The words “classical music” can have a daunting ring to people unfamiliar with the form. But there’s no reason to be intimidated — especially this summer.
Colorado’s more than 20 classical festivals put the accent on casual, accessible fun. And because of the dismal economy and the resulting downturn in travel, this year’s classical music events are especially affordable.
To entice audiences, these series — along with their counterparts in dance — feature more free concerts and ticket discounts than years past.
Sales campaigns echo the words of Aspen Music Festival marketer Laura Smith, who eagerly touts her nine-week series as a “paradise for the music-loving bargain seeker.”
Here is an overview of free or low-cost classical concerts happening around the state this summer, with a couple of dance events thrown in for good measure.
1. Colorado Music Festival (Boulder) July 15 and 31, Rembrandt Yard Art Gallery, $15.
This new set of chamber concerts offers the advantages of an intimate setting and affordable ticket price. Members of the festival’s orchestra will perform a mix of new music and proven masterworks. 303-440-7666 or
2. Central City Opera July 21 and 28, “Lucia di Lammermoor” and “Rinaldo,” $15, $10 children.
These family matinees offer full-length, fully staged opera productions at a bargain price. The only difference between them and the company’s regular offerings is that promising members of Central City’s Young Artists Training Program take the lead roles. 303-292-6700 or
3. Morrison, Red Rocks Amphitheatre
July 5, “Symphony on the Rocks,” Colorado Symphony, free.
The orchestra makes its annual appearance in one of the world’s most scenic outdoor venues. Associate conductor Scott O’Neil will lead a program of light favorites ranging from Bach to selections from Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess.” 303-623-7876 or
4. Vail International Dance Festival
Aug. 4, “Dance for $20.09,” $20.09 reserved, $9 lawn seating.
This program’s title pretty much sums up the idea. The festival has put together an introductory sampler of top dance talent ranging from The Bakery, a young contemporary troupe, to New York City Ballet dancers Tiler Peck and Daniel Ulbricht. 888-920-2787 or
5. Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival
July 16, “Fancy Fiddlin’,” National Repertory Orchestra, free.
This annual family concert in the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater features the National Repertory Orchestra, a Breckenridge-based training ensemble with top preprofessionals from across the country. The one-hour event will be preceded by an instrument “petting zoo.” 877-812-5700 or
6. Aspen Music Festival
July 21, “Free Day of Music.”
A variety of free master classes, family concerts and open studios will take place throughout the day in several locations around Aspen. One highlight will be the rare opportunity to attend a master class with world-renowned soprano Dawn Upshaw. 970-925-9042 or
7. Aspen, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and Parsons Dance
July 18 and 25, $20.
The two nationally known dance companies are supplementing their evening appearances with these one-hour family matinees. They offer the same talent for a third of the top-ticket price for regular shows. 866-449-0464 or
8. Crested Butte Music Festival
July 20, Open dress rehearsal, “The Marriage of Figaro,” “pay-what-you-can” donation.
Technically speaking, this is not a formal performance, but attendees will see this semi-staged production in full for whatever admission they deem appropriate. Heading the young cast is bass Keith Miller, an up-and-comer at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. 970-346-0619 or
9. Salida, Salida Aspen Concerts
June 27-Aug. 8, $15.
Dollar for dollar, these six concerts might be the summer’s best classical value. This unassuming series presents performers from the Aspen Music Festival, including such world-class soloists as pianists Jeremy Denk and Joyce Yang. 719-539-6467 or
10. Durango, Music in the Mountains
July 25, Gala concert, $15, $6 youths.
More than 100 students from the festival’s 13-year-old Conservatory in the Mountains program will be showcased in this evening of orchestral favorites. The school’s young musicians come from as far away as Finland and South Korea, and range in age from 7 to 28. 970-385-6820 or
Kyle MacMillan: 303-954-1675 or kmacmillan@denverpost.com
