.

Location: Shoshone Park, 400 Shoshone Ave, Ignacio, CO.

6:30 pm: Free Mobile Stage Concert: KAIA String Quartet in Durango

Join us for a Free community concert on our custom-built mobile stage featuring the KAIA String Quartet!

Our mobile stage is designed to deliver free world-class classical music concerts throughout the region. Join us on Saturday, July 13th, at 6:30 pm at Buckley Park in Durango to hear a performance by the KAIA String Quartet.

The KAIA String Quartet: From the tango of the Rio de la Plata to the string quartets of Silvestre Revueltas, the KAIA String Quartet is an ensemble devoted to promoting the rich and colorful music of Latin America. They are active performers in both the US and abroad and their music has been described as beautifully blurring the lines between jazz, classical, Latin and world music.

Location: Buckley Park, 1250 Main Avenue, Durango, CO 81301.

All Ticketed Events:

July 19, 2024:

7:00 pm: Candlelight Concert

Enjoy this special chamber concert played by the light of over 1,000 candles, creating an awe-inspiring experience.

Pieces to be performed include:

GEORG PHILIPP TELEMANN: Viola Concerto in G
GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL: Harp Concerto in B-flat
JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH: Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G
GIUSEPPE TARTINI: Violin Sonata in G minor, GT 2.g05, “Devil’s Trill”
MAURICE RAVEL: Introduction and Allegro for Harp, Flute, Clarinet, and String Quartet

Join us for a free pre-concert lecture at 6:00 pm at the Center for Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College, presented by Dr. Linda Mack Berven.

Location: Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, 1000 Rim Drive, Durango, CO 81301.

Cost: $35 - $50

Buy Tickets

July 20, 2024:

7:00 pm: Satchmo Scattin' and Swingin'

Byron Stripling, conductor, trumpet, vocal

Byron Stripling’s electrifying and heartfelt performances have taken the pops orchestra genre by storm. With his engaging rapport, jazzy vocals, and virtuosic trumpet sounds, Byron dazzles! Hear his renditions of Danny Boy, Maple Leaf Rag, When the Saints Go Marching In, and more. Let the spirit of New Orleans fill your soul!

Location: Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, 1000 Rim Drive, Durango, CO 81301.

Cost: $50 - $70

Buy Tickets

July 21, 2024:

5:00 pm: Kinetic Brilliance

Guillermo Figueroa, conductor
Hina Khuong-Huu, violin

Maestro Guillermo Figueroa, conductor, leads our Festival Orchestra as they’re joined by 2023 Elmar Oliveira International Violin Competition winner Hina Khuong-Huu for a special evening of world-class classical music.

Pieces to be performed include:

GALA FLAGELLO: Vitality
ÉDOUARD LALO: Symphonie espagnole in D minor, Op. 21, featuring Hina Khuong-Huu, violin
JOHANNES BRAHMS: Symphony No. 2 in D, Op. 73

Join us for a free pre-concert lecture at 4:00 pm at the Center for Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College, presented by Dr. Linda Mack Berven.

Location: Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, 1000 Rim Drive, Durango, CO 81301.

Cost: $50 - $70

Buy Tickets

July 23, 2024:

5:30 pm: Perfectly Paired featuring Boyd Meets Girl

European-inspired Kennebec Café offers a unique dining experience for this intimate evening! Enjoy a delectable multi-course menu (see below), including wine and a glass of bubbly to kick things off, all at the foot of the breathtaking La Plata Mountains. Dinner will be followed by a performance on the Kennebec’s beautiful patio by Boyd Meets Girl. Described as “Beguiling…fascinating…enchanting” (Gramophone magazine), Boyd Meets Girl pairs Australian classical guitarist Rupert Boyd with American cellist Laura Metcalf, who will perform musical arrangements from Debussy and Bach to Radiohead and Michael Jackson.

Take a sneak peek at the amazing menu for this wonderful evening!
Ticket includes one glass of bubbly and two glasses of house wine. Full cash bar available.

Passed Hors d’ Oeuvres
Sundried Tomato Bruschetta
Liver Pâté Crostini
Gougères
Red and Green Grapes with Smoked Almonds

Salad
Warm Goat Cheese Salad with an Olive Sable butter lettuce, toasted walnuts and melted cherry tomatoes mustard/cider vinaigrette

Entrée
Cornish Hen with an Orange/ Cointreau Glaze
OR
Globe Artichoke w/ Ricotta and Mushroom Duxelles with a shallot/cream sauce (vegetarian)

Buttered/Parsley Baby Red Potatoes
Haricot Verte with Toasted Pinons
House Made Ciabatta and Challah

Dessert
Cherry/Almond Tarte w/ Chocolate Crème Anglaise

This is an evening you won’t want to miss!

Location: Kennebec Cafe, 4 County Road 124, Hesperus, CO 81326.

