From June 2 – June 15, the Hot Springs Music Festival (HSMF) will offer daily open rehearsals and present nightly concerts at 7pm in various venues around the community. “This year features some spectacular music including two world premiere performances,” said Lynn Payette, Executive Director of the festival.
The orchestral highlights include a June 6 performance of the music of Berlioz, Boulanger, and Saint-Saëns; June 11 features the music of Britten and Dvořák; and the June 15 finale features the Hot Springs Music Festival Chorus, singing a new English text to Finlandia, by Sibelius, prepared by Laura Rosenberg, co-founder of the festival, and Lynn Payette. That evening also includes a harp concerto by living composer Bright Sheng, and the Rachmaninoff Symphonic Dances.
As part of their Outreach Program, the HSMF will feature the University of Nevada Las Vegas String Quartet in a special concert at Garland County Library on Thursday, June 6, at 10.30am. The UNLV String Quartet will also perform in Hot Springs Village on Sunday, June 9, 3pm, in the Good Samaritan Chapel.
Other popular events include Friday, June 7 and 14, the Apprentices (student musicians) Potpourri concerts, where the Apprentices perform music of their own choosing. Monday, June 10 is the always enjoyable Piano Night. These programs are all 7pm at First Presbyterian Church.
Season 24 will also mark the final season for Maestro Peter Bay as the Music Director. “We received the sad news that due to new contractual obligations with the Austin Symphony, Peter will no longer be able to participate in the Hot Springs Music Festival,” noted Payette. “We hope the community will join us as we celebrate Peter’s guidance in helping to establish the festival as one of the premiere summer festivals in the world.”
For more information, call 501-623-4763 or visit hotmusic.org for the daily schedule and ticket information. Orchestra concerts are $20; Chamber Concerts are $10; Student tickets for any event are $5.