Philadelphia Orchestra launches Vail Music Festival residency July 6
To launch its sixth residency at the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival, The Philadelphia Orchestra presents the first of six concerts on July 6, when music director designate Yannick Nézet-Séguin makes his Vail Valley debut leading an all-Brahms program, pairing the Fourth Symphony with the Violin Concerto. This concert, with James Ehnes as soloist, marks the first of the residency’s important concerto collaborations: superstar violinist Joshua Bell makes his own Festival debut with the Mendelssohn concerto; cellist Alban Gerhardt plays the Elgar; and Gilmore Artist Kirill Gerstein undertakes Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto. On a lighter note, the Philadelphians present stars of Broadway in “Three Wicked Divas,” and accompany the spellbinding stunts of the Cirque de la Symphonie with live orchestral music. In addition to these six concerts, members of the orchestra come together to perform the beloved Mendelssohn Octet on a chamber program that also features the Festival’s returning artistic director Anne-Marie McDermott.
Now celebrating its 25th anniversary season, the Vail Music Festival runs for six weeks, from June 25 to August 4, in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Besides The Philadelphia Orchestra, it boasts residencies by two other world-class orchestras – the New York Philharmonic and the Dallas Symphony – plus chamber music, jazz, an impressive guest-star roster, numerous Festival premieres, a series juxtaposing time-honored classics with trailblazing new music, and multi-event immersions in the art of Brahms, Mendelssohn, and Gershwin. As before, large-scale concerts take place in Vail’s spectacular Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, which accommodates 1,260 guests in covered seating and an additional 1,300 on the expansive grassy hillside, with its breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains.
“We have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to take our Philadelphia Sound to the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival since 2007,” said Philadelphia Orchestra Association President and CEO Allison Vulgamore. “It offers the orchestra musicians a breathtakingly beautiful setting and venue in which to make music, for audiences that are dedicated and passionate. Our new music director, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, is excited to join the orchestra in Vail this summer, and we look forward to continuing our fruitful relationship with our colleagues at the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival.”
Becoming only the eighth music director in The Philadelphia Orchestra’s 110-year history, Yannick Nézet-Séguin assumed the title of Music Director Designate in June 2010, and looks forward to launching the inaugural season of his new directorship this fall. The appointment has already proved to be a popular one, with the Philadelphia Inquirer calling it “the number one classical music event of the year.” According to Arthur Kaptainis, music critic of the Montreal Gazette, “Yannick enjoys the success he does because he knows instinctively how to get the best result out of the orchestra he’s appearing with. He has ideas but he’s adaptable. He listens.” Similarly, Blair Bollinger, head of the Philadelphians’ Conductor Search Committee, describes how “right from the first rehearsal the orchestra really responded to him. He has a fantastically clear technique, which makes it very comfortable.” As for the Canadian conductor himself, he has committed wholeheartedly to the new appointment; he explains: “It’s my role to awaken the fire and joy of making music.”
A multi-event immersion in the music of Johannes Brahms is one of the highlights of the Vail Music Festival’s 25th anniversary season. For the opening concert of their residency, Nézet-Séguin and the orchestra couple the great German Romantic’s dark and introspective Fourth Symphony with his sole Violin Concerto, performed by violinist James Ehnes, hailed as “the Jascha Heifetz of our day” by the Globe and Mail (July 6).
The following evening, reigning Gilmore Artist Kirill Gerstein – recent Artist-in-Residence at the Houston Symphony’s RachFest and “one of the most respected pianists of his generation” (New York Times) – returns to perform Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto with the Philadelphians and Nézet-Séguin, on a program with Tchaikovsky’s final symphony, the “Pathétique” (July 7).
By contrast, on the following day the orchestra – led by assistant conductor Cristian Macelaru – provides live accompaniment to the “gravity-defying feats” (Philadelphia Inquirer) of the celebrated Cirque de la Symphonie, described by the Seattle Times as “world-class performers achiev[ing] the seemingly impossible” (July 8).
