2025 Festival Highlights
Some of our favorite moments from our 2025 summer festival
One of the most momentous seasons in Music in the Mountains’ history, our 39th Anniversary Season was one of bold leadership, deep musical artistry, and incredible musical experiences, all set against the backdrop of beautiful Durango, Colorado, and the surrounding regions throughout the four weeks of July 2025!
From the very first performance on our mobile stage on July 10th to the final standing ovation at the Community Concert Hall on August 3rd, this year marked a milestone in the Festival’s history. This year was the first under the new leadership of world-renowned violinist Vadim Gluzman as he stepped into the role of Artistic Director, bringing with him inspiring programming, an infectious passion for the arts, and a deep commitment to the Festival’s history and future.
Alongside him, we were thrilled to introduce our new Jill Ward Conductor-in-Residence, a role that will feature a new conductor each year, and which will be central to continuing Music in the Mountains’ tradition of highlighting ongoing, world-class performances in Southwest Colorado. This year’s Conductor-in-Residence was Daniel Raiskin, who brought his unmistakable artistic signature to the Community Concert Hall in Durango.
From intimate chamber music to inspiring world music to moving symphonic performances, each week of our 2025 Festival delivered awe-inspiring musical moments, all shared through the talent of our phenomenal Festival Orchestra and visiting soloists.
Read on to relive some of the highlights and magical moments from our 2025 summer classical music festival, and discover what makes Music in the Mountains so special!
Continuing a Beloved Tradition with Our Free Community Concerts on Our Mobile Stage!
Celebrating the fifth year of free community concerts, our “Road Show” once again brought free, family-friendly concerts on our custom-built mobile stage to Durango and our neighboring communities. From July 10th-12th, we hosted nine free concerts, drawing thousands of attendees to concerts in Durango, Bayfield, Ignacio, Pagosa Springs, and Mancos.
This year, we were thrilled to welcome three different fantastic ensembles to the mobile stage: the Zelter String Quartet, Kodachrome, and Seraph Brass Quintet. These three days of performances not only kick off our Festival each year, they also allow Music in the Mountains to spread our reach, bringing world-class musicians to venues around the region, and fostering a love for classical music among all our communities. These moments embody the Festival’s spirit: that classical music belongs to all, and in all spaces, not just to formal concert halls.
Two Moving, Intimate Candlelit Evenings Unlike Anything Else
Our beloved Candlelight Concerts returned this season with not one, but two extraordinary performances that glowed with elegance and emotion, all illuminated by the flickering light of 2,000 candles.
Each evening offered a unique musical journey, blending timeless masterworks with world-class performances. On Wednesday, July 16th, audiences experienced the genius of Beethoven and the elegance of Hummel in this unique intimate setting. Then on Friday, July 18th, audiences were transported to Prague through the charm of Mozart and the soulful beauty of Dvořák.
These concerts have become one of the Festival’s newest cherished traditions, and are a unique reminder of the profound intimacy and connection that live music can create.
World Music Meets Outdoor Elegance At Two Favorite Annual Events
This year’s world music concerts celebrated vibrant, dynamic music, all set against two of the region’s most stunning backdrops. At LePlatt’s Pond on July 19th, the crowd enjoyed the lively sounds of Damn Tall Buildings, whose unique blend of bluegrass, swing, and Americana filled the summer air. The energy was electric as families, friends, and music lovers gathered on this beautiful property, capping a perfect summer night with Palisade peaches, a stunning sunset, and a fantastic performance!
Just a few nights later, on July 22nd, the incomparable Diego Figueiredo enchanted audiences at “Sundaes on Tuesday with Music for Dessert!” Set at beautiful River Bend Ranch, this annual event has become an audience favorite! After enjoying a delicious, handcrafted ice cream sundae from Cream Bean Berry, audiences then settled in for an evening with Figueiredo, highlighted by his virtuosic guitar playing and Brazilian flair.
Each of these two magical experiences perfectly share the spirit of Music in the Mountains, bringing world-class music to all settings of Southwest Colorado!
Walt Disney and a Western-Themed Gala Dazzle at Two Fabulous Pops Orchestra Events
Joy and nostalgia filled the air at the Community Concert Hall during “A Special Tribute to the Music of Walt Disney and Other Hollywood Fantasies,” on July 26th. This Pops Orchestra performance took audiences on an enchanted journey through the music of Walt Disney, brought to life by our fabulous Festival Orchestra and through stunning vocal performances by guest vocalists Whitney Claire Kaufman and Jacob Haren, all under the baton of guest conductor Richard Kaufman. From familiar overtures to the themes known around the world, the evening was pure delight for concertgoers of all ages!
The pops excitement continued on August 2nd with “Pops Night: Hollywood Rodeo!”, the Festival’s dazzling annual gala and biggest fundraiser of the year! Guests arrived in their finest western-inspired attire, ready for an unforgettable night of glamour, music, and celebration. With its stunning décor, a fabulous multi-course meal, and unbelievable performances of legendary scores from familiar Western films, all performed by our Festival Orchestra and guest vocalist Whitney Claire Kaufman, and once again led by Richard Kaufman, Pops Night once again proved why it remains one of Durango’s most anticipated summer events!
Special Performances by Our Artistic Director and Young Artist in Residence
This year, audiences were treated to two remarkable performances that showcased both established mastery and emerging brilliance. In “Gluzman Plays the Four Seasons” on July 20th, our new Artistic Director, Vadim Gluzman, brought Vivaldi’s masterpiece to life with electrifying precision and passion, leading members of our Festival Orchestra in a performance that left audiences breathless, and set the tone for an unforgettable season ahead.
