our mission
Promote the appreciation of chamber music in the Methow Valley.
Why We Care
We believe everyone deserves access to extraordinary live music — no matter how far they live from a concert hall.
For thirty seasons we have brought world-class guest artists to the Methow Valley, a rural community in the mountains of North Central Washington, and kept every performance within reach: free tickets for ages 10–17, free open rehearsals across the valley, and ticket prices at a fraction of true cost.
Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough for music.
— Sergei Rachmaninoff
What We Do
Each June, our Summer Festival brings top musicians from around the world to Twisp for Centerstage Concerts at the Methow Valley Community Center, with free open rehearsals throughout the festival weeks. The music continues year-round: our Winter Concert at the Merc Playhouse, and performances and educational events across the valley designed to bring artists and audiences together.
“The more we play in the community, the better we demonstrate the uplifting emotional appeal of live chamber music, a key component of our mission.”
— kevin krentz, artistic director
What It’s Like
Our performances are intimate and chamber-sized: world-class music, locally made food, wine, and beer, and exquisite mountain scenery. Dine with friends before the show, and stay afterward to meet the artists.
Music for Everyone
We are dedicated to making fine music accessible to all. Ticket prices cover only about a third of what each performance costs — the rest is carried by local donors and state and federal grants. Ages 10–17 attend Centerstage Concerts free, and we share free tickets with our neighbors at Room One, the valley's family support and crisis center, and The Cove, our local food bank.
Free open rehearsals run throughout the festival for anyone unable to attend — or afford — the evening concerts. Beyond the festival, we bring free performances to venues across the valley and fund scholarships to the Pipestone School of Music camp, helping the next generation fall in love with this music.
Access is possible because of people like you.