The Vail Music Festival is also renowned for its chamber music offerings, or “Big Music for Little Bands”: on July 9, members of The Philadelphia Orchestra team up to play the inimitable Octet in E-flat by Mendelssohn, the other great German Romantic whose art is explored in depth this season. Also on the program are the composer’s songs, sung by 2010 Beverly Sills Artist, soprano Susanna Phillips, to piano accompaniment from artistic director Anne-Marie McDermott. As McDermott herself explains:
“Last season, members of The Philadelphia Orchestra joined me in the first Vail performance of the small ensemble version of Mahler’s Song of the Earth. These artists glide seamlessly between the world of orchestral scores and that of chamber music. I can’t wait to hear them this summer in the Mendelssohn Octet!”
On July 11, the full orchestra comes together under the baton of Steven Reineke, music director of the New York Pops, for “Three Wicked Divas”– a program of showstoppers from Wicked, Carmen, Chicago, Phantom of the Opera, and Ragtime – which boasts the vocal talents of two Broadway stars, Helen Hayes Award-winner Stephanie J. Block and Julia Murney.
For the orchestra’s penultimate Festival appearance, guest conductor Stéphane Denève, music director of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, leads a performance of Shostakovich’s potent Fifth Symphony, together with Elgar’s Cello Concerto performed by Alban Gerhardt, judged a “remarkable musician” by the Washington Post (July 13).
The Philadelphians draw the season to a close in collaboration with one of today’s foremost violinists, Avery Fisher Prize-winner Joshua Bell, whose performances consistently generate what Gramophone magazine dubs “rock concert enthusiasm.” Making his Vail Valley debut, Bell traverses Mendelssohn’s soulful Violin Concerto under the direction of Maestro Denève, and the orchestra concludes its residency with an account of Dvorák’s sweeping Seventh Symphony (July 14).
Tickets for The Philadelphia Orchestra and other events in the Vail Music Festival’s 25th anniversary season are available for purchase at www.vailmusicfestival.org, and further details are provided below.
About the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival
The Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival was founded in 1987 by John Giovando, an attorney with a love of classical music, with eminent violinist Ida Kavafian. Through world-class performances, dedicated leadership, and generous support from the community, the Festival has grown from attracting a handful of attendees to an annual audience of more than 60,000. More than 30 distinguished soloists visit the Vail Valley to perform in chamber ensembles and as soloists with the three world-class resident orchestras. Running from late June through early August, Vail Music Festival presents the highest level of music-making in spectacular Vail Valley venues, touching the lives of thousands of people – many of whom come to the area specifically to experience the pleasures of the Festival and the beauty of the majestic Rocky Mountains. As the Philadelphia Inquirer’s David Patrick Stearns observes, “Few if any classical music institutions west of the Mississippi have flourished as Bravo! has.”
Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival 2012 Program Details
Wednesday, July 4 at 2pm
Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail
A Patriotic Celebration
Dallas Symphony Orchestra / Jeff Tyzik
Friday, July 6 at 6pm
Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail
Brahms: Violin Concerto in D, Op. 77
Brahms: Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98
The Philadelphia Orchestra / Yannick Nézet-Séguin
James Ehnes, violin
Saturday, July 7 at 6pm
Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail
Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74, “Pathétique”
