Coffee Talk: Season Preview with Erin Freeman
Free: Sponsored by Festival Season Passholders
Coffee Talk: Anniversaries: From the Resort to the Music Festival, from Bizet to Ravel!
Free: Sponsored by Festival Season Passholders
Festive Fridays I: Opening Night – Jazz with John Winn & Friends
Friday, July 4 at 7:30 pm // Doors open at 6:30 pm for Bubbly & Bites
Kick off the 2025 Wintergreen Music Festival with a night of American jazz featuring John Winn & Friends. Join us for this festive and energetic Opening Night celebrating so many milestones in the Dunlop Pavilion – the 30th Anniversary of Wintergreen Music, the 50th Anniversary of Wintergreen Resort, the 10th Anniversary of Artistic Director Erin Freeman’s tenure, and America’s 249th birthday! Arrive as early as 6:30 pm to enjoy sparkling wine & light bites, courtesy of Wintergreen Club, or make reservations at The Copper Mine (Prime Rib Night) before this concert to remember!
Special thanks to Opening Night Sponsor: Wintergreen Club
Special Event: An American Salute with Orchestra!
At the generous invitation of Wintergreen Resort, the Wintergreen Festival Orchestra will return for an exciting family-friendly patriotic pops concert headlining Saturday night of the July Fourth Jubilee! Join Artistic Director Erin Freeman and the full orchestra for music from Broadway and Film to patriotic favorites such as America the Beautiful and Stars and Stripes Forever. There will even be a few singalongs, for those who want to join our impressive roster of musicians! Seating will be available on a first come, first served basis in Dunlop Pavilion, and we welcome you to bring your chairs and blankets to enjoy slopeside seating. (Free and open to the public.)
Open & free to the public; advance reserved seating available for Festival Season Passholders ONLY. Passholders must RSVP by June 25 (boxoffice@wintergreenmusic.org) to reserve their seats in advance — after June 25 seats will be released and available to the public for walkup seating. Advance reservations are not available to the general public, however there will be seating for apx. 200 available to the public on a first come, first served basis, starting at 5:30 pm. Weather permitting, the Dunlop Pavilion will have all tent flaps open so that all audiences may enjoy, whether seated in Dunlop or by blanket and chairs slopeside!
We strongly encourage patrons to check the Wintergreen Resort July Jubilee page for parking information and a complete list of weekend events!
Featuring: Music of Leonard Bernstein, John Phillip Sousa, Leroy Anderson, and more!
Please note: This event will take place, rain or shine! Follow us on social media for weather-related updates @WintergreenMusic.
Program:
John Stafford Smith (1750-1836), Star Spangled Banner
Jules Styne (1905-1994), Overture to Gypsy
Georges Bizet (1838-1875), Suite No. 1 from Carmen
I. Prélude
II. Aragonaise
IV. Séguidille
VI. Toréadors
Antônio Carlos Gomes (1836-1896), Notturno from Condor
Leroy Anderson (1908-1975), Blue Tango
Cindy McTee (b. 1953), Fishers Hornpipe
Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990), arr. Maurice Peress, Overture to West Side Story
Richard Rodgers (1902-1979) and Oscar Hammerstein (1895-1960), arr. Robert Russell Bennett, The Sound of Music Medley
Samuel Ward (1848-1903), arr. Philip Rothman, America the Beautiful
Various, arr. Robert Wendel Armed Forces Salute
Semper Paratus (Coast Guard)
Semper Supra (Space Force)
The US Air Force (Air Force)
Anchors Aweigh (Navy)
The Marines' Hymn (Marines)
The Army Goes Rolling Along (US Army)
John Phillip Sousa (1854-1932), Stars & Stripes Forever
Sunday MountainTop Masterworks I: Sound Tapestries: Bach, Haydn, Ravel & Friends
Watch our Festival Artists shine in this impressive orchestra concert led by multi-talented keyboardist and conductor Kamna Gupta! From the harpsichord, she will lead the orchestra in Bach’s exciting third Brandenburg Concerto and Haydn’s colorful Symphony No. 7. Then, she’ll step onto the podium as we honor Ravel’s 150th birthday with his vibrant Tombeau de Couperin. Whether you’re a MountainTop Masterworks regular or joining us for the first time, this is simply the perfect kickoff concert to our flagship series!
Please note: This performance includes a pre-concert talk beginning at 2:00 pm to add color and perspective to your concert experience.
Concert Program:
Kamna Gupta, Conductor & Soloist
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major, BWV 1048
I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Allegro assai
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809), Symphony No. 7 in C Major, Hob. 1:7, "Le midi"
I. Adagio - Allegro
II. Recitativo - Adagio
III. Menuetto
IV. Finale: Allegro
Intermission
Sarah Kirkland Snider (b. 1973), Drink the Wild Ayre
Maurice Ravel (1875-1937), Le tombeau de Couperin, M.68a
I. Prélude
II. Forlane
III. Menuet
IV. Rigaudon
Coffee Talk: Life as a Conductor with Kamna Gupta
Free: Sponsored by Festival Season Passholders
Monday MountainTop Masterworks I: Sound Tapestries: Bach, Haydn, Ravel & Friends
Watch our Festival Artists shine in this impressive orchestra concert led by multi-talented keyboardist and conductor Kamna Gupta! From the harpsichord, she will lead the orchestra in Bach’s exciting third Brandenburg Concerto and Haydn’s colorful Symphony No. 7. Then, she’ll step onto the podium as we honor Ravel’s 150th birthday with his vibrant Tombeau de Couperin. Whether you’re a MountainTop Masterworks regular or joining us for the first time, this is simply the perfect kickoff concert to our flagship series!