Cost: $175

Buy Tickets

July 24, 2024:

5:30 pm: Dinner and Family Concert

Guillermo Figueroa, conductor
Paul Singer, narrator
Drea Pressley, soprano

Join us for a hot dog and root beer float prior to this Festival Orchestra concert designed for children and their families!

“You will love it, Sam-I-Am!” Enjoy a merry, whiz-bang romp through the Dr. Seuss classic that incorporates sophisticated references to familiar classical and popular music. Next up is Rossini’s Overture to William Tell, one of the world’s most recognizable and loved pieces, often used in radio, television, and film as the theme from The Lone Ranger. This high-energy concert will delight music enthusiasts of any age!

Pieces to be performed include:

ROBERT KAPILOW: Dr. Seuss’s Green Eggs and Ham

GIOACHINO ROSSINI: Overture to William Tell

5:30 p.m. Hot dog dinner in the Community Concert Hall courtyard

6:30 p.m. Concert

Location: Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, 1000 Rim Drive, Durango, CO 81301.

Cost: $5

Buy Tickets

July 26, 2024:

7:00 pm: Bravissima!

Guillermo Figueroa, conductor
Olga Kern, piano

Enjoy an evening of remarkable music when Maestro Guillermo Figueroa, conductor, leads our Festival Orchestra as they’re joined by Olga Kern, piano, gold medal winner of the Van Cliburn Competition.

Pieces to be performed include:

FELIX MENDELSSOHN: Symphony No. 3 in A minor, Op. 56, “Scottish”
SERGEI RACHMANINOFF: Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18, featuring Olga Kern, piano

Join us for a free pre-concert lecture at 6:00 pm at the Center for Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College, presented by Dr. Linda Mack Berven.

Location: Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, 1000 Rim Drive, Durango, CO 81301.

Cost: $50 - $70

Buy Tickets

July 27, 2024:

7:00 pm: Take3

Guillermo Figueroa, conductor

TAKE3 joins forces with the Festival Orchestra for a wild and unexpected evening. This genre-defying trio infuses classical music expertise with rock-star charisma. Trained at the world’s top conservatories, TAKE3 has expanded their repertoire from Bach and Bizet to Bieber and Billy Joel. This threesome will captivate you with their infectious on-stage personalities and arrangements of top pop hits, Americana, and signature classical mashups.

Location: Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, 1000 Rim Drive, Durango, CO 81301.

Cost: $50 - $70

Buy Tickets

July 28, 2024:

5:00 pm: Bouquet of Sound

Maurice Cohn, guest conductor

Assistant Conductor for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, guest conductor Maurice Cohn will lead our Festival Orchestra for a fantastic evening of world-class classical music.

Pieces to be performed include:

MISSY MAZZOLI: These Worlds in Us
FRANZ JOSEPH HAYDN: Sinfonia Concertante in B-flat, for violin, cello, oboe, and bassoon
AARON COPLAND: Appalachian Spring Suite
MANUEL de FALLA: Three-Cornered Hat, Suite No. 2

Join us for a free pre-concert lecture at 4:00 pm at the Center for Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College, presented by Dr. Linda Mack Berven.

Location: Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, 1000 Rim Drive, Durango, CO 81301.

Cost: $50 - $70

Buy Tickets

July 30, 2024:

7:00 pm: Sundaes on Tuesday with Music for Dessert!

Artisanal ice cream meets exceptional classical music at this one-of-a-kind evening! Experience this perfect summertime concert at the beautiful River Bend Ranch with a Cream Bean Berry sundae, then hear one of the most beloved chamber works ever written, played by our illustrious principals.

LUDWIG van BEETHOVEN: Septet in E-flat, Op. 20

Cash bar will be available with select wine, beer, water, and soda available for purchase.

Location: River Bend Ranch, 27846 US Hwy 550, Durango, CO 81301.

Cost: $60

Buy Tickets

August 1, 2024:

7:00 pm: The Jacob Jolliff Band

We can’t imagine a more idyllic setting than LePlatt’s Pond for this lively evening. Known for his work with Joy Kills Sorrow, Yonder Mountain String Band, and Béla Fleck, award- winning contemporary mandolinist Jacob Jolliff was born into a musical family in Newberg, OR.

The Jacob Jolliff Band is a group of virtuosic pickers that plays Jacob’s original instrumentals, as well as showcases his singing. They tour nationally in the US and have also traveled to Scotland and Australia to perform.

You’re going to be on your feet for this one! Cash bar will be available with select wine, beer, water, and soda available for purchase.

Location: LePlatt's Pond Event Center, 311 County Road 501, Bayfield, CO 81122.

Cost: $50

Buy Tickets

August 2, 2024:

7:00 pm: Classical Hit Parade

Guillermo Figueroa, conductor

From the peaceful to the energetic, the elegant to the downright boisterous, this concert is jam-packed with “light” classics. Spanning nearly three centuries of music, you will recognize your favorites.