The Philadelphia Orchestra / Yannick Nézet-Séguin
Kirill Gerstein, piano
Sunday, July 8 at 6pm
Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail
Cirque de la Symphonie
The Philadelphia Orchestra / Cristian Macelaru
Monday July 9 at 6 pm
Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek
Big Music for Little Bands
Mendelssohn: Songs
Brahms: Trio for viola (clarinet), cello, and piano in A minor, Op. 114
Brahms: Songs
Mendelssohn: Octet in E-flat for strings, Op. 40
Susanna Phillips, soprano
Paul Neubauer, viola
Anne-Marie McDermott, piano
Members of The Philadelphia Orchestra
Cantus Vocal Ensemble
Tuesday, July 10 at 11am
Vail Interfaith Chapel, Vail
Free & Easy
Cantus Vocal Ensemble
Tuesday, July 10 at 6pm
Edwards Interfaith Chapel, Edwards
Free & Easy
Cantus Vocal Ensemble
Tuesday, July 10 at 6pm
Debbie and Jim Schultz Residence, Mountain Star
Soirée
A Gypsy Affair
Susanna Phillips, soprano
Paul Neubauer, viola
Anne-Marie McDermott, piano
Wednesday, July 11 at 6pm
Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail
Wicked Divas: Selections from Wicked, Carmen, Chicago, Phantom of the Opera, and Ragtime
The Philadelphia Orchestra / Steven Reineke
Stephanie J. Block, vocalist
Julia Murney, vocalist
Thursday, July 12 at 11am
Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail
Family Youth Concert
Program to include:
Bach: Concerto for two violins in B minor, BWV 1043
National Repertory Orchestra / Carl Topilow
Clara Neubauer, violin
Oliver Neubauer, violin
Free
Friday, July 13 at 6pm
Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail
Elgar: Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5 in D minor, Op. 47
The Philadelphia Orchestra / Stéphane Denève
Alban Gerhardt, cello
Saturday, July 14 at 6pm
Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail
Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64
Dvorák: Symphony No. 7 in D minor, Op. 70
The Philadelphia Orchestra / Stéphane Denève
Joshua Bell, violin
Monday, July 16 at 6pm
Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek
Big Music for Little Bands
Tiempo Libre – “Bach in Havana”
Tuesday, July 17 at 6pm
Sherry and Jim Smith Residence, Arrowhead
Soirée
Anne-Marie McDermott, piano
Wednesday, July 18 at 7:30pm
Gypsum Town Hall, Gypsum
Free & Easy
Jasper String Quartet
(J Freivogel, violin; Sae Chonabayashi, violin; Sam Quintal, viola; Rachel Henderson Freivogel, cello)
Friday, July 20 at 6pm
Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail
Falla: Danza Ritual del Fuego (Ritual Fire Dance) from El Amor Brujo
Saint-Saëns: Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 22
Brahms: Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68
New York Philharmonic / Andrey Boreyko
Benjamin Grosvenor, piano
Saturday, July 21 at 6pm
Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail
Tchaikovsky: Festival Coronation March
Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 2 in G, Op. 44
Tchaikovsky: Excerpts from Act IV of Swan Lake
Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture
New York Philharmonic / Bramwell Tovey
Anne-Marie McDermott, piano
Saturday, July 21 at 8pm
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Vail
Under the Silvery Moon
25th Annual Gala
Dinner Dance and Auction
Sunday, July 22 at 6pm
Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail
Copland: Suite from Billy the Kid
Bernstein: Three Dance Episodes from On the Town, and “Glitter and be Gay” from Candide
Gershwin: “The Man I Love,” “They Can’t Take That Away From Me,” “A Foggy Day in London Town,” “Fascinatin’ Rhythm,” and An American in Paris
New York Philharmonic / Bramwell Tovey
Tracy Dahl, soprano
Monday, July 23 at 7:30pm
Cordillera Lodge and Spa
Free & Easy
Jasper String Quartet
(J Freivogel, violin; Sae Chonabayashi; violin, Sam Quintal, viola; Rachel Henderson Freivogel, cello)
Tuesday, July 24 at 6pm
Sandi and Greg Walton Residence, Arrowhead
