The Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival has changed it schedule to earlier dates this summer, June 20-29, while keeping its tradition of presenting dynamic, internationally recognized performers.

              “The abilities of the musicians onstage at the festival are just staggering,” said Dr. Kevin Krentz, artistic director. “I like to show those off with pieces that highlight their virtuosity.”

              “Each concert this year has something written within the past twenty-five years, and all but one of them has something written within the past five years,” said Krentz. “These new works are absolutely thrilling and amazing. For a classical music concert, this is our equivalent of a car chase or a shoot-out. It should get the blood pumping with the delight of old-fashioned amazement.”

That blood-pumping delight of previous audiences has translated into brisk ticket sales for this year’s four concerts. Nearly half the seats at Signal Hill Ranch were filled within the first three weeks after tickets went on sale in April.

              Concerts are set for Thursday, June 20; Saturday, June 22; Thursday, June 27, and Friday, June 29. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m., with a pre-concert presentation at 6:30 p.m., including Lynette Westendorf on June 20 and bassist Travis Gore on June 29. Grounds open at 5:30 each evening so audiences may purchase food and beverages, enjoy the Art Wall featuring the work of regional artists, and take in the spectacular Signal Hill Ranch setting and view.  Open rehearsals are held at the venue at 9:30 a.m. on concert days.

              As always, concerts feature works of classical giants such as Mozart, Brahms, Schubert, and Mendelssohn, as well as contemporary works by Philip Glass, Jessie Montgomery and Paul Wiancko.

Tickets and program information are available on the festival website, www.methowmusicfestival.org.

DATE: June 20, 22, 27, 29, 2019 TIME: 7:30-10pm PRICE: $30 INFO:
methowmusicfestival.org