Press Release: Grand Teton Music Festival Announces 2025 Summer Season July 3–August 23
Highlights Include:
World Premiere of GTMF-Commissioned song cycle by Alex Turley
Debuts by guest conductors Kevin John Edusei and Enrique Mazzola; cellist Nicolas Altstaedt and guitarist JIJI
Season-opening performances of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, performed last nearly a decade ago
Distinguished Soloists include violinist James Ehnes; mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke; pianist Andrea Lam; Time for Three; and others
Two Special Events featuring Broadway icon Patti LuPone and pianist Clayton Stephenson
Continuation of Opera Initiative with Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel
[JACKSON, WY, February 11, 2025]— Grand Teton Music Festival (GTMF) Music Director Sir Donald Runnicles and Executive Director Emma Kail are pleased to announce summer programming for its 64th festival—from July 3–August 23, 2025—featuring eight weeks of programs by the Festival Orchestra, three Gateway Series presentations, and six chamber music concerts, plus free family, education, and community engagement presentations.
Sir Donald Runnicles conducts five of the Festival Orchestra programs this summer, leading a broad range of works—including his own first performances of Mahler’s epic Seventh Symphony—as well as the world premiere of a Festival-commissioned song cycle for mezzo-soprano and orchestra by Australian composer Alex Turley.
Other programs, most of which include at least one work by an American composer, spotlight works by masters of yesterday and today, including Beethoven, Bloch, Brahms, Detlev Glanert, Mahler, Jessie Montgomery, Mozart, Kevin Puts, Rachmaninoff, Ravel, Respighi, Rodrigo, Roussel, Dobrinka Tabakova, Tchaikovsky, Verdi, and Eric Whitacre, as well as Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel in the Festival’s annual season finale semi-staged opera.
“It fills me with great pride that over the years our GTMF orchestra and audience have fully embraced and supported three pillars of our musical summer: the symphonies of Gustav Mahler, epic choral works, and opera,” said Music Director Sir Donald Runnicles. “There is already excitement and eager anticipation among our musicians and the community for the 2025 festival, when we feature the first-ever performance at the Festival of Mahler’s Seventh Symphony, the Ninth Symphony of Ludwig van Beethoven and the gloriously tuneful opera Hansel and Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck—and these are just three of the many works you will hear this season. We are so grateful for the overwhelming support and are eager to see you all this summer.”
2025 Summer Festival Highlights
Three renowned guest conductors join the Festival in 2025. Enrique Mazzola (Music Director, Lyric Opera of Chicago) and Kevin John Edusei make their GTMF debuts; Stéphane Denève returns to lead a program featuring the GTMF debut of guitarist JIJI as soloist. Mazzola conducts Verdi’s Overture to La forza del destino and Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony, along with Bloch’s Schelomo with cellist Nicolas Altstaedt in his GTMF debut, and Edusei is joined by the Time for Three string trio as the featured ensemble in Kevin Puts’ GRAMMY®-winning concerto, Contact, alongside Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture and Rachmaninoff’s Third Symphony.
“Music in the Mountains returns this summer with the Grand Teton Music Festival, and I can’t wait,” said Emma Kail, GTMF’s Executive Director. “Jackson thrives in the summer when music fills the air at Walk Festival Hall and throughout our Valley via our community programs. There’s nothing I love more than being able to hear such talented and dedicated musicians from all over the country create magical musical experiences right here in Teton County, Wyoming—for everyone!”
Large vocal works bookend summer 2025, which opens with two performances (July 3 & 5) of Beethoven’s epic Symphony No. 9, with Maestro Runnicles leading the Festival Orchestra and renowned soloists soprano Caitlin Lynch, and, in their GTMF debuts, mezzo-soprano Renée Tatum, tenor Clay Hilley, and baritone Seth Carico, with the GTMF Chorus directed by Barlow Bradford. The beloved symphony hasn’t been heard at GTMF in nearly ten years, last performed in 2016. Runnicles concludes the season with a semi-staged opera, this year featuring Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel, starring Heidi Stober and Karis Tucker in the title roles of Gretel and Hansel, respectively; Michael Chioldi as the father, Betsy Bishop as the mother, mezzo-soprano Jill Grove as the witch, and Amia Langer as sandman/dew fairy. The GTMF Chorus and cast are joined by Choristers of the Madeleine Choir School, Melanie Malinka, director. The production is directed by David Lefkowich (Aug 22 & 23).
Featured soloists this summer include acclaimed violinist James Ehnes who performs Brahms’ towering violin concerto (Aug 15 & 16), to be recorded for future release on Reference Recordings; versatile cellist Nicolas Altstaedt performing Bloch’s Schelomo (Aug 1 & 2); Australian pianist Andrea Lam in Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 and mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke in the world premiere of Alex Turley’s song cycle, the ocean’s dream of itself, commissioned by GTMF (Aug 8 & 9); the genre-bending string trio Time for Three in Kevin Puts’ concerto, Contact (July 11 & 12); and guitarist JIJI in her GTMF debut as soloist in Rodrigo’s Concerto de Aranjuez (July 25 & 26).