Soirée
Yefim Bronfman, piano
Wednesday, July 25 at 6pm
Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail
Respighi: The Fountains of Rome
Vivaldi: Concerto No. 1 in E, Op. 8, RV 269, La primavera (Spring)
Vivaldi: Concerto No. 4 in F minor, Op. 8, RV 297, L’inverno (Winter)
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36
New York Philharmonic / Alan Gilbert
Sheryl Staples, violin
Thursday, July 26 at 6pm
Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail
Nielsen: Symphony No. 3, Op. 27
Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat, Op. 83
New York Philharmonic / Alan Gilbert
Jennifer Zetland, soprano
Joshua Hopkins, baritone
Yefim Bronfman, piano
Friday, July 27 at 6pm
Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail
Stravinsky: Symphony in Three Movements
Mozart: Mass in C minor, K. 427
New York Philharmonic / Alan Gilbert
Colorado Symphony Orchestra Chorus / Duain Wolfe
Jennifer Zetlan, soprano
Jennifer Johnson Cano, mezzo-soprano
Paul Appleby, tenor
Joshua Hopkins, baritone
Sunday, July 29 at 6pm
Concert Hall, Vail Mountain School
Big Music for Little Bands
Mendelssohn: Trio in C minor for piano, violin and cello, Op. 6
Brahms: Quartet No. 1 in G minor for piano and strings, Op. 25
Opus One Piano Quartet
(Ida Kavafian, violin; Steve Tenenbom, viola; Peter Wiley, cello; Anne-Marie McDermott, piano)
Monday, July 30 at 6pm
Carol and Pat Welsh Residence, Vail
Soirée
Calder Quartet
(Benjamin Jacobson, violin; Andrew Bulbrook, violin; Jonathan Moerschel, viola; Eric Beyers, Cello)
Ida Kavafian, violin
Steven Tenenbom, viola
Monday, July 30 at 7:30pm
Brush Creek Pavilion, Eagle
Free & Easy
Jasper String Quartet
(J Freivogel, violin; Sae Chonabayashi; violin, Sam Quintal, viola; Rachel Henderson Freivogel, cello)
Tuesday, July 31 at 6pm
Donovan Pavilion, Vail
Big Music for Little Bands – Silver Nights at the Donovan (Evening I)
Cosma: Promenade sentimentale from the film Diva
Couperin: L’âme-en peine (“The Anguished Soul”)
Evans: Turn Out the Stars
Scriabin: Etude No. 5 in C sharp minor, Op. 42
Korngold: (arr. Prutsman) Farewell Moon
Feldman: Intermission I
Scarlatti: Sonata K. 247
Crumb: Pastorale (from the Kingdom of Atlantis, ca. 10,000 BC) from Makrokosmos No.1
Debussy: Ce qu’a vu le vent d’Ouest (“What the West Wind Saw”)
7pm: Wine and Conversation with Performers and Composers
Anne-Marie McDermott, piano
Pedja Muzijevic, piano
Stephen Prutsman, piano
Wednesday, August 1 at 6pm
Donovan Pavilion, Vail
Big Music for Little Bands – Silver Nights at the Donovan (Evening II)
Kahane: Come on all you Ghosts (a Bravo commission)
Adès: Arcadiana for String Quartet
Schubert: “Auf dem Wasser zu Singen”
Ives: “The Things Our Fathers Loved”
Schubert: “Suleika”
Ives: “Tom Sails Away”
Schubert: “Litanei”
7pm: Wine and Conversation with Performers and Composers
7:30pm: Works for solo and four-hands piano
Schumann: Piano Quintet in E-flat, Op. 44
Gabriel Kahane, singer/composer
Calder String Quartet
Anne-Marie McDermott, piano
Pedja Muzijevic, piano
Stephen Prutsman, piano
Thursday, August 2 at 6pm
Donovan Pavilion, Vail
Big Music for Little Bands – Silver Nights at the Donovan (Evening III)
Mackey: Physical Property, I’ve Grown So Ugly – for String Quartet and Electric Guitar
Barber: String Quartet, Op. 11
Golijov: Nonet for two string quartets and double bass
7pm: Wine and Conversation with Performers and Composers
7:30pm: Schubert: Quartettsatz in C minor, D. 703
Glass: The American Four Seasons for violin and string quartet
Robert McDuffie, violin
Steve Mackey, electric guitar
Calder String Quartet
Jasper String Quartet
Saturday, Aug 4 at 6pm
Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek
4 x 4 – A Two Piano Extravaganza REDUX
Alessio Bax, piano
Anne-Marie McDermott, piano
Pedja Muzijevic, piano
Stephen Prutsman, piano
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July 2012