Aspen Music Festival in Aspen, Colorado

Since the very first Aspen Music Festival and School in 1949, both well known and upcoming musicians have attended to perform, learn and teach! This summer will mark the 59th year of this nine week long celebration of music! The 2008 season will start on June 19 and extend through until August 17. This years theme will be a mixture of mythology, folklore, legends and fairytales as the Aspen Music Festival presents "Once Upon a Time"!

The Aspen Opera Theater Center will be featuring a production of the ever popular Hansel and Gretel. They will also be performing two different adult versions of the the classic Cinderella fairytale!

Renowned pianist Emanuel Ax will be at the festival again doing two wonderful programs. Ax will also be presenting a special concert with pianists Misha Dichter, Yefim Bronfman and Joseph Kalichstein.

If you're a jazz fan you'll love the talents of Patti Austin. Austin will be joining with the Count Basie Orchestra in a special tribute to Ella Fitzgerald.

This year's Aspen Music Festival will feature over 350 public events. Some of the artists musical artists appearing are Sarah Chang, Emerson String Quartet, Joshua Bell and Julia Fischer.

The goal of the Once Upon a Time theme is to tell stories through music. The expressive power of music will be dominated through works like Wagner's Overture to The Flying Dutchman, Harbison's Great Gatsby Suite and Schoenberg's Love Story!

New additions to the Aspen Music Festival's 2008 lineup will be the Jazz Aspen Snowmass, Aspen Public Radio, Aspen Institute and the Anderson Ranch Arts Center!

Another famous guest appearance will be made by Condoleezza Rice! The U.S. Secretary of State was once a piano student at the Aspen Music School and will be performing on August 2 at 3:00 p.m. in the Benedict Music Tent!

The festival also plays host for the summer to over 750 music students that travel from over 40 states and over 40 countries each year. These students come to study, play, compose and conduct with over 150 faculty teachers.

Gold Season passes to the Aspen Music Festival will offer entrance to all of their regularly scheduled events and is priced at $1250. Their Kickoff Pass at $185 ensures attendance to all regular performances from June 19 all the way through July 3.

They also offer a Full Season Pass that gives you unlimited access for $975. For children 17 years of age and under their Youth Season Picture Pass is at the low price of $50!

If you live in Aspen you can purchase The AMFS Local's Pass! With the local's pass you can buy admission to ten of the events for only $12.50 each, a total of $125 for all ten events.

These passes cover all of the regularly scheduled performances throughout the festival. However, they don't cover any special events, operas, house music, films or benefits.

Both season passes and tickets can be purchased either online, by phone, in person or by mail. But, over 25% of the events are free and seating on the lawn and garden area is also free!

The festivals free Day of Music on July 8th is open to any one that wishes to attend. It's an open house that lasts an entire day and features performances by the Aspen Music Festival and School students along with the school faculty!

On July 14, the festival will host a gala Fantasy Ball! It's the grandest event of the festival and will feature an exclusive unforgettable evening of dinner and dancing!

While many locals usually walk to the festival, there will be parking available throughout the city. The RFTA bus system will also be providing free transportation for the festival. Aspen has a wide selection of restaurants and lodges that will fit into every budget.

The dress code is come as you are! You can wear anything from shorts and jeans to a three piece suit and a cocktail dress! Just remember to bring a sweater, the mountain air gets a little chilly at night! Bring a sweater or jacket if you're going to stay all day long! nights

Set amidst the majestic Colorado Rockies the more than 350 events will span 61 days! It's definitely an musical treat that you won't want to miss!

Ticket Information
Tickets may be purchased:
By Internet: www.aspenmusicfestival.com
By Phone: 970-925-9042
By Fax: 970-925-8077
By Mail: AMFS Box Office, 2 Music School Road, Aspen, CO 81611

Sources:

http://www.aspenmusicfestival.com/
http://www.aspenpost.net/2008/02/06/aspen-music-festival-and-school-announces-summer-2008-season/
http://www.aspenpost.net/2008/04/28/discount-local%e2%80%99s-passes-for-the-aspen-music-festival-and-school/
http://www.tinymixtapes.com/Condoleezza-Rice-Will-Be
http://www.aspenmusicfestival.com/index.cfm?method=c.eventDetail&eventID=3204&calStartDate=08/02/08