The Sun Valley Artist Series is gearing up for its second season with free Great Composers Lectures and world-class performers. Tickets for the series will go on sale today, Nov. 17. The second season will begin with harpsichordist David Tacher, who will give a presentation and performance on the works of baroque Italian composer Giuseppe Domenico Scarlatti on Sunday, Nov. 21, at 4 p.m. at the Sawtooth Botanical Garden south of Ketchum. This Great Composers Lecture for the Sun Valley Artist Series is free.
Over the course of the winter, the series will present five other concerts at the Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood in Ketchum. They will include Sharon Isbin on guitar on Dec. 11, Ben Hong on cello and Peter Henderson on piano on Feb. 12, the Italian Saxophone Quartet on March 25 and the St. Petersburg String Quartet on April 30. All shows start at 7 p.m.
"As artistic director of SVAS, I feel a responsibility and desire to bring classical music of excellence to this valley on a regular basis throughout the year," said Susan Spelius Dunning. "There is no denying the power and beauty and depth of classical music when presented in the right setting and in a format that is accessible to everyone."
The winter concerts will be sold as a series, with all five performances, selected pre-concert talks and post-concert "Meet the Artists" receptions priced at $215, which includes tax and fees. Based on last year's attendance, the series is expected to sell out quickly.
"I believe that to integrate the arts into our everyday lifestyle brings more purpose and depth to our lives, whether it be in the form of the visual arts, theatre, literature or music," Dunning said. "I am selecting artists who prepare programs that are short in length and repertoire that is captivating and accessible to all. In addition, I believe that the Great Composers Lecture Series will enlighten and inspire even more interest in classical music and a deeper understanding and appreciation of the arts in general."
Individual concert tickets will be sold only if available. For more information about the Sun Valley Artist Series' 2010-211 season, or to buy tickets for the series, visit www.svwas.org or call (208) 725-5807.
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com
David Tacher will give a free performance at the Sawtooth Botanical Garden on Sunday, Nov. 21, at 4 p.m. for the Sun Valley Artist Series. Photo by