Two special, one-night-only events include an intimate performance with Broadway legend and Tony Award-winner Patti LuPone (July 31) and a recital by rising star pianist Clayton Stephenson (Aug 5).
The Gateway Series returns with an eclectic mix of concerts by renowned artists from a variety of musical genres on three Thursdays at 7 p.m.: Innovative ukelele master Jake Shimabukuro brings his signature style of genre-mixing (July 17); GRAMMY® Award-winning Chanticleer, the “orchestra of voices” (July 24); and the internationally renowned John Pizzarelli Trio, in classic standards, late-night ballads and, of course, jazz (Aug 7).
The annual July 4 Jayne and Al Hilde, Jr. Patriotic Pops concert returns to Center for the Arts Park, led by Resident Conductor Benjamin Manis. Join the community in this evening of celebration featuring music that celebrates the red, white, and blue. Free lawn seating; paid reserved seating available.
The Benoliel Chamber Music Series will feature six eclectic and intimate performances by Festival Orchestra musicians, including the North American premiere of a GTMF co-commissioned harp concerto by Lynne Plowman, to be performed by GTMF principal harpist Elisabeth Remy Johnson, and Peter & The Wolf, narrated by Education Curator Meagan Heinrich. Additional chamber programming and community engagement and education events, including GTMF On the Road performances, will be announced later this spring.
Live from the Grand Teton Music Festival Radio Show & Podcast
In anticipation for the summer season, listeners can now tune into the eighth season of Live from the Grand Teton Music Festival—GTMF’s national radio broadcast series co-hosted by Music Director Sir Donald Runnicles and General Manager Jeff Counts—just released to radio stations. Live from the Grand Teton Music Festival comprises 13 one-hour episodes and is a production of Classic Digital Syndications. Episodes are available to listen to on GTMF’s website and SoundCloud and as a podcast through Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Amazon. To learn more about where to listen to Live from the Grand Teton Music Festival, please visit gtmf.org/radio.
Live from the GTMF airs on Wyoming Public Radio on Wednesday evenings at 8 p.m. MT through April 30. The 13-episode show can be listened to online at wyomingpublicmedia.org. Summer 2025 concerts will be recorded for broadcast on Wyoming Public Radio in the fall of 2025.
Subscriptions to 2025 GTMF series are available now; single tickets go on sale April 8. Subscribers enjoy a $5-$10 discount off single ticket prices (excluding concerts on 7/4, 7/31, and 8/5), plus waived fees for ticket exchanges. The Fritz Box Office at Walk Festival Hall opens on June 26. For further information about purchasing tickets, please visit gtmf.org or call 307-733-1128.
2025 SUMMER SEASON DETAILS
Events will be held at the Walk Festival Hall in Teton Village unless otherwise noted.
*denotes GTMF debut
Festival Orchestra Series
Tickets $40/$85; children/students $5
Opening Night
Thursday, July 3 at 7 PM
Saturday, July 5 at 6 PM
Sir Donald Runnicles, conductor
Caitlin Lynch, soprano
Renée Tatum, mezzo-soprano*
Clay Hilley, tenor*
Seth Carico, baritone*
GTMF Chorus, Barlow Bradford, director
Eric Whitacre Lux Aurumque
Beethoven Symphony No. 9, “Choral”
Friday, July 11 at 7 PM
Saturday, July 12 at 6 PM
Kevin John Edusei, conductor*
Time for Three, guest ensemble
Beethoven Coriolan Overture
Kevin Puts Contact
Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 3
Friday, July 18 at 7 PM
Saturday, July 19 at 6 PM
Sir Donald Runnicles, conductor
Mahler Symphony No. 7
Friday, July 25 at 7 PM
Saturday, July 26 at 6 PM
Stéphane Denève, conductor
JIJI, guitar*
Jessie Montgomery Strum
Rodrigo Concierto de Aranjuez
Respighi Fountains of Rome
Roussel Bacchus and Ariadne: Suite No. 2
Bloch & Tchaikovsky
Friday, August 1 at 7 PM
Saturday, August 2 at 6 PM
Enrique Mazzola, conductor*
Nicolas Altstaedt, cello*
Verdi Overture to La forza del destino
Bloch Schelomo
Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6
Friday, August 8 at 7 PM
Saturday, August 9 at 6 PM
Sir Donald Runnicles, conductor
Andrea Lam, piano
Sasha Cooke, mezzo-soprano
Dobrinka Tabakova Orpheus’ Comet
Mozart Piano Concerto No. 23, K. 488
Alex Turley the ocean’s dream of itself (World Premiere, GTMF commission)
Ravel Daphnis and Chloé: Suite No. 2
Friday, August 15 at 7 PM
Saturday, August 16 at 6 PM
Sir Donald Runnicles, conductor
James Ehnes, violin
Detlev Glanert Weites Land
Brahms Violin Concerto
Brahms Symphony No. 4
This concert will be recorded for future release on Reference Recordings.
