JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING
On August 20, 2016, the Grand Teton Music Festival concluded its record-setting 2016 season with a sold-out performance. During seven weeks, the Festival presented more than 50 musical events in six different venues throughout Jackson Hole reaching a total audience of 15,000—more than the most recent census population for Jackson Hole of 10,135. This marks a 16% increase in attendance over 2015, and a total increase of 51% since 2014. This is just one of the many reasons The New York Times named the Grand Teton Music Festival as one of the top ten essential festivals in the country.
With articles frequently eulogizing the death of classical music, something special is certainly taking place in Jackson Hole. The fresh mountain air, combined with the picturesque landscapes and musician kinship, creates a utopian alchemy of beauty, deep emotion, and music. The Festival spearheaded several audience initiatives this summer, including a concert at the Pink Garter Theatre, a season-long Family Series, gallery concerts, a pop-up concert at Dornan’s, artist-in-residence programs, and a stage-seated concert. The closing concert featured a program that included the US Premiere of Kareem Roustom’s Ramal, the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto with 19-year old violinist Simone Porter, and Rachmaninoff’s epic Second Symphony featuring the Festival Orchestra under the baton of Music Director Donald Runnicles. The concert marked a fitting conclusion to Maestro Runnicles’ 10th anniversary season
Andrew Palmer Todd, Grand Teton Music Festival’s Executive Director comments, “I continue to be amazed at the level of support and enthusiasm from our local community for the Festival. While the Festival Orchestra is an all-star line up of the nation’s finest orchestra members, our musicians routinely remind us that our audience is one of the most enthusiastic and attentive in the country. This year, we were happy to welcome violin superstar Joshua Bell as our gala artist. And we continued to branch out and experiment with new venues and formats such as presenting Time for Three at the Pink Garter. Throughout the summer, we had one highlight after another while celebrating Donald Runnicles’ Ten Years in the Tetons. Grand Teton Music Festival is now a music destination for classical music lovers, and the record-breaking attendance increase speaks to the dedication of the Jackson Hole community”
Today, GTMF announces 2017 Festival highlights. The season “Come See the Stars in Jackson Hole” takes a nod to next year’s total solar eclipse with programming such as Mozart’s “Jupiter” Symphony and Holst’s The Planets. Maestro Runnicles conducts the Festival Orchestra with prominent soloists including pianist Yefim Bronfman, and violinist Augstin Hadelich. The 2017 Festival runs Monday, July 3, 2017 through Saturday, August 19, 2017.
At the Festival’s Annual Meeting, the Board of Directors recognized Dick Scarlett, one of many steadfast supporters. Mr. Scarlett has actively supported the Festival in multiple capacities as a Lifetime Director. This honor is bestowed upon individuals who have served the Festival in an exceptional capacity. Also at the Annual Meeting, the Board of Directors recognized directors Dave Augé, Ken Begelman, John Nyheim, Joni Mack, and Emily Janak who rotated off the board due to term limits. John Whitmore, John Costello and Festival Auxiliary President Pam Niner were elected to the Festival’s Board of Directors.
The Grand Teton Music Festival invites the worldwide classical music community to break attendance records again for Season 56!
About the Grand Teton Music Festival (GTMF): For seven weeks each summer, the Grand Teton Music Festival reunites a celebrated orchestra of musicians led by Music Director Donald Runnicles. Throughout the winter, GTMF provides various community outreach programs, a Winter Music series in February, as well as broadcasts from The Metropolitan Opera’s Live in HD series.
For media and interview requests, please contact Brittany Laughlin, Marketing Manager, Grand Teton Music Festival: brittany@gtmf.org or 307.733.3050.
