Robert McDuffie and Robert Spano
Aspen Music Festival, June 26
is perhaps the most popular performer in the Aspen Music Fest fold. He’s skilled, charming and willing to take on a challenge. Here’s one: Philip Glass’ Violin Concerto No. 2, also known as “The American Four Seasons.” He’ll pair well with festival music director Spano on this special opening night of the season. aspenmusicfestival.com or 970-925-9042
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Bravo! Vail Music Festival, June 28
kicks off the on June 27, but things really get going one night later when the orchestra pulls out the stops on Beethoven’s 9th. Expect to be humming “Ode to Joy” on the car ride home. Music director Jaap van Zweden conducts with the Colorado Symphony Chorus providing the drama.
877-812-5700 or bravovail.org
Anne Akiko Meyers and Anton Nel
Aspen Music Festival, July 12
is the coolest thing to happen to the violin since Stradivari. She lives in Austin, Texas, for goodness’ sake. This evening, with pianist Anton Nel, will have both artists showing off their serious skills, particularly on Ravel’s Violin Sonata No. 2. aspenmusicfestival.com or 970-925-9042
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Bravo! Vail Music Festival, July 12
If you are going to hear the Philadelphia Orchestra play at Vail — and you should — save it up for when house conductor is on the podium. He’ll know just what to do with this program of Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1 and Rachmaninoff’s always-exciting “Symphonic Dances.” French pianist Hélène Grimaud makes her Vail debut. 877-812-5700 or bravovail.org
Colorado Symphony Orchestra with DeVotchKa and Gregory Alan Isakov
July 17, Red Rocks Amphitheatre
The CSO has several gigs at Red Rocks this summer, pairing with everyone from country-folk crooner Mary Chapin Carpenter to electronic DJ Pretty Lights. But this is the show that holds the most promise for classical fans. music can be complicated — in a good way — and a good fit for the string section. . Give it a try? 303-623-7876 or coloradosymphony.org
New York Philharmonic
Bravo! Vail Music Festival, July 19
You couldn’t program a more promising night for the in Vail. Music director Alan Gilbert will be there to conduct, and the renowned Yefim Bronfman will play. It’s all Beethoven, all the time, with the “Fidelio” overture and Piano Concerto No. 1 and No. 5. 877-812-5700 or bravovail.org
“The Music of Harry Potter”
Colorado Symphony Orchestra, July 19-20
Beethoven this is not. But kids will like this program of music borrowed from the “Harry Potter” movies. Expect some serious late-career John Williams and a few laughs. Scott O’Neil, who knows how to keep these things serious, music-wise, conducts. 303-623-7876 or coloradosymphony.org
Joyce Yang and more
Salida Aspen Concerts, July 23
Some of the best events of the season come out of this partnership between the Aspen Music Festival and this series over the pass in Salida. This concert, with pianist Joyce Yang, guitarist Pablo Sainz Villegas and violinist Augustin Hadlich will make for a memorable night at the local high school. Just $15. Repeat: $15. 719-539-646
Aspen Philharmonic Orchestra
Aspen Music Festival, Aug. 6
This is the kind of diverse night only the adventurous Aspen Music Festival could pull off in Colorado. It starts with John Adams’ “Short Ride in a Fast Machine,” which most people don’t know, and ends with Brahms Symphony No. 1, which many people can hum. James Feddeck conducts. aspenmusicfestival.com or 970-925-9042
Ray Mark Rinaldi: 303-954-1540, rrinaldi@denverpost.com or twitter.com/rayrinaldi
