Murray: A look back at Bravo! Vail’s 2024 festival
August 8, 2024Summer in Eagle County just would not be the same without your Bravo! Vail Music Festival, and this year was no exception. Reflecting on the past two months, I am moved by the memorable artistic moments that will stay with me forever. I am also proud of the breadth of programming and increased engagement from our incredibly diverse and vibrant community. Musicians and visitors from around the country and the world made Colorado their home this summer, drawn by the world-class music-making synonymous with Bravo! Vail.
With record-high attendance at our free community events, more people than ever enjoyed all our festival has to offer. From our very first performance at the Tabor Opera House in Leadville to educational programming at Roundup River Ranch in Gypsum, Bravo! Vail welcomed new audiences through a variety of outstanding concerts and educational programs throughout the Valley.
One of the undisputed highlights of the season was the residency of Mexico’s Sinfónica de Minería – Bravo! Vail’s first Latin American orchestra. Musicians and internationally acclaimed guest artists, including trumpet player Pacho Flores, guitarist Pablo Sáinz-Villegas and flamenco singer Esperanza Fernández, presented bilingual programs in local libraries, at Colorado Mountain College, during our Young Musicians Day, and more, inviting new community members and partners to our Bravo! Vail family.
The impact of Sinfónica de Minería extended far beyond their educational outreach. Led by Artistic Director Carlos Miguel Prieto, the orchestra’s three concerts at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater showcased works from Beethoven to Paquito D’Rivera, with legendary encores everyone is still raving about. The orchestra’s boundless energy, enthusiasm and visible passion for their art set the tone for the rest of the season.
Our resident orchestras — The Dallas Symphony Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic — also delivered breathtaking performances. One of my favorites included Anna Clyne’s “ATLAS,” performed by pianist Jeremy Denk with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra led by Fabio Luisi, and the orchestra’s lively “Country Hits” performance, which had everyone dancing in the aisles and on the lawn.
Then of course, there was “La bohème” with The Philadelphia Orchestra led by Yannick Nézet-Séguin and an amazing cast of singers. We had high expectations for this second-ever Bravo! Vail opera, and they were far exceeded, with continued accolades from opera aficionados and novices alike. These productions captured something magical and set another high watermark for the festival.
The New York Philharmonic brought Jaap van Zweden’s final performances as music director, highlighting some of the conductor’s favorite works — including Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 — and inspiring emotional tributes. Jaap’s 15-year relationship with Bravo! Vail, including his tenure as music director of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, made these performances particularly special.
Bravo! Vail’s community and artistic achievements this season did not just happen in a vacuum. It took a dedicated and passionate team to present more than 80 performances seamlessly over six weeks. Notably, I’d like to thank our remarkable Artistic Director Anne-Marie McDermott whose vision elevates Bravo! Vail each year and gives us the highest-quality guest artists, ensembles and programs.
My deepest appreciation also goes out to Bravo! Vail’s Board of Trustees, Advisory Council, Guild, staff and interns for their countless hours of work and deep commitment. Bravo! Vail would not be possible without the support of our patrons, donors, partners, sponsors, the Town of Vail and the Vail Valley Foundation. You are the reason one of the world’s finest classical music festivals takes place right here in Vail.
Finally, thanks to all of you who attended our concerts and programs or tried Bravo! Vail for the very first time. We are honored that you chose to join us and hope to see you at future Bravo! Vail events.
Please mark your calendars for the 38th Bravo! Vail Music Festival, which will run from June 19-July 31, 2025. We are excited to present the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, alongside our spectacular resident orchestras. Keep updated on Bravo! Vail’s year-round programming and announcements by visiting BravoVail.org and following our social media platforms. We thank you and look forward to another phenomenal festival in 2025.
Caitlin Murray is the executive director of Bravo! Vail.
Read the full article at VailDaily.com