Later, on July 25th, at “Mostly Mozart,” the spotlight shone on Janice Carissa, our talented 2025 Arkady Fomin Young Artist in Residence, whose performance exemplified the Festival’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of classical musicians. The concert featured moving performances of Vasks’ Musica Dolorosa and Mozart’s Symphony No. 25 in G minor, K. 183, followed by an unforgettable performance of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 in A, K. 488, which highlighted the fabulous talent of Janice Carissa, and gave our audiences a special glimpse into the future of classical music!
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A New Twist on Our Beloved Dinner & Family Concert
A summer favorite took on a delightful new form this season at our annual Dinner & Family Concert on July 23rd, where we were proud to present the national production: “Beethoven Lives Upstairs” by Classical Kids LIVE! As always, families gathered for a delicious outdoor picnic and games on the Community Concert Hall plaza before enjoying this imaginative and educational performance that brought Beethoven’s life and music to vivid life on stage.
Children and adults alike were captivated by the storytelling, humor, and incredible musicianship of our Festival Orchestra woven throughout the evening as they enjoyed this world-famous production featuring a lively exchange of letters between young Christoph and his Uncle.
This annual event is designed to introduce the youngest new audiences to the power of classical music, and as such, we are committed to keeping ticket prices low and accessible for all families across the region!
Unbelievable Classical Music Moments, Right Here in Durango, Colorado
For lovers of symphonic grandeur, this summer delivered unforgettable performances that showcased the full brilliance of the world-class musicians of our Festival Orchestra. Under the baton of our 2025 Jill Ward Conductor-in-Residence, Daniel Raiskin, “Raiskin Conducts Shostakovich” moved audiences on July 27th with an evening that was both powerful and deeply moving. Featuring performances of Caroline Shaw’s Entr’acte as well as Mozart’s Flute Concerto No. 1 in G, K. 313/285c, featuring guest soloist, Demarre McGill, flute, the evening culminated in a performance of Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 in D minor, Op. 47.
Later, at “Brahms and Friends” on August 1st, audiences experienced masterful musicianship with a program full of warmth and beauty. Daniel Raiskin once again led our Festival Orchestra in stirring performances of Schnittke’s Suite in the Old Style, Op. 80, and Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98. The evening was highlighted by Schumann’s Konzertstück for Four Horns and Orchestra in F, Op. 86, featuring four members of our Festival Orchestra’s horn section.
The depth of these performances demonstrated the exceptional caliber of our musicians and reaffirmed Music in the Mountains as a cultural jewel in the heart of Southwest Colorado!
An Unforgettable, One-of-a-Kind Evening at the Strater Hotel
In one of the Festival’s most distinctive and intimate events, “Taste What You Hear” at the historic Strater Hotel on July 29th offered guests a multisensory evening like none other. Guided by Artistic Director Vadim Gluzman, and featuring a sampling of rare violins made by the world’s greatest violin makers, Antonia Stradivari and Guarneri del Gesù, this once-in-a-lifetime musical & culinary event paired fine dining with live chamber performances, creating a dialogue between sound and flavor that delighted every sense.
Guests savored exquisite dishes inspired by the music while enjoying the rare opportunity to connect personally with the musicians and hear these rare, legendary violins perform, all in an elegant, relaxed setting. It was a highlight of the season; an inventive, unforgettable celebration of artistry, creativity, and community.
A Thrilling Finale That Will Be Remembered for Years to Come!
The 2025 Festival concluded on August 3rd with the awe-inspiring “Grand Finale: Tchaikovsky Spectaculaire!”, a night that truly lived up to its name! Led by our 2025 Jill Ward Conductor-in-Residence, Daniel Raiskin, and featuring an unparalleled performance by Vadim Gluzman, violin, our full Festival Orchestra filled the Community Concert Hall for one final evening of 2025, showcasing the sweeping melodies and fiery brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s greatest works and bringing audiences to their feet in thunderous applause.
As the final notes rang through the hall, the energy and emotion of the evening captured everything Music in the Mountains stands for: excellence, passion, world-class musicianship, and a shared love for live classical music. It was the perfect ending to a summer of unforgettable performances and new beginnings!
Celebrating Our Donors and Supporters
We were proud to host two exclusive donor events in 2025 that celebrated the incredible community of supporters who make this work possible. Our annual Summer Soirée at the Glacier Club offered an elegant evening of live music, fine dining, and camaraderie in a breathtaking mountain setting, featuring an intimate performance by the Rhythm Future Quartet. Later, the Closing Night Reception provided a heartfelt opportunity to reflect on the season’s successes and express gratitude to those whose generosity sustains the Festival year after year. These special gatherings highlighted the strong spirit of community and shared purpose that make Music in the Mountains so exceptional.
The magic of Music in the Mountains doesn’t just come from listening to our world-class musicians perform; it comes from the shared community connection we experience as we watch those performances together. Without your support, those connections, and those one-of-a-kind experiences, would not exist.
It’s the music. It’s the musicians. It’s the experience.
As we reflect on this remarkable season, we’re filled with gratitude—for our talented musicians, our dedicated staff and volunteers, and the audiences whose enthusiasm makes every performance come alive.
The 2025 Festival marked a new chapter in our story, one defined by innovation, connection, and the joy of discovery under the leadership of Vadim Gluzman. We can’t wait to share what’s next as we continue to bring world-class music to Southwest Colorado next summer! Thank you for being part of the Music in the Mountains’ community!