Bravo! Vail facts for kids

Bravo! Vail is an exciting yearly classical music festival. It takes place in Vail, Colorado, a beautiful mountain town. Imagine listening to amazing music in the summer! The festival's artistic director is a talented pianist named Anne-Marie McDermott.

About the Festival

This cool music festival lasts for six weeks. It usually starts in late June and finishes in early August. You can hear all kinds of music here. There's classical music, jazz, and even fun "pops" concerts.

Some of the biggest orchestras in the United States come to play. These include the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. Many other great musicians also perform chamber music.

In 2016, a famous group from London joined the festival. It was the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, led by violinist Joshua Bell. This made Bravo! Vail a festival with four main orchestras. It was also the first time an international group played there. In 2019, the Chamber Orchestra Vienna – Berlin also performed. They featured the German violinist Anne Sophie Mutter. More recently, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra has opened the festival in 2021 and 2022.

How it Started

Bravo! Vail began in 1987. It was created by two people: John Giovando and Ida Kavafian. They wanted to bring great classical music to Vail.

In the early years, orchestras like the National Repertory Orchestra and the Colorado Springs Philharmonic Orchestra performed. Over time, more famous groups joined. The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra played from 1989 to 2008. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra came in 1995. Then, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra joined in 1999. The New York Philharmonic arrived in 2003, and The Philadelphia Orchestra in 2007.

A flutist named Eugenia Zukerman became the festival's artistic director in 1988. She helped choose the musicians and plan the concerts. In 2011, the talented pianist Anne-Marie McDermott took over this role.

The festival has also had several executive directors. These are the people who manage the festival's operations. John Giovando, one of the founders, retired in 2012. James W. Palermo then became the new executive director. Later, Jennifer Teisinger and Caitlin Murray also took on this important job.

Where the Music Happens

Bravo! Vail uses many different places for its concerts. These venues are located around Vail and the nearby Eagle Valley. Here are some of the main spots:

• Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater
• Vilar Performing Arts Center
• Vail Interfaith Chapel
• Edwards Interfaith Chapel and Community Center
• Donovan Pavilion
• Brush Creek Pavilion

What You Can See and Do

Each season, Bravo! Vail offers many different concerts and events. There's something for everyone!

• Orchestra concerts: Hear big orchestras play amazing pieces.
• Chamber Music Series: Enjoy smaller groups of musicians performing.
• Classically Uncorked Series: A fun way to experience classical music.
• Free Concert Series: Enjoy music without a ticket!
• Linda & Mitch Hart Soirée Series: Special, more intimate concerts.
• Bravo! Vail's Annual Gala: A big event to support the festival.
• Free Family Concerts: Perfect for kids and families to enjoy music together.
• Bravo! Vail After Dark: Evening events for a different musical experience.
• Education & Community Engagement Events: Learn more about music!
  • After-School Piano and Strings Programs: Learn to play an instrument.
  • Master Classes: Watch and learn from professional musicians.
  • Piano Fellows Program: For young, talented pianists.
  • Pre-Concert Talks: Learn about the music before the show.
  • Chamber Musicians in Residence Program: Musicians visit and teach.
  • Luis D. Juarez Honorary Music Award: Recognizes young musicians.
  • Internship Program: For students interested in music careers.

Who Has Performed Here

Many famous artists and musical groups have performed at Bravo! Vail. Here is a list of some of the notable performers:

• Academy of St Martin in the Fields
• Colorado Springs Philharmonic Orchestra
• Dallas Symphony Orchestra
• Colorado Symphony Orchestra
• Detroit Symphony Orchestra
• National Repertory Orchestra
• New York Philharmonic
• Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
• The Philadelphia Orchestra
• Chamber Orchestra Vienna-Berlin
• The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra