JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING
The Grand Teton Music Festival announces a star-studded line-up to celebrate Music Director Donald Runnicles’ “Ten Years in the Tetons.” The 2016 Summer Festival runs seven weeks from July 4 to August 20 and includes more than 50 musical events. Highlights include:

Beethoven Symphony No. 9: The National Collegiate Chorale of Scotland joins the Festival Orchestra and star soloists under the baton of Maestro Runnicles (July 8 & 9).

Gala Concert with Violinist Joshua Bell: With Maestro Runnicles leading the Festival Orchestra, the virtuoso violinist performs Saint-Saëns’ Violin Concerto No. 3, “Summer” from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, as well as works by Piazzolla (July 13).

Cellist Johannes Moser: The German-Canadian cellist performs Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme, for which he won the Tchaikovsky competition’s top prize (July 15 & 16).

Violinist Nicola Benedetti: The superstar violinist performs Beethoven’s final Violin Sonata with Donald Runnicles at the piano (July 21) and concludes her residency with the Korngold Violin Concerto (July 22 & 23).

Twin Pianists the Naughton Sisters: Piano duo Christina and Michelle Naughton perform three programs of music, including Rachmaninoff’s Suite No. 2 for Two Pianos, Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of Animals, and Poulenc’s acerbic and witty Concerto for Two Pianos (July 28, 29, & 30).

Percussionist Colin Currie: One of the world’s best percussionists joins the Festival Orchestra in a performance of Rouse’s percussion concerto, Der Gerettete Alberich (August 5 & 6).

Pianist Jonathan Biss and Beethoven: The American pianist returns to Jackson Hole to present a series of Beethoven concerts, including a selection of Sonatas (August 10) and the Piano Concerto No. 2 (August 12 & 13).

Rising-star Violinist Simone Porter: The Festival’s finale features one of classical music’s bright, young stars violinist Simone Porter performing Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto (August 19 & 20).

“Ten Years in the Tetons” celebrates Maestro Runnicles’ tenth anniversary as Music Director with performances of his favorite music and musicians—all to honor his dedication and musical leadership within the Jackson Hole community and abroad. Events include weekly Festival Orchestra concerts, the Independence Day favorite Patriotic Pops, as well as weekly chamber music, interactive music lectures, and free family concerts.

To begin the festival, Maestro Runnicles brings his homeland to Jackson Hole with The National Collegiate Chorale of Scotland performing Beethoven’s monumental Symphony No. 9. Maestro Runnicles also performs as a pianist in an evening of chamber music with mezzo-soprano Kelley O’Connor and legendary cellist Lynn Harrell.

Superstar violinist Joshua Bell joins the Festival Orchestra in the second annual gala concert during the second week of the festival. Other star soloists during the seven weeks include cellist Johannes Moser, violinist Nicola Benedetti, twin pianists the Naughton Sisters, percussionist Colin Currie, pianist Jonathan Biss, and violinist Simone Porter.

Tickets are on sale now by calling 307.732.1128 or visiting GTMF.ORG. 

About the Grand Teton Music Festival (GTMF): 
The Grand Teton Music Festival has served the community of Jackson Hole with exhilarating music since 1962. At its core, GTMF presents a seven-week classical music festival each summer. Set at the foot of America’s most iconic mountain range, prestigious soloists and musicians from renowned orchestras flock to stunning Jackson Hole to renew their artistic inspiration and share in their talents and passion. Since 2006, internationally acclaimed Maestro Donald Runnicles has led the Festival as Music Director and has lifted the orchestra to new heights.

The Grand Teton Music Festival’s mission to provide exhilarating musical experiences does not stop when the summer ends. Committed to ensuring that Jackson Hole is a year round destination for the arts, GTMF provides a variety of events and community programs throughout the year. Broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD series, several education and outreach programs, and a Winter Music festival complete GTMF’s year-long programming.

For media and interview requests, please contact Brittany Laughlin, Marketing Manager, Grand Teton Music Festival: 307.733.3050