The Classical Beat: The 2025 Summer Music Festival Season Begins
The beginning of July generally marks the start of the long-awaited summer music festival season, though for Taconic Music, it began two weeks ago. How fortunate we music lovers are to be living in this corner of the world - the Berkshires - for what can only be described as 'Music Heaven?'
With programs in Lenox and in South Worthington, MA, and in Manchester,VT, concertgoers will have a wide selection of music in a multiplicity of styles to enjoy in venues grand and intimate - cathedrals and chapels - from pop superstar James Taylor to Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and Smetana, and also including modern master Stravinsky at Tanglewood, to Taconic Music's feast of chamber music this week by Jacques Ibert, John Rutter and Sergei Rachmaninoff, diversity rules; for listeners, it will be a bouquet of aural
delights.
Scanning the upcoming offerings of these particular venues in the region, it looks to be an especially exciting and brilliant summer season. Soon to be added, beginning July 13, will be the six Sevenars Sunday afternoon concerts – always a special treat – at the Academy in bucolic South Worthington, MA. Finally, another not-to-be-missed venue that classical mavens relish: the upcoming month of programs at historic Marlboro Music, in southern VT - the 'ne plus ultra' of chamber music in the region – indeed, the world.
Here are some concert highlights to consider from Thursday, July 3 to Monday, July 7.
Tanglewood
- Thursday and Friday July 3 and 4, 8:00 p.m. in the Shed: The fabled James Taylor performs, with Special Guest Tiny Habits. Fireworks will follow the performance on July 4.
- Saturday, July 5, 8:00 p.m. in the Shed: Opening Night at Tanglewood. BSO Maestro Andris Nelsons leads the Orchestra in an all-Rachmaninoff program, featuring the awe-inspiring piano virtuoso Danill Trifonov performing the magisterial Piano Concerto No. 3 and concluding with the phenomenal "Symphonic Dances."
- Sunday, July 6, 2:30 in the Shed: Maestro Nelsons conducts an all- Beethoven program consisting of the heroic 'Leonore' Overture No. 3, the visceral Symphony No. 5 and the valorous Piano Concerto No. 3, with the magisterial pianist Yefim Bronfman the soloist.
- Monday, July 7, 8:00 in the Shed: Andris Nelsons conducts the BSO in two tone-poems of the Romantic Czech maestro, Bedrich Smetana, and Brahms' Symphony No. 2.
For tickets to all Tanglewood/BSO concerts and for special events call (617)266-1200. Online: tanglewood.org.
Taconic Music Festival
Taconic Music, beautifully curated by Joana Genova and Ariel Rudiakov, provides Southern Vermont communities with year-round concerts, lessons, demonstrations, and educational programs built upon the rich traditions of classical music. With inclusive portals of entry via a wide variety of musical genres for people of all ages and walks of life, this fabulous and wide- ranging festival makes a deep impact upon those who value meaningful musical involvement as part of their daily lives.
Based in Manchester, VT, Taconic Music is presently midway into its Ninth Annual Summer Music Festival and Chamber Music Intensive program, which continues until July 16. Here is this week's upcoming event and program:
Chamber Concert III:
- Saturday, July 5, 2025, 7:30?p.m. at the Riley Center for the Arts at Burr and Burton Academy.
Jacques IBERT: "Deux interludes"
Matthew Lee, flute
Joana Genova, violin
Gili Melamed-Lev, piano
Sergei RACHMANINOV: "Trio élégiaque No. 1" in G Minor
Joana Genova, violin
Hannah Holman, cello
Gili Melamed-Lev, piano
John RUTTER: "Suite Antique"
Matthew Lee, flute
Qiaochuhan Li, keyboard
The Taconic String Orchestra, Ariel Rudiakov, conductor
Adults: $30.
Students/Kids FREE
Reservations are recommended
Join us for an informal reception in the lobby prior to the concert, starting at
6:30.
This concert will also be livestreamed.
Taconic Music's 2025 Young Artist Participants
Bethlehem Kelley, Amina Knapp, Gisselle Sanchez-Diaz, and Cara Wunder, violins; Waverly Long and Sebastian Saiz-Harrison, violas; Irén Hangen Vásquez and Daniel Knapp; violoncelli: Qiaochuhan Li, piano.
For more information, and for tickets, visit online: taconicmusic.org.
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