Killington Music Festival to begin new season

By KAYLA TOHER Herald Correspondent

Maria Fish knows describing chamber music as “sexy and vibrant” might not be the widely held thought of that genre. But Fish, director of the Killington Music Festival, said it is up to everyone to discover for themselves what chamber music means to them.

The annual festival boasts an internationally renowned faculty for its summer residency program.

And for six weeks this summer, these performers will call the Green Mountain State their home as they teach 70 aspiring young musicians preparing for a career in music.

“It’s a time to hibernate in the mountains and be inspired,” said Allison Aldredge, fourth-year artistic director for the festival.

She explained that during the year, the faculty is typically busy performing and traveling, but during the festival, they are able to learn from and inspire one another, as well as the students, who are aged 14 to 28 and represent 23 different states as well as Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan and Japan.

“It’s a remarkable set of students; probably the most accomplished group we’ve ever had,” Aldredge said.

The students will endure rigorous training that includes study, practice, rehearsal, performance — and fun.

According to Fish, the residency gives students the opportunity to observe and work with a faculty that is always encouraging.

Though not all students will become professional musicians, many are on the brink of their careers.

“Summer is a great opportunity to focus on this passion of theirs,” said Aldredge, who explained that the opportunity to perform not only enriches the students’ education, but also allows them to experiment with what they’ve been learning while presenting it to the public.

If you’re looking to enjoy a night of fresh air and music played by passionate performers, the Killington Music Festival will again host the 2008 Music in the Mountains Classical Concert Series.

The notably high-quality concerts begin at 7 p.m. and are held at Rams Head Lodge at the Killington Ski Resort.

“It’s a real jewel up here,” she said.

Fish assured that the concerts are a far cry from the boring event people too often imagine when it comes to classical music.

“People get there and they realize how sexy and vibrant chamber music can be,” she said.

“It’s contagious. You can’t help but be energized by the performers,” Aldredge said.

Though Fish said it is difficult to attract a new audience, she also explained, “Once they’re here, they’re hooked!”

The faculty will perform Saturday nights beginning June 28 and ending Aug. 9. Each week boasts an impressive array of music related under themes such as July 5’s “Music from the Times of War.” The ensemble in residency, The Boston Trio, will also perform on these nights.

Faculty concerts cost $20. The last faculty concert will be on Killington’s Peak, accessed by performers and audience members via gondola, which brings everyone to the top. The cost to attend is $25.

Tickets can be purchased through the box office at 422-1330. Tickets may also be purchased the day of the performance beginning at 6 p.m. at Rams Head Lodge.

Student concerts are held on Fridays from June 27 to July 25. Additionally, students will play on July 29, 30 and 31 at Rams Head, as well as at Rutland Free Library on July 23 and 30 at noon and Friday Night Live on July 11, 18 and 25.

As part of a community outreach program, the students also play at venues such as nursing homes, the Boys and Girls Club and Rutland Regional Medical Center. Fish said the interactive experiences are “very beneficial for everyone.”

All student concerts are free.

For more information about tickets, master classes and lectures, visit www.killingtonmusicfestival.org.