Every summer, Aspen lights up with the sound of music. The Aspen Music School, which trains hundreds of promising young classical musicians, hosts the massive annual Aspen Music Event. The historic event has taken place for nearly 70 years, with close to 70,000 attendees coming to the season of events.
Taking place this year from June 28 through August 19, the festival features over 400 performances of stunning classical music. If you live in or visit Aspen, you’ll be able to experience music in these incredible venues:
The Benedict Music Tent
The festival’s stunning outdoor venue has a concert taking place in it almost every night. The sturdy tent has been hosting concerts since the year 2000 and holds over 2000 guests. The design opening into the outdoors creates stunning acoustics. On nice evenings, many residents will listen to performances by picnicking on the surrounding lawn.
Featured concerts in this venue:
July 4: Fourth of July Concert
This free community event is the perfect time to get patriotic for summer’s most popular holiday, as the band plays a selection of favorite American music.
July 30: Walt Disney Animation Studios: “A Decade in Concert”
Children and Disney fans alike will go nuts for this world premiere performance, featuring classical Disney music from their most popular movies of the last decade.
Joan and Irving Harris Concert Hall
This indoor venue boasts stunning lighting and geometric patterns to create a warm, luxurious concert feeling. Located right next to The Benedict Music Tent, this venue is much smaller, and with only 500 seats, creates an intimate concert experience.
Featured concerts in this venue:
June 28: A Recital by the Jupiter String Quartet
This intimate event features works by Schumann (String Quartet in A minor) and Beethoven (String Quartet in C-Sharp minor), and a world premier of music by Kati Agocs.
August 2: What A Movie!: Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti
Listen to the concert perform musical selections from this popular opera. The opening act will feature music from Charlie Chaplin movie A Dog’s Life.
Wheeler Opera House
This glamorous and elegant indoor space was built back in 1889 and has a classic Victorian feel to its style. This stunning venue is also smaller, holding 450 guests.
Featured concerts in this venue:
Saturdays: Opera Scenes Master Class
Every Saturday, attendees get the opportunity to watch talented performers learn and perform opera scenes, featuring the coaching of Aspen faculty.
July 12, 14, 16: Rossini’s Il Barbiere Di Siviglia
Watch an incredible full performance of one of the most popular operas in the world.
Classical music lovers can experience this festival to its fullest by taking advantage of season ticket passes. You won’t want to miss this truly unique Aspen cultural experience.