Schedule:

Friday, July 19, 2024

7:00 PM: Skynnyn Lynnyrd
This Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band's shows are an adrenaline rush, complete with the look and sounds of a real Skynyrd Concert. Skynyrd fans are guided through an unforgettable experience that builds from the first note played. From "Sweet Home Alabama" to "Simple Man," you'll be singing along all the way. And you know there's no need to call out a request for "Free Bird."

Saturday, July 20, 2024

7:00 PM: George Michael Reborn
This is an incredible George Michael WHAM! tribute to the late, great legend. Robert Bartko exudes the energy and passion of George in the 80s and 90s. Hitting all the favorites like "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" and "Careless Whisper," he channels George Michael with the vocal range, moves, crowd interaction, and charisma that will get you dancing in the big white tent all night long.

Sunday, July 21, 2024

7:00 PM:Garratt Wilkin & The Parrotheads
Break out your Hawaiian shirts and make way for Margaritaville. Billed as the #1 Jimmy Buffett tribute band in the country, The Parrotheads capture the essence of Buffett's island-inspired tunes with authenticity and flair. From tropical classics like "Margaritaville" to feel-good favorites such as "Cheeseburger in Paradise," their performances transport audiences to a carefree paradise - much like Bear Valley, except with palm trees.

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

7:00 PM: Tuck & Patti
This unique, genre-crossing vocal/guitar duo has cast its musical spell worldwide, drawing the respect of jazz buffs and the jaw-dropping awe of guitarists and singers. Their music spans the music of Duke Ellington, the Beatles, and Jimi Hendrix–rock, pop, jazz, gospel, blues, folk, world, and classical– performing both classics and originals. Bobby McFerrin pronounced them "The best duo on the planet!"

Thursday, July 25, 2024

7:00 PM: Disco Inferno: A 70's Celebration
Dig out those bell bottoms, sequins, and hot pants. We'll celebrate the glory of the disco days with some of New York's top vocal performers joining the Bear Valley Symphony in the super-hits of the decade by Abba, the Bee Gees, Barbra Streisand, Barry Manilow, Donna Summer, and more. Disco is the sound of the '70s, and it still has the power to get us "movin' and groovin'. Dance to a symphony orchestra? Why not?!

Friday, July 26, 2024

7:00 PM: Bagpipes in the Highlands
Inspired by Bear Valley's massive boulders and mountains, Maestro Mickelthwate thought of Scotland, also known for its majestic landscape. We start the evening with Highland Cathedral for bagpipe and orchestra, then move to Elgar's soulful Cello Concerto, and conclude with Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 3 (fondly known as "The Scottish"). Pull that kilt out of your closet and head to the tent for an evening of gorgeous, moody music.

Saturday, July 27, 2024

7:00 PM: Our Earth, Our Stars & Beyond
This will be an evening of immersive music tucked into the tent under Bear Valley's awe-inspiring night sky. Jared Tate's "Fire and Light" is a piece that expresses Chickasaw identity through classical music and theater, featuring a narrator and three voices. Then we'll hear Eric Whitacre's "Deep Field," a symphonic work inspired by the Hubble Space Telescope and its most significant discovery - the iconic Deep Field image. Local legend guitarist Scott Moughton will join us for Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" in a new arrangement for orchestra. We conclude the evening with our friends from the Sonora Community Choir joining us for Faure's Requiem, a piece that depicts the timelessness of human existence.

Sunday, July 28, 2024

2:00 PM: Mozart's Rivals
You may remember the movie "Amadeus," telling the story of a rivalry between Mozart and Salieri. In real life there was no rivalry, but it's fun to imagine. For this matinee concert the orchestra will perform pieces by composers who really could be his rivals. Frederick the Great was not only King of Prussia, but he was a musician and composer, and we'll hear his Symphony in D. Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges was an expert swordsman, freedom fighter, violinist, and conductor – and one of the few early classical composers of color. Mozart was said to have been both inspired and challenged by him, and we'll hear his first violin concerto. Also featured will be the last piece Clara Schumann wrote, March in E-flat Major, and Fanny Mendelssohn's Overture in C. We'll conclude the program with a work by Salieri, Mozart's colleague and friend.

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

7:00 PM: Candlelight Chamber
Because of its intimate nature, chamber music has been described as "the music of friends." That's especially true in Bear Valley when we gather in the tent to hear our own symphony musicians perform works they select. Chamber music brings the listener in to feel what each musician is trying to convey, connecting us to them and one another in a special way. Join us for a lovely evening specially curated by our musician friends as the tent glows with the warmth of endless candles.

Thursday, August 1, 2024

7:00 PM: From Oklahoma to California
Each summer Maestro Mickelthwate travels from Oklahoma to California to join us for the festival, and he has crafted a musical trip taking this same journey. Our first stop is the theme from the musical "Oklahoma;" then we drive along Michael Daugherty's "Route 66," all the way to "Dharma at Big Sur," which is the title of John Adams' electric violin concerto. We'll honor the Hollywood scene with the movie music to "The Hours" by Phillip Glass and conclude with Lee Johnson's "Dead Symphony No. 6," an orchestral tribute to The Grateful Dead.

Friday, August 2, 2024

7:00 PM: Blockbuster Classical
With two massive classical pieces on the program, what else to call this but "Blockbuster Classical?" It's an all-Russian composer line-up. Virtuosic violinist Bella Hristova will perform Prokofiev's 2nd Violin Concerto, known for its haunting yet lush melodies. Then the symphony will take on Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5, first performed in Leningrad in November 1937 when Dmitri Shostakovich's artistic reputation, and possibly his life, were on the line. It's a night of drama delivered through powerful music.

Saturday, August 3, 2024

5:30 PM: Gala - Havana Nights
Our annual gala is not only one of our most important fundraising events, but it's an evening of good music, good food, and good friends. This year's theme is "Havana Nights," and the orchestra will entertain us with upbeat, finger-snapping Cuban music. There will be a special cocktail, fun activities, and lots of exciting live auction items. If you want to dress the part, come in your finest tropical dresses and linen suits or maybe even an "I Love Lucy" inspired outfit. We hope you'll attend the party of the summer and support your Bear Valley Music Festival.

Sunday, August 4, 2024

2:00 PM: Romantic Voices
We conclude the festival with an afternoon of music inspired by Andrea Bocelli. While he won't be with us in Bear Valley, we'll have a talented soprano and tenor sing favorite selections from Bocelli's repertoire, including works by Verdi, Puccini, and Schubert and modern pieces like "Never Enough" from "The Greatest Showman" and "Moon River." Settle in for a relaxing Sunday afternoon as we bid farewell to our 56th annual music festival.

Date: July 19-August 4, 2024

Location: Bear Valley Village, CA

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