Britt's 2011 Classical Festival brings a 90-member orchestra to southern Oregon
August 1, 2011
-Friday, August 5 - Sunday, August 21-
JACKSONVILLE, OR - The 49th annual Britt Classical Festival begins this week, with three weeks of classical concerts under the stars, including seven orchestral concerts, and free string quartet recitals and chamber music. The Festival includes the 90-member Britt Orchestra, and also features guest artists including guitarist Sharon
Isbin, pianist/host Christopher O'Riley, and the innovative trio Time for Three.
Each year, some of the nation's best musicians from orchestras across the country travel to southern Oregon to form the Britt Festival Orchestra. Maestro Peter Bay, of the Austin Symphony, returns for his 19th season as Music Director and Conductor of the Britt Orchestra.
Festival Highlights:
• An evening of "Festival Favorites," including Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, complete with the sound of cannons
• World-renowned guitarist Sharon Isbin performing Rodrigo's Aranjuez
• Family concert hosted by NPR's From the Top host Christopher O'Riley and 12-year-old trumpeter Natalie Dungey
• Contemporary trio Time for Three performing a piece by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Jennifer Higdon
Before each orchestra concert (except the Family Concert), pre-concert conversations will take place at 7 p.m. on the Britt grounds. Hosts from Jefferson Public Radio will lead informal Q&As with guest soloists and Maestro Bay, providing insight into the evening's programs and the art of live performance.
In addition to the full orchestra concerts on the Britt hill, members of the Britt Orchestra will present two free chamber music recitals, which they perform in thanks to their host community. See schedule below for details.
Britt Institute's String Quartet Academy is also in session during the Classical Festival, and students and faculty will perform recitals.
2011 CLASSICAL FESTIVAL SCHEDULE:
All events are at the Britt Pavilion in Jacksonville, unless otherwise stated. Please check the Britt web site at www.brittfest.org for times, programs and ticket prices:
Friday, August 5, Champagne Picnic & Opening Night Concert (6 p.m. and 8 p.m.)
Mûza Rubackyté, piano
Saturday, August 6, Britt Orchestra concert (8 p.m.)
James Ehnes, violin
Sunday, August 7, String Quartet Academy performance at the Green Show (6:45 p.m)
Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland
Friday, August 12, Britt Orchestra concert (8 p.m.)
Time for Three
String Quartet Academy students perform on the Britt stage at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 13, String Quartet Academy Student Recitals
SOU Recital Hall, Ashland
Free admission
Part 1: 11 a.m.
Part 2: 2 p.m.
Saturday, August 13, Britt Orchestra concert (8 p.m.)
Sharon Isbin, guitar
Sunday, August 14, "Musician's Choice" chamber music concert (2 p.m.)
First Presbyterian Church, Medford
Free Admission
Tuesday, August 16, "Musician's Choice" chamber music concert (7 p.m.)
Paschal Winery, Talent
Free Admission
Friday, August 19, Britt Orchestra "Festival Favorites" concert (8 p.m.)
featuring the 1812 Overture
Saturday, August 20, Family Concert (7:30 p.m.)
Christopher O'Riley, host
Natalie Dungey, trumpet
Pre-concert family activities begin at 5:45 p.m.
Sunday, August 21, Britt Orchestra Closing Night Concert (8 p.m.)
Christopher O'Riley, piano
For full information about Britt's 2011 season, including program and artist information, schedules and ticket prices, visit brittfest.org or call 541-773-6077 or 1-800-882-7488. Britt's box office is open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday thru Friday at 216 West Main St. in Medford, and at 3 p.m. on concert days at the box office in Jacksonville.
Britt Festivals invites audiences and artists to celebrate the joy of live performance, the power of community and the magic of the Britt Experience. Through ongoing education and audience development programs, Britt connects audiences to the inspirational power of classical music, and helps new generations of listeners discover the
wonder of music and performance. In addition to presenting concerts, Britt Festivals maintains an education program through the Britt Institute. Established in 1985, the Britt Institute hosts a variety of programs including summer camps, workshops, elementary school activities, lectures and "meet the artist" opportunities.
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