Concert Program:
Kamna Gupta, Conductor & Soloist
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major, BWV 1048
I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Allegro assai
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809), Symphony No. 7 in C Major, Hob. 1:7, "Le midi"
I. Adagio - Allegro
II. Recitativo - Adagio
III. Menuetto
IV. Finale: Allegro
Intermission
Sarah Kirkland Snider (b. 1973), Drink the Wild Ayre
Maurice Ravel (1875-1937), Le tombeau de Couperin, M.68a
I. Prélude
II. Forlane
III. Menuet
IV. Rigaudon
Coffee Talk: Triple Threat: Playing More Than One Instrument in the Orchestra
Free: Sponsored by Festival Season Passholders
Special Event: Music & Nature Hike I – Our Musical Mountain
Tuesday, July 8 at 11:00 am
Rain Date: Wednesday, July 9 at 11:00 am
Presented in partnership with The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen
Wintergreen Music partners with The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen in this first of two special event collaborations. Your hike will begin as Nature Foundation guides, Artistic Director Erin Freeman, and Festival Artists Charlie Messersmith and Joseph Beverly (clarinets) take you on a musical journey through Wintergreen’s mountain trails for an hour of reflection and inspiration.
Trail point and logistics to be shared after ticket purchase. Hike level: beginner to moderate. Advance purchase required; space is limited.
In-Home Concert Special I: Duos & Trios
The ever popular In-Home Concert Special series is back, bringing together friends and musicians for a vibrant social hour, all while enjoying delicious hors d’oeuvres, wine, and intimate musical performances. This program features duos and trios by Mozart, Piazzolla, and Dohnányi in a captivating display of musical depths, colors, and characteristics. Join our generous hosts John & Manja Blazer in their gorgeous mountain home. Space is limited.
Coffee Talk: Life in the Orchestra
Free: Sponsored by Festival Season Passholders
Fresh Perspectives I: New Discoveries
Step into an evening of musical discovery, where buried treasures are brought back to life! Listen as composer Maurice Duruflé’s tender and plaintive melodies spin into rhapsodic and imaginative variations, as Brahms brings you along an intimate journey amid explorations of color and contrast, and as our Festival Artists introduce you to Loeffler’s brilliant 1897 Octet, rediscovered after 120 years and reconstructed in April 2020.
Program:
Maurice Duruflé (1902-1986), Prélude, Récitatif et Variations for flute, viola, and piano, op. 3
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897), Viola Sonata No. 2 in E-Flat Major, op. 120
I. Allegro amabile
II. Allegro appassionata
III. Andante con moto – Allegro
Intermission
Charles Martin Loeffler (1861-1935), Octet for two clarinets, harp, string quartet, and double bass
I. Allegro moderato
II. Adagio molto
III. Andante – Allegro alla Zingara
Coffee Talk: Grieg’s Piano Concerto
Free: Sponsored by Festival Season Passholders
Mix, Mingle & Music I: Flights of Fancy at Veritas Vineyards and Winery
Immerse yourself in an evening of artistic discovery at Veritas Vineyard and Winery. This unique concert blends four distinct musical pieces with a thoughtfully paired drink flight (optional), offering a harmonious fusion of sound and flavor. The program showcases the timeless grace of Bach’s Cello Suites, the emotive richness of Röntgen-Maier’s String Quartet in A Major, the delicate charm of Rota's Sonata for Flute and Harp, and the reflective modernity of Wie’s Where Our Breath Comes From. As each composition unfolds, enjoy a selection of wines that enhance the mood and essence of the music, creating an experience that is both sophisticated and surprising.
Program:
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), Selections from the Cello Suites
Jungyoon Wie (b. 1990), Where our Breath Comes From
Nino Rota (1911-1979), Sonata for flute and harp
I. Allegro molto moderato
II. Andante sostenuto
III. Allegro festoso
Amanda Röntgen-Maier (1853-1894), String Quartet in A Major
IV. Finale. Presto
Coffee Talk: Designing a New Symphony for the Mountain
Free: Sponsored by Festival Season Passholders
Festive Fridays II: A Wintergreen Birthday with TFC
Sponsored by REMAX Mountain Valley Properties
Get ready for an unforgettable evening with TFC celebrating Wintergreen Music’s 30th birthday! This powerhouse ensemble will blend elements of Motown, funk, soul, and jazz, creating a high-energy sound that’s sure to have you on your feet!
Saturday MountainTop Masterworks II: Magic, Majesty & Music
Straight from her debut in the Netflix film Maestra, French-American conductor Mélisse Brunet will lead the Wintergreen Festival Orchestra in Mozart’s playful Overture to The Magic Flute. Then, Avery Gagliano, First Prize winner of the 2020 National Chopin Piano Competition and finalist of the prestigious 2025 American Pianists Awards, will join the orchestra for Grieg’s magnificent piano concerto. After intermission, join the Orchestra for a special Symphony for the Mountain, combining meaningful and inspiring movements from four different symphonies into one celebratory work for Wintergreen Music’s 30th Anniversary!
