History:

In 1967, orchestra conductor, John Gosling and his wife Margaret were driving through the Stanislaus National Forest and found themselves in the small town of Bear Valley. At that time, Bear Valley consisted of a small enclave of homes, a hostel, and the Bear Valley Lodge. The town was nestled on the picturesque southern slope of the ski resort known as Mount Reba. John Gosling’s fledgling idea to begin a festival was realized just one year later.

 The inaugural concert at the Bear Valley Music Festival saw a 38-person orchestra brimming out of Bear Valley Lodge’s Cathedral Lounge. Residents opened their homes to musicians, meals were served family-style in the Lodge Dining Room, and the lounge was packed to the balconies that flank the central room. During those humble beginnings, John Gosling shared his time between Bear Valley and the North Carolina Symphony Orchestra. Maestro Gosling and a dedicated group of founders, musicians, and volunteers continued to make music in a variety of venues – the Lodge, under the open skies, and finally in a large circus tent. The repertoire expanded to include: Broadway show-tunes, opera, chamber music, educational programs, and guest artists from around the world.

In 1985, Carter Nice, then the Conductor of the Sacramento Symphony, succeeded John Gosling as Music Director and Conductor. Under his direction, the BVMF Orchestra expanded in numbers and geographic reach. Players were attracted from New York, Florida, New Orleans, Indiana, and all over California. Bear Valley became the summer home to many of these players. Family members and friends came to enjoy the High Sierras in the summer and listen to the splendid music.

As the Festival grew, the classical music was supplemented with opera, Broadway show tunes, and opening weekend acts of contemporary and country music. Past guest artists have included: Dave Mason, José Feliciano, Roseanne Cash, Glen Campbell, the Mamas and the Papas, Big Bad Voo Doo Daddy, and John Corbett.