Music In The Mountains
Classical Music Festival In Durango
The mountains are alive with the sound of music this summer when this classical festival comes to Durango each summer. For the last three decades the Music in the Mountains Festival has brought the sounds of classical music to the scenic town of Durango, Colorado. This exciting musical event features a number of high caliber performances, including orchestra, chamber and conservatory performances of classical and world music.
The 2023 Music In The Mountains Festival will take place at venues across the region from July 6-July 30, 2023.
History of the Festival
The Music in the Mountains Festival was originally founded in 1987 by conductor Mischa Semanitzky. It was created with the support of The Durango Herald, Fort Lewis College, the Bank of Colorado, Morley Ballantine and Durango Mountain Resort. In 2008 the principal horn player for the Dallas Symphony, Gregory Hustis, became the new Artistic Director– succeeding Semanitzky. Members of the Dallas Symphony were very important in the original formation of the festival and the event maintains a lot of strong ties to the Dallas Music Community.
Performers
This year will be an incredible year for Music in the Mountains, with plenty of performances lined up. A full schedule has not been released, however many of the performers have already been named. Festival favorites returning this year include Vadim Gluzman, violin; Chris French, cello; Tomoko Kanamaru, piano; Katherine Young Steele, oboe, and more.
Performers
Venues
A wide variety of venues are utilized, with plenty of new locations to be highlighted. This year's venues include the St. Columbia Church, the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, Glacier Club Valley Clubhouse, Le Platt's Pond, Reising Stage, River Bend Ranch, Roshong Hall at Fort Lewis College, Sky Ute Casino Events Center, Sunflower Theatre, Wagon Road Ranch and a brand new Mobile Stage.
2023 Venues
Free Ticket Program
Music in the Mountains is offering a Free Festival Ticket Program that allows all students age 7 - 18 and one accompanying adult a ticket to select classical orchestra or chamber concerts this year. Those wishing to participate must visit the Music in the Mountains Festival Office and fill out a ticket order. Tickets are then held at will-call where you can pick up your physical tickets. All you have to do is show your student ID to the attendant.
Tips for Visiting the Festival
If you are planning on taking part in the festival this year, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
- Tickets for the concerts can be purchased online up until noon on the day of the concert.
- Many performances are held within a tent which can be cool in the evenings, so bring along a coat or a sweater.
- Comfortable shoes are recommended, as walking to the festival tent requires walking up a set of stairs and down a paved foot path.
- It is also possible to purchase a “Grass Pass” so that you can sit outside on the grass and listen. The musicians on stage will not be visible, but the tickets are only $5 so it is a nice way to enjoy the music on a budget while admiring the sights of the San Juan Mountains.
- It’s a good idea to plan for lodging nearby the event. Cozy vacation rentals are a great option for some relaxation and privacy on your trip, while area hotels will keep you close to the action with plenty of awesome amenities.
Please check back for more information on the Music in the Mountains Festival, including a full schedule events that will be available in the coming months.
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