Concert Program:
Mélisse Brunet, conductor
Avery Gagliano, pianist
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791), Overture to The Magic Flute, K. 620
Edvard Grieg (1843-1907), Piano Concerto in A Minor, op. 16
I. Allegro molto moderato
II. Adagio
III. Allegro moderato molto e marcato
Intermission
A Symphony for the Mountain
I. Andante – Allegro from Symphony No. 2 in D Major, op. 35 Louise Farrenc (1804-1875)
II. Blumine from Symphony No. 1 in D Major Gustav Mahler (1860-1911)
III. Scherzo from Fantaisie symphonique in C Major, (“Roma”) Georges Bizet (1838-1875)
IV. Finale: Presto from Symphony No. 3 in C Major Franz Berwald (1796-1868)
Sunday MountainTop Masterworks II: Magic, Majesty & Music
Straight from her debut in the Netflix film Maestra, French-American conductor Mélisse Brunet will lead the Wintergreen Festival Orchestra in Mozart’s playful Overture to The Magic Flute. Then, Avery Gagliano, First Prize winner of the 2020 National Chopin Piano Competition and finalist of the prestigious 2025 American Pianists Awards, will join the orchestra for Grieg’s magnificent piano concerto. After intermission, join the Orchestra for a special Symphony for the Mountain, combining meaningful and inspiring movements from four different symphonies into one celebratory work for Wintergreen Music’s 30th Anniversary!
Please note: This concert includes a pre-concert talk (beginning at 2:00 pm) with guest conductors to add color and perspective to your concert experience.
Concert Program:
Mélisse Brunet, conductor
Avery Gagliano, pianist
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791), Overture to The Magic Flute, K. 620
Edvard Grieg (1843-1907), Piano Concerto in A Minor, op. 16
I. Allegro molto moderato
II. Adagio
III. Allegro moderato molto e marcato
Intermission
A Symphony for the Mountain
I. Andante – Allegro from Symphony No. 2 in D Major, op. 35 Louise Farrenc (1804-1875)
II. Blumine from Symphony No. 1 in D Major Gustav Mahler (1860-1911)
III. Scherzo from Fantaisie symphonique in C Major, (“Roma”) Georges Bizet (1838-1875)
IV. Finale: Presto from Symphony No. 3 in C Major Franz Berwald (1796-1868)
Coffee Talk: British Composers and Their Connection to Nature: Britten, Holst, Vaughan Williams & Elgar
Free: Sponsored by Festival Season Passholders
Special Event: Othello Wilson: Let Your Light Shine Showing at Oak Hill Baptist Church
Free!
Join us as we honor the rich musical heritage of Nelson County and its lasting legacy through the work of renowned music educator Othello Wilson. In collaboration with Oak Hill Baptist Church and the Nelson County Historical Society and the Oakland Museum, Wintergreen Music is proud to present a special screening of Jonathan Page’s recently completed documentary about Othello Wilson titled “Let Your Light Shine.” This event will be followed by a live Q&A with Page, as well as performances by LEAD Cooperative students, offering a unique opportunity to experience the story and music that have shaped our community.
Coffee Talk: Meet Valerie Coleman
Free: Sponsored by Festival Season Passholders
Special Event: Music & Nature Hike II: Mountain Meditations
Tuesday, July 15 at 11:00 am
Rain Date: Wednesday, July 16 at 11:00 am
Presented in partnership with The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen
Wintergreen Music partners with The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen in this first of two special event collaborations. Embark on a serene journey through the woods, where each step invites you to find solace within the mountain trails. Join your Nature Foundation guides, Artistic Director Erin Freeman, and Festival Artists Audrey Gray and Nathaniel Yaffe on an immersive hike designed to highlight the deep connection between music, mindfulness, and the mountains.
Trail point and logistics to be shared after ticket purchase. Hike level: beginner to moderate. Advance purchase required; space is limited.
In-Home Concert Special II: Harmonies of Time & Tradition
Join us for an intimate evening of music at the gorgeous mountain home of Ed & Judy Anderson, where the vibrant rhythms of Valerie Coleman's Maombi Asante will transport you to the heart of African diasporic music. Experience the emotional depth of Britten’s Phantasy Quartet and Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 11, alongside the timeless elegance of Bach’s Cello Suite Selections. This gathering promises to be a celebration of friendships both new and old, filled with exquisite music, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and fine wine. Space is limited.
Program:
Valerie Coleman (b. 1970), Maombi Asante, 7’
Benjamin Britten (1913-1976), Phantasy Quartet, 14’
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), Selections from the Cello Suites, 12’
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827), String Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, op. 95, 22’
I. Allegro con brio
II. Allegretto ma non troppo
III. Allegro assai vivace ma serioso
IV. Larghetto espressivo
Coffee Talk: There’s a Storm a Brewin’ – Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6
Free: Sponsored by Festival Season Passholders
Fresh Perspectives II: Exploring Musical Landscapes
From France and Italy to Germany, join Festival Artists on a musical journey through diverse and colorful landscapes. Experience the playful yet poignant tones of Poulenc’s Trio for Oboe, Bassoon, and Piano, the deep emotion of Brahms’ Piano Quartet No. 1, and the lush, Italian-inspired romanticism of Alfredo Casella’s Serenata. With its lyrical melodies and lively, dance-like rhythms, Casella’s work will have you tapping your feet and moving to the music.
Program:
Francis Poulenc (1899-1963), Trio for oboe, bassoon, and piano, FP 43
I. Presto
II. Andante
III. Rondo
Alfredo Casella, Serenata, op. 46
I. Marcia
II. Minuetto
III. Notturno
IV. Gavotta
V. Cavatina
VI. Finale. Tarantella
Intermission
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897), Piano Quartet No. 1 in G Minor, op. 25
I. I. Allegro
II. Intermezzo: Allegro ma non troppo – Trio: Animato
III. Andante con moto
IV. Rondo all Zingarese: Presto
Coffee Talk: They Call It Stormy Weather – How Artists See the Weather and the Seasons with Jeffrey Allison of the VMFA
Free: Sponsored by Festival Season Passholders
Meteorologists aren’t the only people who watch the sky. So do artists – for ideas, subjects and inspiration. They Call It Stormy Weather explores the numerous ways in which weather and the seasons have inspired artists throughout the ages. From thunderstorms on raging seas to sunny skies above spring fields, artists have responded to weather and other natural forces through a range of media and styles.
Mix, Mingle & Music II: Flights of Serenity at Valley Road Vineyards
Escape to the serene beauty of Valley Road Vineyards, where tranquility meets artistry in a concert featuring five stunning pieces designed to inspire peace and reflection. Each performance is paired with a carefully selected drink that enhances its mood. Savor the peaceful landscapes of Snowden’s Appalachian Polaroids, the delicate harmony of Bacewicz’s Suite for two violins, the airy grace of Holst’s Wind Quintet in Ab Major, the nuanced textures of Enescu’s Aubade for String Trio, and the profound depth of Vaughan Williams’ String Quartet No. 2. Choose the carefully selected flight of Valley Road Wines to deepen the experience, offering the perfect companion to unwind.
Program:
Steven Snowden (b. 1981), Appalachian Polaroids
Graźyna Bacewicz (1909-1969), Suite for two violins
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Vivo
IV. Tempo di menuetto
V. Allegro
VI. Andante. Fughetta
VII. Allegro
Gustav Holst (1874-1934), Wind Quintet in Ab Major, op. 14
I. Allegro moderato
II. Adagio
III. Minuet (in Canon)
IV. Air and Variations
George Enescu (1881-1955), Aubade for String Trio
Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958), String Quartet No. 2
IV. Epilogue. Andante sostenuto
Coffee Talk: Alex Berko’s Sacred Place
Free: Sponsored by Festival Season Passholders
Festive Fridays III: Project Locrea
Immerse yourself in the captivating rhythms and soulful melodies of the jazz-fusion ensemble Project Locrea! Fusing the rich traditions of Latin, jazz, classical, and global music, Project Locrea offers a unique, genre-blending experience that transcends boundaries. Whether you're swaying to the groove or caught in the storytelling of their music, don’t miss this opportunity to experience a band that pushes musical limits while honoring the beauty of collaboration!
Saturday MountainTop Masterworks III: Nature’s Voice: Beethoven & Beyond
Join Artistic Director Erin Freeman as she guides the Wintergreen Festival Orchestra in a stunning celebration of nature and music! This concert features Jacob Wilder, principal horn, and Will Ferguson, tenor, performing Britten’s poignant Serenade for Tenor, Horn, and Strings, a collection of nocturnal works. Be prepared for some dramatic weather, as the centerpiece of the evening is Beethoven’s stormy Symphony No. 6 (the "Pastoral"). Don't miss the performances on both Saturday and Sunday, each offering a unique program. On Saturday, the Sing with Us! Chorus will present the world premiere of Alex Berko’s emotional work, Sacred Place. Then on Sunday, we’ll feature the 2025 LEAD Cooperative’s string students on Holst’s youthful and lively St. Paul’s Suite that highlights the versatility and virtuosity of the string ensemble.
Concert Program:
Erin Freeman, conductor
Soloists: Sing with Us! chorus, Jacob Wilder, horn & Will Ferguson, tenor
Alex Berko (b. 1995), Sacred Place, world premiere re-orchestration
Benjamin Britten (1913-1976), Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, op. 31
Intermission
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827), Symphony No. 6 in F Major, op. 68 (“Pastorale”)
I. Allegro ma non troppo
II. Andante molto mosso
III. Allegro
IV. Allegro
V. Allegretto
Sunday MountainTop Masterworks III: Nature’s Voice: Beethoven & Beyond
Join Artistic Director Erin Freeman as she guides the Wintergreen Festival Orchestra in a stunning celebration of nature and music! This concert features Jacob Wilder, principal horn, and Will Ferguson, tenor, performing Britten’s poignant Serenade for Tenor, Horn, and Strings, a collection of nocturnal works. Be prepared for some dramatic weather, as the centerpiece of the evening is Beethoven’s stormy Symphony No. 6 (the "Pastoral"). Don't miss the performances on both Saturday and Sunday, each offering a unique program. On Saturday, the Sing with Us! Chorus will present the world premiere of Alex Berko’s emotional work, Sacred Place. Then on Sunday, we’ll feature the 2025 LEAD Cooperative’s string students on Holst’s youthful and lively St. Paul’s Suite that highlights the versatility and virtuosity of the string ensemble.
Please note: This concert includes a pre-concert talk (beginning at 2:00 pm) with Artistic Director Erin Freeman to add color and perspective to your concert experience.
Concert Program:
Erin Freeman, conductor
Soloists: Jacob Wilder, horn & Will Ferguson, tenor
Gustav Holst (1874-1934), St. Paul's Suite, op. 29
I. Jig. Vivace
II. Ostinato. Presto
III. Intermezzo. Andante con moto
IV. Finale (The Dargason)
Benjamin Britten (1913-1976), Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, op. 31
Intermission
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827), Symphony No. 6 in F Major, op. 68 (“Pastorale”)
I. Allegro ma non troppo
II. Andante molto mosso
III. Allegro
IV. Allegro
V. Allegretto
Special Event: 7th Annual Benefit – A Wintergreen Birthday Cabaret
Tickets and more information coming soon!
6:00 pm: Drinks & Appetizers on the Blue Ridge Terrace, sponsored by Wintergreen Club
7:00 pm: Dinner & Performance in the Dunlop Pavilion
Join the Wintergreen Music team for a special evening marking 30 years of Wintergreen Music – celebrating our unique mountain setting, the community that built us, and the incredible artistry of our Festival Artists. This milestone event is one you won't want to miss as we honor the past, present, and future of Wintergreen Music and its lasting impact on the world of classical music.
The evening begins with a Wintergreen Club sponsored cocktail hour on the Blue Ridge Terrace, where you'll mingle with musicians, students, and fellow supporters against the breathtaking backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Then, step into the transformed Dunlop Pavilion, where the music will fill the air in an elegant celebration of symphonic artistry. You’ll be surrounded by friends, Festival Artists, and LEAD Cooperative students, all coming together to mark this incredible milestone. For an even more exclusive experience, table sponsors will once again have the chance to sit on stage, offering a unique perspective of the music and providing additional support to Wintergreen Music’s mission.
The 7th Annual Benefit is vital to Wintergreen Music’s continued success, providing crucial support for our artistic initiatives, educational programs, and the community that makes it all possible. With delicious food provided by Wintergreen Resort, delightful music, and an atmosphere like no other, this evening promises to be a sparkling celebration of everything that makes Wintergreen Music truly special.
Join us as we commemorate 30 years of destination, community, and artistry at Wintergreen and toast to the next 30 to come!
Coffee Talk: Schubert’s Symphony No. 3
Free: Sponsored by Festival Season Passholders
Coffee Talk: Women in Music
Free: Sponsored by Festival Season Passholders
In-Home Concert Special III: Baroque, Beauty & Blues
Join your hosts, Aimée and Stacy Cummings, at their beautiful mountain home for an evening that celebrates a wide array of musical styles and voices. In addition to the delicate yet profound beauty of Bach’s Cello Suites, experience the expressive innovation and vibrant energy of Rebecca Burkhardt’s BluesWomenTriptych, as well as Schubert’s lyrical String Quartet No. 13 in A Minor “Rosamunde”. Enjoy the company of both new and familiar faces, paired with delicious hors d’oeuvres and wine. Space is limited.
Program:
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), Selections from the Cello Suites
Rebecca Burkhardt, BluesWomenTriptych
Franz Schubert (1797-1828), String Quartet No. 13 in A Minor, op. 29 (“Rosamunde”)
I. Allegro ma non troppo
II. Andante
III. Menuetto: Allegretto – Trio
IV. Allegro moderato
Coffee Talk: Bowed Keyboard Instruments from daVinci to Thornton
Free: Sponsored by Festival Season Passholders
LEAD Cooperative Event: Voice & Piano Pop-Up Concert
Free!
Join us for a special afternoon pop-up concert as the talented 2025 LEAD Cooperative class of singers and pianists take the stage alongside seasoned professional musicians. This free matinee performance offers a unique chance to experience the vibrant energy of emerging artists paired with the expertise and artistry of established professionals. Come enjoy an afternoon brimming with music, talent, and collaboration!
Fresh Perspectives III: In a New Light
From playful and refined to dramatic and cinematic, join Wintergreen Music Festival Artists as they reimagine familiar sounds and offer fresh perspectives – In a New Light! The program features Françaix's Wind Quartet, a lively and elegant piece that blends wit and charm, the deep and intricate Brahms' Clarinet Sonata No. 1 in F Minor, and a quirky Piano Quartet by popular film composer Danny Elfman.
Program:
Jean Françaix (1912-1997), Wind Quartet
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Allegro molto
IV. Allegro vivo
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897), Clarinet Sonata No. 1 in F Minor, op. 120
I. Allegro appassionato
II. Andante un poco adagio
III. Allegretto grazioso
IV. Vivace
Intermission
Danny Elfman (b. 1953), Piano Quartet
I. Ein Ding
II. Kinderspott
III. Duett für Vier
IV. Ruhig
V. Die Wolfsjungen
Coffee Talk: Mandolin with Orchestra!?
Free: Sponsored by Festival Season Passholders
LEAD Cooperative Event: An Afternoon with Conductors and Composers
Free!
Experience the future of classical music in a concert showcasing the creativity of student composers and conductors. This special LEAD Cooperative event features world-premiere string quartets by the talented 2025 LEAD Cooperative class of student composers, offering a preview of the next generation of musical innovators. The program also includes Schubert's Symphony No. 3, a timeless work of grace and energy, conducted by student conductors who bring their own unique vision to this iconic piece.
Program:
Composed by the 2025 LEAD Composers, String Quartets
Franz Schubert (1797-1828), arr. Peter Stangel, Symphony No. 3 in D Major, 27
Mix, Mingle & Music III: Flights of Brass & Brews at Three Notch’d Brewing Company
Join us for a one-of-a-kind evening where the bold sounds of brass harmonize with the rich flavors of craft brews. This unique pairing experience features Pergolesi’s elegant Trio Sonata No. 4, the serene beauty of Morten Lauridsen’s O Magnum Mysterium, the expressive tones of Ricardo Moll’s Song for Nurya, and the vibrant energy of Enrique Crespo’s Suite Americana No. 1 for Brass Quintet, all complemented by beverages carefully selected to match the essence of each piece (optional).
Program:
Giovanni Battista Pergolesi (1710-1736), arr. William Schmidt, Trio Sonata No. 4
I. Moderato
II. Andantino
III. Presto
Morten Lauridsen (b. 1943), O magnum mysterium
Ricardo Mollá, Song for Nurya for trumpet, horn, and trombone
Enrique Crespo (b. 1941), Suite Americana No. 1 for Brass Quintet
I. Ragtime
II. Bossa Nova
III. Vals Peruano
IV. Zamba Gaucha
V. Son de Mexico
Coffee Talk: Elgar’s Enigma Variations
Free: Sponsored by Festival Season Passholders
Festive Fridays IV: Michael Cleveland & the Flamekeepers
For the final Festive Friday of the 2025 Wintergreen Music Festival, come experience the electrifying sounds of Michael Cleveland and the Flamekeepers! Renowned for his virtuoso fiddle playing and high-energy bluegrass, GRAMMY® Award-winner and 12-time IBMA “Fiddler of the Year” Michael Cleveland leads one of the most dynamic bands in the genre today. Whether you're a lifelong bluegrass enthusiast or new to the style, this performance promises an unforgettable night of music that will ignite your spirit and keep you on your feet!
LEAD Cooperative Event: Chamber Music Concert
Free!
Join the students of the 2025 LEAD Cooperative in a free & open to the public chamber music concert showcasing the incredible talents of these budding musicians.
Saturday MountainTop Masterworks IV: Season Finale: Celebrating Destination, Community & Artistry
The grand finale of our 30th Anniversary season brings together the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, our vibrant community, and our talented musicians in a celebration of both our past and the exciting future ahead, all under the direction of the dynamic Christopher Rountree. The program opens with Libby Larsen’s bright and colorful tone poem Deep Summer Music. Virginia-based soloist Jeff Midkiff will then join us to perform his own composition, From the Blue Ridge, a concerto for Mandolin and Orchestra. The evening concludes with Elgar’s Enigma Variations, including the beloved “Nimrod” and a triumphant conclusion. Join us for this fitting and memorable season finale!
Concert Program:
Chris Rountree, conductor
Soloist: Jeff Midkiff, mandolin
Libby Larsen (b. 1950), Deep Summer Music
Jeff Midkiff, From the Blue Ridge: Concerto for Mandolin and Orchestra
I. Allegro
II. Slow
III. Allegro
Intermission
Edward Elgar (1857-1934), Enigma Variations, op. 36
Sunday MountainTop Masterworks IV: Season Finale: Celebrating Destination, Community & Artistry
The grand finale of our 30th Anniversary season brings together the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, our vibrant community, and our talented musicians in a celebration of both our past and the exciting future ahead, all under the direction of the dynamic Christopher Rountree. The program opens with Libby Larsen’s bright and colorful tone poem Deep Summer Music. Virginia-based soloist Jeff Midkiff will then join us to perform his own composition, From the Blue Ridge, a concerto for Mandolin and Orchestra. The evening concludes with Elgar’s Enigma Variations, including the beloved “Nimrod” and a triumphant conclusion. Join us for this fitting and memorable season finale!
Please note: This concert includes a pre-concert talk (beginning at 2:00 pm) with guest conductors to add color and perspective to your concert experience.
Concert Program:
Chris Rountree, conductor
Soloist: Jeff Midkiff, mandolin
Libby Larsen (b. 1950), Deep Summer Music, 8’
Jeff Midkiff, From the Blue Ridge: Concerto for Mandolin and Orchestra, 20’
I. Allegro
II. Slow
III. Allegro
Intermission
Edward Elgar (1857-1934), Enigma Variations, op. 36, 31’
Sunday, July 28, 3:00 pm; pre-concert talk at 2:00 pm
Guest soloist Clayton Stephenson (piano & grand prize winner of the Nina Simone Piano Competition) joins the Wintergreen Festival Orchestra in Rachmaninoff’s lush, romantic, and memorable Piano Concerto No. 2. Wintergreen’s own Gilda Lyons will also connect us across country borders in her familial composition, La flor más linda. To complete the epic season finale, guest conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya takes the stage to bring Stravinsky’s vivid and magical Firebird Suite to life!
Saturday, July 27, 7:00 pm
Guest soloist Clayton Stephenson (piano & grand prize winner of the Nina Simone Piano Competition) joins the Wintergreen Festival Orchestra in Rachmaninoff’s lush, romantic, and memorable Piano Concerto No. 2. Wintergreen’s own Gilda Lyons will also connect us across country borders in her familial composition, La flor más linda. To complete the epic season finale, guest conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya takes the stage to bring Stravinsky’s vivid and magical Firebird Suite to life!
Friday, July 26 at 7:30 pm
Start your finale weekend with Bluegrass at its finest as we welcome musical giants of the genre, J2B2 – The John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band, to the mountain. Witness an unsurpassed blend of astonishing harmonies, impressive songwriting, and instrumental finesse, brought to life by the seasoned performers of J2B2!
Coffee Talk: The Bird Saves the Day: Stravinsky’s Epic Firebird Suite
Thursday, July 25 at 7:00 pm
Experience the magic that happens when Festival Artists and LEAD students join forces from the stage! This special evening features our talented conducting students (coached by guest conductor Miguel Harth Bedoya) leading a side-by-side string orchestra in music by the elegant Edward Elgar and the colorful Gabriela Lena Frank. Paired with collaborative music for LEAD wind players, this evening will fill you with optimism and hope for the future of music!
Coffee Talk: The Life Changing Magic of Rachmaninoff’s 2nd Piano Concerto
Wednesday, July 24 // 5:30 pm: Doors Open & Onsite Concessions Available (for Full Dining Menu, Arrive Early Anytime!) // 6:30 pm: Concert
Adding to a year in celebration of Leonard Bernstein, we highlight his festive dance suite for brass quintet and feature works beloved or inspired by the famous Maestro. Wintergreen brass musicians will share one of their favorite works to play, Russian composer Victor Ewald’s romantic quintet no. 1, and two effervescent pieces for woodwind quintet adds festive flair to this boisterous evening at the brewery!
Coffee Talk: Inside the Piano (Literally!) with Paul Ferlan
Note: Location for this Event is Dunlop Pavilion
Tuesday, July 23 at 6:00 pm — SOLD OUT!
Travel to Vienna, Wintergreen-style, in this performance inspired by the great Schubertiades of the 19th century. Historically, these festive and intimate evenings featured Lieder by Franz Schubert and his contemporaries, along with other musical delights, all performed by and for friends. Join LEAD Cooperative students and faculty singers and pianists in the valley home of Viennese aficionados, Dale Weigel & Ika Joiner, for an evening where party-meets-performance! Space is extremely limited.
Coffee Talk: Inside the Timpani with Matt Bassett
Note: Location for this Event is Dunlop Pavilion
Coffee Talk: Inside Chamber Music with Steve Larson
Sunday, July 21 at 6:00 pm
Artistic Director Erin Freeman brings you an exciting evening full of colorful homages to the one and only George Gershwin! This special event is one you will not want to miss as we celebrate the impact of Wintergreen Music, the partnership with Wintergreen Resort, and the 100th anniversary of Gershwin’s famous Rhapsody in Blue! Join Honorary Host Committee Co-Chairs Jay and Michelle Gamble in supporting the Wintergreen Music Festival – the special place that connects nature with music, students with professionals, musicians with artistic freedom, and a community that makes it all possible!
Sunday, July 21, 3:00 pm; pre-concert talk at 2:00 pm
Guest conductor Louis Lohraseb makes his Wintergreen debut leading the Wintergreen Festival Orchestra in Beethoven’s fiery, moody, and epic Symphony No. 7 from the mountaintop. Naturally, we’ve paired the symphony with music of Atlanta native Carlos Simon, whose piece Fate Now Conquers was inspired by a journal entry from Beethoven’s notebook and is representative of the “unpredictable ways of fate.” And don’t miss the captivating rhythms of Shostakovich’s first cello concerto, performed by Wintergreen’s own David Bjella – you will almost certainly be dancing from your seat!
Saturday, July 20, 7:00 pm
Guest conductor Louis Lohraseb makes his Wintergreen debut leading the Wintergreen Festival Orchestra in Beethoven’s fiery, moody, and epic Symphony No. 7 from the mountaintop. Naturally, we’ve paired the symphony with music of Atlanta native Carlos Simon, whose piece Fate Now Conquers was inspired by a journal entry from Beethoven’s notebook and is representative of the “unpredictable ways of fate.” And don’t miss the captivating rhythms of Shostakovich’s first cello concerto, performed by Wintergreen’s own David Bjella – you will almost certainly be dancing from your seat!
Friday, July 19 at 7:30 pm
Grab a glass and relax into your slopeside seat as we introduce you to one of the brilliant minds of the singer-songwriter landscape: Gabriel Kahane. You will be enchanted by his creative, thoughtful, and musically engaged storytelling featuring songs from his two recent albums: Magnificent Bird and Book of Travelers. Don’t miss your chance to discover why the San Francisco Chronicle writes “Kahane’s lyrics sparkle with an incisive blend of sentiment and clarity, and he matches them with music that pushes more restlessly than ever against the constraints of the song form...the artwork that results is glistening and magical."