Friday, August 22 at 7 PM
Saturday, August 23 at 6 PM
Sir Donald Runnicles, conductor
Heidi Stober, Gretel
Karis Tucker, Hansel
Michael Chioldi, Father
Elizabeth Bishop, Mother
Jill Grove, Witch
Amia Langer, Sandman/Dew Fairy
Choristers of the Madeleine Choir School, Melanie Malinka, director
David Lefkowich, stage director
Humperdinck Hansel and Gretel
Gateway Series
Gateway Concerts are held at Walk Festival Hall
Tickets: $50/$75; children/students $5
Thursday, July 17 at 7 PM
Jake Shimabukuro
Ukulele marvel Jake Shimabukuro has mesmerized audiences around the world with his innovative and dynamic style, taking the instrument to dizzying new heights. Known for his fast and complex finger work, his music combines elements of jazz, blues, funk, rock, bluegrass, classical, folk and flamenco.
Thursday, July 24 at 7 PM
Chanticleer
The GRAMMY® Award-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer is known as “an orchestra of voices” for its wide-ranging repertoire and dazzling virtuosity. The group’s repertoire is rooted in the Renaissance, with a wide range of classical, gospel, jazz and popular music, and a deep commitment to the commissioning of new works.
Thursday, August 7 at 7 PM
John Pizzarelli Trio
John Pizzarelli has had a multi-faceted career as a jazz guitarist, vocalist and bandleader. He is internationally known for classic standards, late-night ballads and the cool jazz flavor he brings to his performances and recordings. His trio tours throughout the US, Europe and Japan, performing pop, jazz, swing and more.
Chamber Music
Wednesdays, July 9, 16, 23, 30, August 6, and 13 at 7 PM
Tickets: $35; children/students $5
GTMF’s Benoliel Chamber Music Series at Walk Festival Hall features the artistry of GTMF’s world-class Festival musicians and special guests. Enjoy core classical repertoire mixed with rarely heard gems weekly for six weeks. Full programming to be announced in April.
Jayne and Al Hilde, Jr. Patriotic Pops
Center for the Arts Park in downtown Jackson
Thursday, July 4 at 7 PM
Benjamin Manis, conductor
Reserved seats – $35/$50 adults; $15 children/students
Lawn seats – free
Open Rehearsals at Walk Festival Hall
Fridays, July 11 through August 15 at 10 AM
Tickets: $20; children/students $5
Open Rehearsals provide a behind-the-scenes look as the conductor and orchestra rehearse for the weekend Festival Orchestra concerts.
Special Events at Walk Festival Hall
Patti LuPone: A Life in Notes
Thursday, July 31 at 7 PM
Tickets: $150
Music has the power to crystallize a moment in time and evoke eras. In her new concert, Patti LuPone: A Life in Notes, the three-time TONY-Award winner performs an array of songs which do just that—songs that are touchstones and reflections on her life.
Clayton Stephenson Piano Recital
Tuesday, August 5 at 7 PM
Tickets: $50/$75; children/students $5
Clayton Stephenson’s love for music is immediately apparent in his joyous charisma onstage, expressive power and natural ease at the instrument. Hailed for “extraordinary narrative and poetic gifts” and interpretations that are “fresh, incisive and characterfully alive” (Gramophone), he received a 2024 Avery Fisher Career Grant and was the first Black finalist at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2022.
About the Grand Teton Music Festival (GTMF)
Over eight weeks each summer, Grand Teton Music Festival unites over 250 celebrated orchestral musicians led by Music Director Sir Donald Runnicles. These musicians represent 84 orchestras and 72 institutions of higher learning in North America and Europe. In addition to orchestral concerts on Friday and Saturday nights, the summer season also features visiting guest artists and chamber music on weekdays.
Grand Teton Music Festival is one of America’s leading summer classical music festivals. Recognized by The New York Times as one of the top 10 music festivals in the U.S. and chosen by BBC Music Magazine as their 2020 “Festival Choice,” it is the most prominent arts organization in the state of Wyoming and a national treasure. As the single largest performing arts presenter in Jackson Hole, Wyoming with nearly 100 annual events, GTMF presents yearlong programming that includes community concerts and education programs for Teton County students.
GTMF is a 4-star charity as rated by Charity Navigator and has a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. For more information, visit gtmf.org.
All programs, dates and artists subject to change.
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