2020 Virtual Festival
July 4 – August 23
The spirit endures and the music goes on…
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The Aspen Music Festival and School presents a virtual summer festival free for all to view from the comfort and safety of your home or personal device.
Events include fresh, new live recitals, teaching insights, panel discussions, in-depth seminars, and a triumphant live tribute to our Music Director Robert Spano on the occasion of his 10th year with the AMFS.
The full schedule is below, on our online calendar, and can be printed for easy posting at home here. All events are listed in Mountain Time.
Links will be posted to this page and to the calendar listings before the events. They will also be shared via email and on our social pages, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. To sign up to receive emails, click here. For general guidance on viewing events on your TV or stereo system, click here.
We may be safely distanced for the time being, but we hope to still “see you at the Tent!”
Weekly Schedule:
MONDAYS AT 3 PM | FREE
High Notes at Home
WEDNESDAYS AND SOME THURSDAYS AT 5 PM | FREE
Faculty-Student Showcases
AMFS artist-faculty and students offer a rare insider look at the teaching process. Witness the passing of musical wisdom on to the next generation in these intimate exchanges, recorded weekly.
With special thanks to The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University
SUNDAYS AT 3 PM | FREE
Aspen Festival Concerts
The 2020 Mercedes T. Bass Sunday Concert Series features live recitals on Sunday afternoons with cherished Aspen artists. Watch each Sunday with the AMFS community in this virtual re-creation of Aspen’s most beloved tradition.
Week 1
SATURDAY, JULY 4, 4 PM, free
Fourth of July Concert (pre-recorded)
A rebroadcast of highlight from past concerts with the Aspen Festival Band.
Watch with live chat on the AMFS Facebook page or watch on our Virtual Stage.
Lawrence Isaacson conductor
Aspen Festival Band
Thomas Hooten trumpet
Eric J. McConnell bass
J.S. SMITH/SOUSA: The Star-Spangled Banner
COPLAND: Fanfare for the Common Man
JENKINS: American Overture
ELLINGTON/CUSTER: Duke Ellington!
JOHN WILLIAMS/PAUL LAVENDAR: With Malice Towards None from "Lincoln"
STEVEN REINEKE: Sedona
HANDY/GRAY: St. Louis Blues March
STEFFE/WILHOUSKY/NEILSON: Battle Hymn of the Republic
LOWDEN: Armed Forces Salute
BERLIN/JAMES KESSLER: God Bless America
SUNDAY, JULY 5, 3 PM, free
LIVE (Note there will be no rebroadcast of this event)
A Tribute to Music Director Robert Spano
The Aspen Music Festival and School honors its Music Director Robert Spano with a benefit event tribute to his ten years at the artistic helm of the organization. This star-studded event includes live comments from AMFS luminaries and musical tributes from a cavalcade of superstar artists including pianist Yefim Bronfman, soprano Renée Fleming, violinist Robert McDuffie, mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung, bassoonist Nancy Goeres, mezzo-soprano Kelley O’Connor, and clarinetist Michael Rusinek. Mercedes T. Bass generously hosts the evening. All proceeds from this auction will benefit 2021 student scholarships.
Watch with live chat on the AMFS Facebook page or watch on our Virtual Stage.
Week 2
MONDAY, JULY 6, 3 PM, free
LIVE
High Notes Discussion
A live panel conversation with the artists presenting events this week, moderated by AMFS President and CEO Alan Fletcher, with the opportunity for audience questions through the chat function. This week includes violinist James Ehnes, pianist Andrew Armstrong, and AMFS artist-faculty member and trumpet player Stuart Stephenson.
Register and watch via Zoom or watch on our Virtual Stage. Available on-demand after the event until July 12.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 5 PM, free
Faculty and Student Showcase (pre-recorded)
Get a rare inside look at the teaching process as trumpet player and AMFS artist-faculty member Stuart Stephenson gives private instruction to some of his gifted students.
Watch with live chat on the AMFS Facebook page or watch on our Virtual Stage. Available on-demand after the event until August 23.
THURSDAY, JULY 9, 5 PM, free
Faculty and Student Showcase (pre-recorded)
AMFS artist-faculty member Stuart Stephenson and students have a conversation with AMFS Music Director Robert Spano on auditions and performance.