NEW! Friday, July 19 at 7:30 pm
Join award-winning singer-songwriter Susan Greenbaum for a lively, diverse and powerful performance on the slopes. Susan has appeared solo and with her band at venues including The Bottom Line in New York City, The Birchmere, Bethlehem Musikfest, Floyd Fest, and Rams Head Tavern, drawing audiences from every continent. She has toured with Jewel and has opened for Kenny Loggins, Patty Griffin, Dar Williams, Janis Ian, Todd Snider, Jim Messina, and more! Discover Susan’s “intelligent yet refreshingly uncomplicated and honest lyrics that relate to her life but resonate in a wider context” (The Australian) with a drink in hand, and experience a big and beautiful sound from someone under five feet tall!
Coffee Talk: Inside the Orchestra with Erin Freeman & Naima Burrs
Thursday, July 18 // 6:00 pm Pre-Concert Cocktail (half) Hour // 6:30 pm: Concert
Imagine that you could have anything you desire – what would it be and what would you trade? Faust sold his soul to the devil; Ariel (the Little Mermaid) traded her voice to the sea witch; and Joseph the soldier gave up his violin! Although our Festival Artists would never do such a thing, they will perform such a tale in this evening of devilish delights. Our LEAD conducting students will conduct portions of Igor Stravinsky’s classic The Soldier’s Tale, and Artistic Director Erin Freeman will lead Festival Artists (souls intact) in Faustian-inspired works written by LEAD composition students.
Coffee Talk: Musical Depictions of Faust
Wednesday, July 17 at 7:00 pm
This concert combines the power and grandeur of an orchestra concert with the intimacy of a chamber music experience. Capped by Beethoven’s charming and impressive octet for winds, audiences will also get to know the music of two historically-excluded composers: Melanie Bonis, a contemporary of Claude Debussy (who wrote over 300 pieces and attended the Paris Conservatoire at the age of 16); and Carlos Simon, a GRAMMY-nominated composer, curator, activist, and Composer-in-Residence at the Kennedy Center.
Coffee Talk: Shostakovich’s First Cello Concerto with David Bjella
Tuesday, July 16 at 6:00 pm
Festival Artist and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra violinist John Meisner finishes his three year Brahms Sonata project with the final (and most dramatic) installment of the three major works for violin and piano – made even more special at the home of Jeff and Sue Goebel, who host John each year! The evening will also feature the music of George Bridgetower, a British violinist and composer of African descent for whom Ludwig van Beethoven originally dedicated his virtuosic “Kreutzer” sonata.
Tuesday, July 16 at 11:00 am // Rain Date: Wednesday, July 17 at 11:00 am
Wintergreen Music partners with The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen in the second installment of two special event collaborations. Your group hike will begin as Nature Foundation guides take you on a journey through the gorgeous trails of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Wintergreen Festival Artists Justin Alexander & Matt Bassett (percussion) will awaken your senses and your surroundings with music designed to enhance and complement this highly interactive hike!
Coffee Talk: From Vienna to Atlanta – Explore Beethoven & Carlos Simon
Coffee Talk: The Role of a Conductor with Erin Freeman & Naima Burrs
Sunday, July 14 at 3:00 pm; pre-concert talk at 2:00 pm
Just in time for Bastille Day, Artistic Director Erin Freeman will lead the Wintergreen Festival Orchestra in a French-inspired program, featuring Georges Bizet’s energetic Symphony in C Major paired with Hector Berlioz’s summer-friendly Les Nuits d'été, featuring our own metropolitan opera star Heather Johnson as soloist. This program also includes the ever-popular Sing with Us! chorus and LEAD Cooperative soloists in Dixit Dominus by Marianna Martines, a contemporary of Mozart. This concert is the ultimate weekend pick-me-up filled with joy, levity, and light!
Saturday, July 13 at 7:00 pm
Just in time for Bastille Day, Artistic Director Erin Freeman will lead the Wintergreen Festival Orchestra in a French-inspired program, featuring Georges Bizet’s energetic Symphony in C Major paired with Hector Berlioz’s summer-friendly Les Nuits d'été, featuring our own metropolitan opera star Heather Johnson as soloist. This program also includes the ever-popular Sing with Us! chorus and LEAD Cooperative soloists in Dixit Dominus by Marianna Martines, a contemporary of Mozart. This concert is the ultimate weekend pick-me-up filled with joy, levity, and light!
Friday, July 12 at 7:30 pm
Travel back in time to the sidewalk cafes of Paris with music in the style of Edith Piaf (arguably one of France’s most popular singers who immortalized La Vie en Rose) with your guide, Tatiana Eva-Marie and the Avalon Jazz Band. With a following of 70 million and acclaim from Vanity Fair as “a millennial shaking up the jazz scene,” this global-touring artist brings French jazz like you’ve never heard to life in the Dunlop Pavilion. Smooth and spellbinding, Tatiana’s rich style of singing is sure to make this an unforgettable Festive Fridays experience!
Coffee Talk: The Unknown Art of Marianna Martines
Thursday, July 11 // 5:00 pm doors to Valley Road // 6:30 pm: Concert
Bastille Day begins early this year with an evening of French chamber music at Valley Road Vineyards. Sip some rosé (or Frosé) while listening to selections by the épée-wielding Joseph Boulogne, the whimsical Darius Milhaud, and the ever-dramatic Camille Saint-Saëns. Of course, the highlight of the evening is one of the most French chamber music pieces around – Claude Debussy’s String Quartet – a tour de force for the musicians, and oh…so…French.
