June is nearly over, and July is nearly here. And, for more than 30 years, July has meant the start of a Durango summer staple: Music in the Mountains.
Music in the Mountains is a music festival and conservatory program that features world-class musicians, orchestra performances and chamber concerts under the white peaks of the festival tent at Purgatory Resort.
Every summer since 1987, the Music in the Mountains festival has brought live music to venues in and around Durango. Although its history is rooted in classical music and chamber concerts, Music in the Mountains has expanded and diversified its offerings, and the 2018 schedule features world music and family concerts as well as access to open rehearsals and pre-performance lectures.
From the Music in the Mountains website:
In 1987, Maestro Mischa Semanitzky dreamed of a classical music festival in Durango and set his vision in motion. Through support from Fort Lewis College, The Durango Herald, Durango Mountain Resort, Morley Ballantine and Bank of Colorado, the original concert season was born. The first season included five concerts and featured 11 musicians, all of whom were members of the Dallas Fine Arts Chamber Players, a group also founded by Semanitzky.
In response to the growing interest of local and regional audiences, Music in the Mountains has steadily broadened its programs for more than 30 years – increasing the number of concerts and venues. Conceived originally as a fully integrated summer music festival, a chamber music series was introduced in 1997, under the direction of Gregory Hustis, principal horn of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Now more than 100 world-renowned musicians entertain audiences of all ages during the three week festival.
Concerts and Events
Music in the Mountains kicks off July 7 and runs through July 29 and will feature nearly 20 performances throughout the festival’s three-week run (be sure to check the schedule so you don’t miss out on any amazing events). Festivities getting rolling Saturday, July 7, with a World Music Concert by The Hunts, an indie-folk band from Virginia, at Bayfield Performing Arts Center.
Other festival performances include benefit events, such as the Chocolate Indulgence benefit July 11 at Purgatory Resort that will feature artisan desserts from Animas Chocolate Co. and Ore House Restaurant paired with specialty cocktails, wine and beer — all before a cappella powerhouse Backtrack Vocals takes the stage.
Family concerts feature kid-friendly fun, like the Green Eggs and Ham dinner and concert July 12 at Fort Lewis College’s Community Concert Hall. Guests can enjoy a picnic dinner before the festival orchestra concert that’s designed for Thing 1 and Thing 2 and their parents.
You can buy your tickets online or by phone and either pick them up at the Music in the Mountains’ downtown Festival Office at 515 E. College Drive, have them mailed to you or pick them up at the will-call booth one hour before the concert.
Concert Venues
Music in the Mountains’ festival tent is located at Purgatory Resort about 30 miles north of downtown Durango on U.S. Highway 550 — a straight shot north of the Econo Lodge Durango. The tent is located at the base of the ski area. Although many concerts are held at the festival tent, Music in the Mountains includes performances at several other venues throughout Durango and other nearby communities.
Stay With Us
Summertime in Durango is all about fun and festivals, and summer vacations in Durango give visitors plenty of both to choose from. While you’re here, be sure to catch a Music in the Mountains concert and stay with us at the Durango Econo Lodge Inn & Suites! Guests consistently rank us among Durango’s best hotels, so book your room at the Econo Lodge Durango today.
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites 