Vail, CO – June 19, 2025
The Bravo! Vail Music Festival officially opened its 38th season on June 19, 2025, setting the stage for six weeks of classical music excellence throughout the Vail Valley. This year’s festival, running through July 31, features over 70 performances combining world-class orchestral music with free and community-focused initiatives.
The highlight of the opening week is the debut of the Chamber Orchestra of Europe (COE). Under the baton of German conductor Matthias Pintscher—recently appointed Music Director of the Kansas City Symphony—the COE performs its inaugural Bravo! Vail residency from June 19–22. The ensemble, comprised of top European musicians, will present three signature concerts: Brahms’ Piano Concertos Nos. 1 and 2 with pianist Yefim Bronfman; Brahms’ Double Concerto featuring Alisa Weilerstein and Blake Pouliot; Schubert’s Symphony No. 4; Haydn’s Symphonies Nos. 31 and 44; plus selections by Stravinsky.
Artistic Director Anne‑Marie McDermott—marking her 15th season leading Bravo! Vail—remarked, “The 2025 season promises a summer of ‘firsts,’ including our first time engaging five orchestras from three continents.” In addition to the COE, audiences will experience performances by Mexico’s Sinfónica de Minería, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic.
As part of the Chamber Music Series, the festival collaborates with renowned chamber ensembles; immersive experiences highlighting Chopin; and the playful “Classically Uncorked” events, co-curated by the piano duo Anderson & Roe.
True to its mission, Bravo! Vail is offering more than 20 free or low-cost events designed for broad public engagement. These include outdoor concerts in local parks, educational outreach programs, family-friendly performances, and open rehearsals. The festival music education initiative, “Music Makers Haciendo Música,” provides year-round opportunities in piano, violin, and ensemble instruction.
Local CEO and President Caitlin Murray emphasized the festival’s commitment to community: “Community service is at the heart of who we are… nearly half of our concerts are presented free of charge.”
Additional highlights of the orchestral residencies include:
- Sinfónica de Minería (June 23–26): Breaks new ground as the first Latin American orchestra to perform at Bravo! Vail, including free concerts and chamber music engagements.
- Dallas Symphony Orchestra (June 28–July 4): Features five programs, including a movie-night version of The Princess Bride and pops favorites.
- The Philadelphia Orchestra (July 6–13): Under Marin Alsop and Stéphane Denève, the ensemble will present works by Gabriela Lena Frank and other contemporary composers.
- New York Philharmonic (July 16–23): Returns for its 22nd Bravo! Vail residency and will premiere new commissions, including a Jessie Montgomery piece.
Venues such as the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Donovan Pavilion, and other community centers will host the range of performances.
Bravo! Vail’s summer-long offerings cater to varied audiences—from seasoned classical music lovers to families and first-time concertgoers. The festival’s strategic blend of high-caliber artistry and accessible programming reaffirms its reputation as one of the premier classical music festivals in North America .