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 2021 Music In The Mountains Festival will take place at venues across the region from July 11- August 1, 2021. This year promises to be the most memorable summer yet, celebrating the 35th anniversary of this iconic Durango event.
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.
2021 Performers
2021 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 Emmanuelle Boisvert, violin; Chris French, cello; Katherine Young-Steele, oboe; Laura Leisring, bassoon, and more.
2021 Venues
A wide variety of venues will be utilized in 2021, with plenty of new locations to be highlighted. This year's venues include the Bayfield Performing Arts Center, Cascade Village, 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.
Free Ticket Program
Music in the Mountains is offering a Free Festival Ticket Program that allows all 8th grade students and one accompanying adult a ticket to select classical orchestra or chamber concerts this year. Those wishing to participate must fill out a voucher letter and bring it to the main office at 515 E College Drive in Durango with a current report card on or after June 17.
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 will go on sale for the 2021 events on the Music in the Mountains website on Monday April 12th.
- 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 2021 Music in the Mountains Festival, including a full schedule events that will be available in the coming months. Don't forget to mark your calendar to buy your tickets beginning April 12, 2021.
