Aspen Music Festival - A Musical Journey Through Aspen
It isn’t an Aspen, Colorado summer without classical music drifting through the air from the Aspen Music Festival. Every summer, our mountain town becomes the venue for one of the largest classical music festivals in the country.
What is the Aspen Music Festival?
Aspen Music Festival and School is an 8 week summer music program and concert series that begins late-June and ends mid-August. Each year, there are over 400 classical music performances that feature both music students in the summer program and members of the artist-faculty. Music events include orchestral, choral, soloist, and chamber music performances. Every year there are also multiple staged opera productions, as well as lectures, music lessons, children’s events, and a master class for different topics within classical music.
Needless to say, Aspen is bustling with visitors during the 8 week summer season. Luxury accommodations, restaurant reservations, and tickets to certain performances can go quick. But fear not, here’s how to navigate the AMFS like a pro (or a local)!
Aspen Music Festival: An Overview
When the sun comes out in Aspen, so do the violins. AMFS is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Aspen in summer. There’s something for everyone at the music festival with programming for kids and adults.
The History of Classical Music Festivals in Aspen
The AMFS can trace its roots back to the 1949 Goethe Bicentennial Convocation and Music Festival. To celebrate the bicentennial, the Minneapolis Symphony and several solo musicians performed 8 concerts in Aspen.
In 1950, musicians flocked back to Aspen, bringing their students with them to perform the works of Bach and Richard Wagner. At the time, the only other classical music festival was in Massachusetts, so mid-western musicians embraced Aspen, Colorado as a festival venue.
By 1951, the festival had been formalized as a yearly event and the school was created to train students. Over 70 years later, musicians and classical music aficionados flock to Aspen to enjoy the music of composers past and present.
AMFS & The Aspen Music Community
Anyone who summers in Aspen, you know that AMFS is intertwined with the Aspen community - even if you don’t play an instrument. Every season’s setlist features music with themes that are relevant to all Aspenites and visitors. For the 2023 season, performances centered around the natural world as a way of appreciating the natural beauty of Aspen.
Throughout the year, AMFS offers activities, performances, and classes to help young people get excited about classical music. During the summer, AMFS offers private lessons, free family concerts, early childhood music games, and even a free mariachi workshop.
Zereshk, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Year-Round Live Music in Aspen, Colorado
If you just can’t get enough of live music in Aspen after attending AMFS music events, Aspen has music festivals and performances year-round!
During the summer season, Aspen has:
Bluegrass Sundays - Mid-June through early-September from 12 to 3 pm.
Aspen Jazz Festival (JAS) - Last week of June.
Music on the Mountain - 1pm on Saturdays in July through mid-August.
During the winter season, there are on-going performances, concerts, and events at:
Belly Up - A fixture of Aspen nightlife that hosts big name performers
The Limelight Lounge - Where the mellow music is almost as good as the wine and cocktail menu.
The X Games in Aspen - After the sun goes down, the party comes out.
3 Must-See Music Events at the Aspen Music Festival
With over 400 performances during the Aspen Music Festival, it can be hard for visitors to figure out what to see first.The best way to approach AMFS is to make a list of which genres of music you are most interested in seeing. Most of the 400 classical music performances fall into one of these categories:
1. Orchestra Performances
Orchestras are one of the most exciting groups to listen to. Unlike chamber music, there are multiple musicians playing each instrument, so you can experience more layers of sound. Orchestral music often tells an epic story about love, survival, and good vs. evil. The Rite of Spring composed by Igor Stravinsky is a favorite at AMFS because it is ultimately a beautiful tragedy about a chosen girl sentenced to dance to death.
Audience members usually have 2 opportunities to catch the larger orchestral performances. During the music festival, orchestras will play a rehearsal performance and then an official performance. Tickets range in price depending on your seat and the type of performance. Contact your concierge to secure tickets to your favorite orchestra event.
Zereshk, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
2. Chamber Music Performances
Unlike orchestral music, chamber music is performed with one musician on each instrument. Although chamber music groups can play some orchestral compositions, chamber music is often far more intimate and spontaneous. During AMFS, you have many opportunities to attend a chamber music performance. In recent years, the schedule has been such that orchestral and recital performances were scheduled for the first half of each week and chamber music performances were at the end of the week.