Pieces to be performed include:

WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART: Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, K. 492
JOHANN STRAUSS II: Thunder and Lightning Polka, Op. 324
JACQUES OFFENBACH: Overture to Orpheus in the Underworld
PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY: Capriccio Italien, Op. 45

And many more!

Join us for a free pre-concert lecture at 6:00 pm at the Center for Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College, presented by Dr. Linda Mack Berven.

Location: Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, 1000 Rim Drive, Durango, CO 81301.

Cost: $50 - $70

Buy Tickets

August 3, 2024:

6:30 pm: Pops Night! Star Wars vs. Star Trek

Richard Kaufman, conductor

It’s an intergalactic musical showdown!

Don’t miss one of our community’s most anticipated events and our biggest fundraiser of the year!

Under the masterful leadership of acclaimed Conductor Richard Kaufman, the Festival Orchestra presents popular Star Wars and Star Trek favorites.

Start your evening with cocktails and appetizers, followed by a multi-course chef-inspired dinner with wine. Then take a ride into the future with iconic John Williams’ scores such as Star Wars – the Empire Strikes Back and A New Hope along with musical themes from Star Trek.

Maestro Richard Kaufman supervised music for all MGM television and animation projects for 18 years. He continues to be one of the world’s leading conductors of film music and he regularly appears with many of the top orchestras across the globe. In May 2015, he made his conducting debut with the Boston Pops, substituting for John Williams at the Annual Pops Film Night. In 2016, Mr. Williams graciously invited him to share the podium at the annual Tanglewood Film Night, and in 2018, he again joined Mr. Williams in concerts with the Chicago Symphony. We can’t wait to welcome Maestro Kaufman back here, conducting our very own critically acclaimed Festival Orchestra!

Seating is limited and tickets will sell out fast! Tickets are $200 for General Seating and $250 for Premier VIP Seating.

6:30:  Cocktail Hour
7:30:  Dinner
8:30:  Concert

Note: Tickets include house wine; cash bar available for beer and cocktail orders.

Take a sneak peek at the out-of-this-world menu for this intergalactic evening!

Hot Apps:

Yoda Stew (Star Wars): Potatoes, Carrots, White Kidney Beans, Mushrooms, and Spinach, in Aromatic Vegetable Dashi
Targs Steam Buns (Star Trek): Marinated Pork Belly Served in Bao Steam Buns topped with Cucumber Cilantro Slaw
Deep Fried Dianoga (Star Trek): Crispy Squid dusted in Korean Spicy Mix, Fettran Sauce
Puffer Pig Riblets (Star Wars): Pork Loin Riblets, with Honey BBQ Rub
Tatooine Chilled Blueberry Bisque (Star Wars): Fresh Blueberry, Cinnamon, Ginger, and Greek Yogurt.
Klingon Gagh (Star Trek): Chilled Soba Noodle Served in a lettuce Cup, Rice Wine Vinegar, Soy Sauce

Salad:
Meiloorun and Jogan Salad: Fresh Spring and arugula Mix, topped with Fresh Dragon Fruit, Baby “Purple Beets”, Crumbled Goat Cheese, Spiced Pecans, with a Lemon-Citrus Vinaigrette

Entrees:
Star Trek-inspired Replicator “FOOD CUBE”: Roasted Cornish Game Hen stuffed with Wild Rice, Cubed Carrots, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Yellow Squash, And Mushrooms, with Vulcan Ale Herb Reduction
Star Wars-inspired Naboo Native Harvest: Balsamic-Glazed Steak Roulade, stuffed with Julienne Vegetables, Purple Potato Puree, White Asparagus, Blossom Red Wine Reduction.

Dessert:
Death Star vs The Federation: Chocolate “Irish Cream” Cake Ball, with a Cherry Compote, Graham Cracker Crumble. Vanilla “Rum” Cake Balls, with Peach Compote, Cream Anglaise

Location: Sky Ute Event Center, 14324 Hwy 172 North, Ignacio, CO 81137.

Cost: $200 - $250

Buy Tickets

August 4, 2024:

5:00 pm: Pinnacle Performance

Guillermo Figueroa, conductor
Paul Watkins, cello

Acclaimed cellist of the Emerson String Quartet, Paul Watkins will join our Festival Orchestra, led by Maestro Guillermo Figueroa, for the final concert of our 2024 Festival!

Pieces to be performed include:

MIKHAIL GLINKA: Overture to Ruslan and Ludmilla
DMITRY SHOSTAKOVICH: Cello Concerto No. 1 in E-flat, Op. 107, featuring Paul Watkins, cello
LUDWIG van BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 7 in A, Op. 92

Join us for a free pre-concert lecture at 4:00 pm at the Center for Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College, presented by Dr. Linda Mack Berven.

Location: Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, 1000 Rim Drive, Durango, CO 81301.

Cost: $50 - $70

Buy Tickets

Dates: July 11, 2024 - August 4, 2024

Location:

Various Venues,
Durango, CO 81301.

Click here for more information.