Grand Teton Music Festival

The 7 week Grand Teton Music Festival has finally kicked off for the summer. An annual event since 1962, it features soloists and musicians from all over the country. They come here to share their talents and entertain the Jackson community. Concerts are held at Walk Festival Hall in Teton Village, just 2 miles down the bike path from the ranch.

From the festival website: "The Grand Teton Music Festival’s all-wooden performance facility, Walk Festival Hall, is acclaimed by listeners and performers alike for its intimate atmosphere and superb acoustics. Walk Hall is located in the heart of Teton Village at the base of the Jackson Hole Ski Resort, a short drive from the town of Jackson. When you take a seat in Walk Hall, just a few feet away from our orchestra, be prepared to be fully enveloped by music. Like much in Jackson Hole, our hall is unpretentious, but delivers the clear sight lines and warm acoustics that provide a wholly intimate musical experience."

I attended my first performance last night and was not disappointed. Each Tuesday, they have a FREE one hour performance called Inside the Music. Themes vary each week, and 6-7 pieces are chosen and performed by visiting musicians with commentary provided on each by that week's visiting conductor. Last night, the theme was Bohemian Brotherhood and featured works by composers from Hungary and the Czech Republic. Click the photo to see a larger version of the program ;)

With no intermission or second act, an hour long performance is actually perfect! I really enjoyed hearing the insights on the composers and music, provided by Host and Associate Conductor of the Dallas Symphony and violinist Karina Canellakis. 

It was general admission and I chose a seat in the second row, center, just a few feet from the stage. I'd never been so up close and personal at other venues, and it was like having master musicians playing in my living room! They had a piano trio, string quartet and more during the hour long performance...

The next five Tuesday concerts will feature Chamber music in film, Friends of Brahms, Simply Classical, Lyrical Composers and American Classics from Tin Pan Alley to the Tetons.