Watch with live chat on the AMFS Facebook page or watch on our Virtual Stage. Available on-demand after the event until August 23.
SUNDAY, JULY 12, 3 PM, free
LIVE
The 2020 Mercedes T. Bass Sunday Concert Series
A Recital by James Ehnes violin and Andrew Armstrong piano
BEETHOVEN: Violin Sonata No. 1 in D major, op. 12, no. 1
BEETHOVEN: Adagio from Violin Sonata No. 6 in A major, op. 30, no. 1
BEETHOVEN: Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, op. 24, "Spring"
Watch with live chat on the AMFS Facebook page or watch on our Virtual Stage.
* Rebroadcast date: July 14 *
Week 3
MONDAY, JULY 13, 3 PM, free
LIVE
High Notes Discussion
A live panel conversation with the artists presenting events this week, moderated by AMFS President and CEO Alan Fletcher, with the opportunity for audience questions through the chat function. This week includes pianist Daniil Trifonov and violinist AMFS artist-faculty member Robert Lipsett.
Register and join via Zoom or watch on our Virtual Stage. Available on-demand after the event until July 19.
TUESDAY, JULY 14, 7 PM, free
Rebroadcast: A Recital by James Ehnes violin and Andrew Armstrong piano
BEETHOVEN: Violin Sonata No. 1 in D major, op. 12, no. 1
BEETHOVEN: Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, op. 24, “Spring”
Watch with our Virtual Stage.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 10 AM, free
LIVE
Seminar I: Uncommon Women of Note
This roundtable discussion focuses on the history and currency of the realities facing women composers. Chaired by Julia Wolfe, the intergenerational participants reflect on their shared heritage as female composers—a lineage in which they are defining members. Participating composers include Tania León, Missy Mazzoli, and Laura Schwendinger. Joseph Pfender moderates. There will be the opportunity for audience questions through the chat function.
Register and join via Zoom or watch on our Virtual Stage. Available on-demand after the event until August 23.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 5 PM, free
Faculty and Student Showcase (pre-recorded)
In a variation on the series format, AMFS artist-faculty violin member Robert Lipsett hosts a Strings Student Showcase.
Watch with live chat on the AMFS Facebook page or watch on our Virtual Stage. Available on-demand after the event until August 23.
SUNDAY, JULY 19, 3 PM, free
The 2020 Mercedes T. Bass Sunday Concert Series
A Recital by Daniil Trifonov piano
J. S. BACH: The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080
J. S. BACH/HESS: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring from Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, BWV 147
Watch with live chat on the AMFS Facebook page or watch on our Virtual Stage.
* Rebroadcast date: July 21 *
Week 4
MONDAY, JULY 20, 3 PM, free
LIVE
High Notes Discussion
A live panel conversation with the artists presenting events this week, moderated by AMFS President and CEO Alan Fletcher, with the opportunity for audience questions through the chat function. This week includes cellist Alisa Weilerstein, pianist Inon Barnatan, AMFS artist-faculty member Yoheved Kaplinsky, and percussionist AMFS artist-faculty member Timothy Adams.
Watch and join via Zoom or watch on our Virtual Stage. Available on-demand after the event until July 26.
TUESDAY, JULY 21, 7 PM, free
Rebroadcast: A Recital by Daniil Trifonov piano
J. S. BACH: The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080
J. S. BACH/HESS: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring from Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, BWV 147
Watch with our Virtual Stage.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 5 PM, free
Faculty and Student Showcase (pre-recorded)
In a variation from the series format, AMFS artist-faculty piano faculty member Yoheved Kaplinsky hosts a Solo Piano Student Showcase.
Watch with live chat on the AMFS Facebook page or watch on our Virtual Stage. Available on-demand after the event until August 23.
THURSDAY, JULY 23, 5 PM, free
Faculty and Student Showcase (pre-recorded)
Get a rare inside look at the teaching process as flutist and AMFS artist-faculty member Demarre McGill holds a master class withsome of his gifted students.
Watch with live chat on the AMFS Facebook page or watch on our Virtual Stage. Available on-demand after the event until August 23.