Every year, there is a pre-concert chamber performance, which is free to all. Like the orchestras, the chamber ensembles also do a rehearsal performance and a professional performance. Ticket prices for these events range from $20 to $95 or more per ticket. If you or your party would like to attend a chamber music performance, contact Aspen Luxury Concierge to plan your itinerary.
3. Opera Productions
As you know, Aspen is home to the historic Wheeler Opera House, which puts on full productions throughout the year. During AMFS, you can enjoy a variety of condensed opera performances. On Fridays during the festival, the Wheeler hosts Opera Encounters where VocalARTS coaches work with students to perform an assortment of arrangements from different operas.
The Hotel Jerome hosts an intimate Opera House Music performance, featuring talented music students. During the recital, audience members are served light drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Afterwards, you can engage in discussion with other art connoisseurs and meet the performers. The most romantic and elegant opera event of the season is the annual Opera Benefit. This exclusive event is cabaret-style with catering by the award winning chefs of the members-only Caribou Club. Each year, it is the who’s-who event that separates the true art benefactors from the casual listeners.
If your interest has been piqued by the AMSF opera offerings, contact your concierge to get you tickets. Depending on your other travel plans in Aspen, your concierge can also arrange for luxury transportation in a private car to take you to your show in style.
4 Tips for Planning Your Aspen Music Festival Vacation
Now that you’ve picked out which performances you simply must see, it’s time to see to the other travel details of your trip. This is where Aspen Luxury Concierge comes in. Our team is here to make your Aspen adventures as joyful, relaxing, and luxurious as possible. Here are 4 travel considerations that our team can take off your plate:
1. Accommodations
Depending on the size of your party, ALC may recommend an Aspen luxury vacation rental instead of a hotel. In general, vacation rentals have more space, greater privacy, and a wider range of amenities. Some hotels also offer special rates and experiences to AMFS attendees. When you plan your trip with ALC, we will get you the best rooms with all the amenities you could ever need.
2. Transportation
One of the best ways to get to Aspen is by flying into ASE Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. Alternatively, guests frequently charter private planes to one of the nearby air strips. From there, ALC can arrange for transportation into Aspen. It is important to note that Uber is not reliable in Aspen, so your concierge may recommend utilizing private car services for the duration of your trip.
3. What To Wear
No matter the season, it’s always a fashion show here in Aspen. Attending classical music performances is the perfect time to debut your newest summer fashions. From June through August, it is normally sunny with temperatures in the 70s. Aspen locals recommend wearing hats, light layers, and walkable sandals during their trip. You should be sure to reapply sunscreen and avoid excessive sun exposure. Certain performances are black tie-optional or cocktail attire, so pack accordingly.
Of course, if you forget an outfit, the shopping in Aspen is unparalleled and your concierge is always happy to run errands for you.
4. Food and Dining During the Music Festival
Some performances are catered, so you can expect to be fed during the performance. However, if you would like to experience all that Aspen has to offer, there are so many restaurants that you simply must try. Whether you want classic alpine, Asian fusion, authentic Italian, soul food, or Mexican cuisine, there is an amazing restaurant in Aspen just waiting for you.
Your concierge is happy to recommend the best restaurants in Aspen and get you reservations. As for your other meals, your concierge can stock your vacation rental’s kitchen with organic Whole Foods groceries or hire a personal chef for the duration of your trip.
Start Planning Your Aspen Music Festival Vacation Today!
You don’t have to be a fan of classical music to enjoy the AMFS’s 400+ performances, but by the time you leave Aspen, you’re sure to have a new favorite composer. Aspen Luxury Concierge specializes in helping visitors experience all the best parts of our little mountain town. Our team will handle all the travel arrangements while you sit back, relax, and enjoy the music. Contact Aspen Luxury Concierge to start planning your trip!
Featured image credits: Lovethearts, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
BY: RACHEL NAIDUS
Rachel is the Principal & Founder of Aspen Luxury Concierge. For over a decade, she has cut her teeth in the luxury hospitality services business. Since 2019, she has led ALC’s premier staff in creating luxury, effortless experiences for its clients. With her ever growing network of partners, vendors, and clientele, Rachel leads the pack in providing expert services to Aspen luxury travelers and locals.