Origin of the Festival

Est. 1996, in a lush, green meadow near Mazama.

Violinist John Konigsmark moved to the Mazama area in 1996, attracted by the scenic splendour of the region. He soon developed the notion that many people might attend high-quality classical chamber music concerts performed against the scenic backdrop of the upper valley.

John arranged the first performances in 1996, set in a beautiful meadow near Mazama. These early performances established a clear public interest in concept of outdoor classical music. John soon brought former students and colleagues from all over the country to share in the fun of making music for the benefit of a growing audience. With the motto “ Classical Chamber Music in the Barns and Meadows of the Methow Valley,” his concerts linked art and nature. Early audiences loved the natural environment of the concerts that, on one occasion, included the unique sound of tree frogs accompanying a Mozart sonata.

Under John's direction, the festival grew to attract a growing audience from the Puget Sound and performers from all over the nation. In 2000, the festival outgrew its original performance space and moved to a large tent in Winthrop.

Violinist Sungil Lee took the reins as artistic director in 2001, followed by pianist Lisa Bergman in 2003. Lisa served through 2007, when she left to become Executive Director of the Icicle Creek Music Festival. The programs during this period brought unforgettable performances by world-renowned artists, notably Jon Kimura Parker (piano) and Frederica von Stade (mezzo-soprano). Other winners of national and international prizes that became regulars during this time include Kevin Krentz (cello) and Stephen Beus (piano).

In 2008, the festival signed Kevin Krentz as artistic director. Kevin brings a high degree of professionalism to his job, coupled with a deep understanding of the classical music audience. To accommodate modern tastes, Kevin structures his programs to include several types of  pieces with a lot of variety. Some programs include a 'host' that interviews the artists, asking them about the first time they played a piece, and bringing a little personal interest and humor to the stage. Kevin says, "This is, after all, a chamber music concert. It happens in a relatively small, 200-seat, sitting space. Everyone can see the artists' faces and feel their emotion as they talk about learning their first piece at the age of 7. Why not take advantage of that? I structure every program to include something familiar, something new and something completely flamboyant all together in a pattern that is constantly engaging, constantly stimulating."

In 2009, the festival moved its main-stage performances to a new, purpose-built facility at Signal Hill Ranch, a dramatic setting one mile above the Methow Valley floor, halfway between Winthrop and Twisp. The new facility includes a professionally-designed, semi-outdoor acoustic listening environment surrounded by breathtaking views. Arrive early to enjoy a gourmet tasting menu as well as local beers and wines with your friends on the grounds before the concert. Ranch owner Howard Johnson says, "What inspired me to construct the new venue? It was Kevin's approach to programming. When he puts on a show, the audience really responds. We get two, three, or four standing ovations at a single concert. The community loves this festival."

In 2010, the festival added a Chamber Music Camp for young string players. The Chamber Music Camp provides masterclasses, private lessons, ensemble coaching sessions, and many performance opportunities, all led by seasoned, professional Festival artists. The Chamber Music Camp, designed for accomplished, professional-track young string players, complements the separately-administered Methow Valley Pipestone Institute music camp designed for all budding local musicians grades 3-12. The two camps share some activities.

In 2011, the festival plans to expand the chamber music summer camp for talented young string players to a full 10 days.
We will feature an international artist from Brazil. We plan a better seating layout, with more seats, and more raised seating areas in back of theater. Before each show, we will serve food and beverages at the newly-completed Ice House location on-site at the festival.

Our festival proudly honors the traditions set down by our founder, Mr. Konigsmark. Each summer we put on 10 days worth of events, incorporating a broad array of performances that include main-stage shows by top-notch professional musicians from around the world, feature presentations at local restaurants and public spaces, and special concert events put on by the highly-talented young performers in the annual Chamber Music Camp.