SUNDAY, JULY 26, 3 PM, free
LIVE
The 2020 Mercedes T. Bass Sunday Concert Series
A Recital by Alisa Weilerstein cello and Inon Barnatan piano (pre-recorded)
BEETHOVEN: Cello Sonata in A major, op. 69
Cello Sonata in D major, op. 102, no. 2
Watch with live chat on the AMFS Facebook page or watch on our Virtual Stage.
* Rebroadcast date: July 28 *
Week 5
MONDAY, JULY 27, 3 PM, free
LIVE
High Notes Discussion
A live panel conversation with the artists presenting events this week, moderated by AMFS President and CEO Alan Fletcher, with the opportunity for audience questions through the chat function. This week includes pianist Behzod Abduraimov and percussionist and AMFS artist-faculty member Edward Stephan.
Register and join via Zoom or watch on our Virtual Stage. Available on-demand after the event until August 2.
TUESDAY, JULY 28, 7 PM, free
Rebroadcast: A Recital by Alisa Weilerstein cello and Inon Barnatan piano
BEETHOVEN: Cello Sonata in A major, op. 69
BEETHOVEN: Cello Sonata in D major, op. 102, no. 2
Watch with our Virtual Stage.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 5 PM, free
Faculty and Student Showcase (pre-recorded)
Get a rare inside look at the teaching process as percussionist and AMFS artist-faculty member Edward Stephan gives private instruction to some of his gifted students.
Watch with live chat on the AMFS Facebook page or watch on our Virtual Stage. Available on-demand after the event until August 23.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, 3 PM, free
LIVE
The 2020 Mercedes T. Bass Sunday Concert Series
A Recital by Behzod Abduraimov piano
BEETHOVEN: Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, op. 27, no. 2, “Moonlight”
DEBUSSY: Children's Corner
MUSORGSKY: Pictures at an Exhibition
Watch with live chat on the AMFS Facebook page or watch on our Virtual Stage.
* Rebroadcast date: August 4 *
Week 6
MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 3 PM, free
LIVE
High Notes Discussion
A live panel conversation with the artists presenting events this week, moderated by AMFS President and CEO Alan Fletcher, with the opportunity for audience questions through the chat function. This week includes pianist Jeremy Denk, harpist and AMFS artist-faculty member Nancy Allen, and oboist and AMFS artist-faculty member Elaine Douvas.
Register and join via Zoom or watch on our Virtual Stage. Available on-demand after the event until August 9.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 7 PM, free
Rebroadcast: A Recital by Behzod Abduraimov piano
BEETHOVEN: Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, op. 27, no. 2, “Moonlight”
DEBUSSY: Children's Corner
MUSORGSKY: Pictures at an Exhibition
Watch with our Virtual Stage.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 5 PM, free
Faculty and Student Showcase (pre-recorded)
Get a rare inside look at the teaching process as harpist and AMFS artist-faculty member Nancy Allen gives private instruction to some of her students.
Watch with live chat on the AMFS Facebook page or watch on our Virtual Stage. Available on-demand after the event until August 23.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 5 PM, free
Rebroadcast: Faculty and Student Showcase (pre-recorded)
In a variation from the series format, AMFS artist-faculty piano faculty member Yoheved Kaplinsky hosts a Solo Piano Student Showcase.
Watch with live chat on the AMFS Facebook page or watch on our Virtual Stage. Available on-demand after the event until August 23.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 3 PM, free
The 2020 Mercedes T. Bass Sunday Concert Series
A Recital by Stefan Jackiw violin and Jeremy Denk piano (pre-recorded)
IVES: Violin Sonata No. 4, op. 63, Children's Day at the Camp Meeting
IVES: Violin Sonata No. 2, op. 61
IVES: Violin Sonata No. 3, op. 62
Watch with live chat on the AMFS Facebook page or watch on our Virtual Stage.
* Rebroadcast date: August 11 *
Week 7
MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 3 PM, free
High Notes Discussion
A panel conversation with the artists presenting events this week, moderated by AMFS President and CEO Alan Fletcher, with the opportunity for audience questions through the chat function. This week includes pianist Andreas Haefliger and soprano and co-artistic director of the AMFS Opera Theater and VocalARTS program Renée Fleming.
