Colorado College classical music fest to sound off

Colorado Springs series brings 24 concerts and events June 6 to 26

By William J. Dagendesh

A popular music festival, known for its descriptive musical interpretations, promises a high octane sights and sounds extravaganza starting June 6.

The annual Colorado College Summer Music Festival will sound off from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, June 6 to 26 in Colorado College, Packard Hall, 14 East Cache La Poudre St., Colorado Springs. Packard Hall is a modern, acoustically sound 300-seat concert hall.

Now in its 42nd year, the CCSMF is an intensive, three-week program for 52 advanced student musicians well versed in bass, bassoon, cello, clarinet, flute, oboe, piano, trombone, trumpet, viola and violin. The event is part of several summer concerts – more than 24 concerts and events throughout three weeks.

Professor Emeritus Michael Grace will present four pre-concert lectures. Composer Sam Wu will conduct his award winning Continental Express, and festival artists will perform Wu's piano quintet Mass Transit on June 22. Grace Hale will perform her piece, Colored Glass, on June 25.

This year the Grande Orquesta Navarre from Denver will perform at the June 25 pre-concert recital. Performers include festival artist Susan Cahill on bass, DeVotchKa’s Tom Hagerman on violin and accordion, Evan Orman on bandoneon and cello, and Sara Parkinson on piano.  

“The group performs a unique mix of folk, gypsy, jazz, tango and classical that creates a unique style that is both a throwback and a revelation. It will be something different and fun,” said CCSMF Assistant Director Ann Van Horn.

Also new this year is the first Night Cap Music and Wine Pairing on June 22, following the evening's Festival Artist Concert. Pianist Lauren Ciborowski and husband Ben Harvey will host the event that blends musical insight into the evening concert program with thoughtfully paired wine tastings.

The event will be held at Evergreen Restaurant, located behind Colorado College's Spencer Center. Free wine will be offered at the Festival Mingle on the courtyard following both pre- concert recitals on June 18 and 25, and prior to those evening's Festival Artists Concerts. 

“We've been going 42 years, so the music director knows what she's doing, and she has a well thought-out formula for choosing the right faculty and putting together the right programming,” Van Horn said. 

“The appreciation and the reception from our audience members is so rewarding. They love our festival performances, and the cheers and standing ovations at each concert are moving. You can see the festival artists smile with appreciation at how they have moved the audience with what they have played.”

Orchestra conductor Scott Yoo is considered the showstopper, Van Horn said. “He is fun to watch. His emotion and energy are tremendous,” Van Horn said. Yoo, who hosts “Now Hear This” on PBS, said he hopes people experience exhilaration and joy from 55 top young musicians giving 100 percent of their talents and efforts to bring a piece of music to life.  

“My job as their conductor is to make them communicate not just with me, but with each other and, most importantly, to create a narrative arc for the audience. I also hope the audience will feel a sense of optimism. What they’re watching and hearing is, in essence, the future. And the future of this group of musicians is certainly bright,” Yoo said.

Soloist performances also figure in the event. Jon Manasse is the soloist for Mozart's Clarinet Concerto in A Major on June 16.  Everyone loves to watch Jon perform,” Van Horn said. Ayano Ninomiya, the violin soloist for the final orchestra concert, Glazunov's Violin Concerto in A minor.

“To witness this enthusiasm and joy gives me goosebumps. I think it brings faith to our young fellows that classical music still has a future,” Van Horn said.

Here is the full concert schedule:

June 9, 7 p.m., Festival Artists Concert in Packard Hall (paid ticketed)

June 13, 7 p.m., Festival Artists Concert in Packard Hall (paid ticketed)

June 15, 12:15 p.m., Music at Midday in Packard Hall (free)

June 16, 7 p.m., Festival Orchestra Concert in Celeste Theatre (paid ticketed) (and a concert after-party free open to all to attend)

June 17, 12:15 p.m., Music at Midday in Packard Hall (free)

June 18, 9&11 a.m., Festival Orchestra Children’s Concert, performing Peter and the Wolf, featuring celebrated mime Bill Bowers, in Celeste Theatre (free ticketed)

June 18, 5:45 p.m., Festival Artists Pre-Concert Recital in Packard Hall (free) (wine social after free and open to all)

June 18, 7 p.m., Festival Artists Concert in Packard Hall (paid ticketed)

June 19, 12:15 p.m., Music at Midday in Packard Hall (free)

June 20, 2 p.m., Fellow Concerto Readings in Celeste Theatre (free)

June 22, 12:15 p.m., Music at Midday in Packard Hall (free)

June 22, 7 p.m., Festival Artists Concert in Packard Hall (paid ticketed)

June 24, 12:15 p.m., Music at Midday in Packard Hall (free)

June 25, 12:15 p.m., Music at Midday in Packard Hall (free)

June 25, 5:45 p.m., Festival Artists Pre-Concert Recital in Packard Hall (free) (wine social after free and open to all)

June 25, 7 p.m., Festival Artists Concert in Packard Hall (paid ticketed)

June 26, 12:15 p.m., Music at Midday in Packard Hall (free)

June 26, 7 p.m. Festival Orchestra Concert in Celeste Theatre (paid ticketed)

For more details, visit the festival website.