The Sun Valley Summer Symphony will perform 15 free concerts in 24 days for its 29th annual Summer Concert Series, July 28 to Aug. 20. A public party to celebrate new office space will be held on Monday, June 24.
Composed of 115 musicians from world-class orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony and St. Louis Symphony, the Sun Valley Summer Symphony is the largest privately funded free-admission orchestra in America.
Programming is diverse, ranging from Debussy’s poetic “La Mer” to Stravinsky’s groundbreaking “The Rite of Spring,” celebrating its 100th-anniversary this year. Pops night—a “Bond and Beyond” tribute to the music of James Bond films—and the annual afternoon Family Concert designed for all ages are perennial favorites.
Sun Valley Summer Symphony Music Director (and Music Director of the Marin Symphony), Alasdair Neale leads the orchestra at the Sun Valley Pavilion. Attendees can choose to sit inside the natural stone and partially open air 1,561-seat pavilion or picnic outside on the expansive lawn. Most every point has access to an LED screen and professional sound.
The season kicks off with the Edgar M. Bronfman “In Focus” series, July 28 through Aug. 2, a series of intimate musical performances and discussions that take attendees inside the music with historical context and musical analysis. Led by Neale and Assistant Conductor Teddy Abrams, this year’s “The Sacred and the Profane” four-event series will explore music by composers from Bach through the present.
On Sunday, Aug. 4, violin virtuoso Midori will headline the free opening-night concert, performing Beethoven’s Concerto in D Major for Violin, Opus 61. A ticketed benefit concert Aug. 8 with Wynonna is sold out.
The concert series continues through Aug. 20. Rising star pianist Joyce Yang, whose music was described by The Washington Post as “poetic and sensitive pianism … capable of hurling thunderbolts,” will perform R. Strauss and Tchaikovsky on Aug. 7. Soprano Debbie Gravitte will join for the Aug. 10 Bond tribute, which includes popular works such as the recent “Skyfall” theme from Adele and the classic “Goldfinger” theme.
In keeping with its mission of community involvement, the symphony sponsors a year-round School of Music for students ages 9-18, Summer Music Workshops and adult education programs.
After having an administrative office for nine years in the Gail Severn Gallery building, the symphony has announced a new home on the ground floor of the 120 Building at the corner of Second Street and Second Avenue in Ketchum. On Monday, June 24, from 5-7 p.m., the community is invited to join Neale, symphony staff and supporters for a reception to celebrate the new space.
According to symphony Executive Director Jennifer Teisinger, the move was precipitated by a low-cost commercial real estate opportunity and the chance to establish a permanent administrative home.
“While we loved the beautiful art and views of our previous office, this location offered the opportunity to build out an interior specific to our needs and establish an affordable, long-term home in the community,” Teisinger said.
Local architecture firm Ruscitto/Latham/Blanton Architectura created the contemporary new interiors, with custom glass walls and espresso-stained rift oak accents. Elias Construction handled the work.
For information on Sun Valley Summer Symphony concert series, call 622-5607 or visit www.svsummersymphony.org.
Open house
New location: 120 Building, corner of Second Street and Second Avenue, Ketchum.
When: Monday, June 24, from
5-7 p.m.