Watch with live chat on the AMFS Facebook page or watch on our Virtual Stage. Available on-demand after the event until August 16.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 7 PM, free
Rebroadcast: A Recital by Stefan Jackiw violin and Jeremy Denk piano
IVES: Violin Sonata No. 4, op. 63, Children's Day at the Camp Meeting
IVES: Violin Sonata No. 2, op. 61
IVES: Violin Sonata No. 3, op. 62
Watch with our Virtual Stage.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 10 AM, free
Seminar II: Beethoven at 250
Musicologists Lewis Lockwood and Mark Ferraguto, and AMFS President and CEO Alan Fletcher, explore the differences between Beethoven as a historical figure, and Beethoven as an avatar of freedom and progress. Joseph Pfender moderates. There will be the opportunity for audience questions through the chat function.
Register and join via Zoom or watch on our Virtual Stage. Available on-demand after the event until August 23.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 5 PM, free
Faculty and Student Showcase (pre-recorded)
Get a rare inside look at the mentoring process as soprano and co-artistic director of the Aspen Opera Theater and VocalARTS program Renée Fleming, soprano Julia Bullock, and bass-baritone Ryan McKinny discuss how to forge a career today.
Watch with live chat on the AMFS Facebook page or watch on our Virtual Stage. Available on-demand after the event until August 23.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 3 PM, free
The 2020 Mercedes T. Bass Sunday Concert Series
A Recital by Andreas Haefliger piano (pre-recorded)
BEETHOVEN: Piano Sonata No. 29 in B-flat major, op. 106, “Hammerklavier”
Watch with live chat on the AMFS Facebook page or watch on our Virtual Stage.
* Rebroadcast date: August 18 *
Week 8
MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 3 PM, free
LIVE
High Notes Discussion
A live panel conversation with the artists presenting events this week, moderated by AMFS President and CEO Alan Fletcher, with the opportunity for audience questions through the chat function. This week includes violinist Augustin Hadelich, soprano and co-artistic director of the AMFS Opera Theater and VocalARTS program Renée Fleming, conductor and co-artistic director of the AMFS Opera Theater and VocalARTS program Patrick Summers, and AMFS artist-faculty member flutiest Demarre McGill.
Register and join via Zoom or watch on our Virtual Stage. Available on-demand after the event until August 23.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 7 PM, free
Rebroadcast: A Recital by Andreas Haefliger piano
BEETHOVEN: Piano Sonata No. 29 in B-flat major, op. 106, “Hammerklavier”
Watch with our Virtual Stage.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 5 PM, free
Faculty and Student Showcase (pre-recorded)
Co-artistic directors of the AMFS Opera Theater and VocalARTS program Renée Fleming and Patrick Summers host an opera master class for the 2020 student singers.
Watch with live chat on the AMFS Facebook page or watch on our Virtual Stage. Available on-demand after the event until August 23.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 5 PM, free
Faculty and Student Showcase (pre-recorded)
Get a rare inside look at the teaching process as percussionist and AMFS artist-faculty member Timothy Adams gives private instruction to some of his gifted students.
Watch with live chat on the AMFS Facebook page or watch on our Virtual Stage. Available on-demand after the event until August 23.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 5 PM, free
Get a rare inside look at the teaching process as oboist and AMFS artist-faculty member Elaine Douvas gives private instruction to some of her gifted students. Watch with live chat on the AMFS Facebook page or watch on our Virtual Stage. Available on-demand after the event until August 23.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 3 PM, free
The 2020 Mercedes T. Bass Sunday Concert Series
A Recital by Augustin Hadelich violin and piano (pre-recorded)
J. S. BACH: Partita No. 3 for Unaccompanied Violin in E major, BWV 1006
YSAŸE: Sonata for Unaccompanied Violin in A minor, op. 27, no. 2
SARASATE: Carmen Fantasy, op. 25
Watch with live chat on the AMFS Facebook page or watch on our Virtual Stage.
* Rebroadcast date: August 25 *
TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 7 PM, free
Rebroadcast: A Recital by Augustin Hadelich violin and piano
J.S. BACH: Partita No. 3 for Unaccompanied Violin in E major, BWV 1006
YSAŸE: Sonata for Unaccompanied Violin in A minor, op. 27, no. 2
RACHMANINOFF: Vocalise
DANIEL BERNARD ROUMAIN: Filter
SARASATE: Carmen Fantasy, op. 25
Watch with our Virtual Stage.