STAUNTON MUSIC FESTIVAL
Staunton proudly hosts "Virginia's world-class music festival" (Travel + Leisure), which brings more than 90 world-class musicians from around the world to the Blue Ridge Mountains to perform for ten consecutive days and nights of eclectic chamber, vocal, and symphonic music. All performances are held entirely in historic downtown Staunton — named one of the "best small towns in America" by Smithsonian.
In addition to spring and fall concerts, SMF hosts the signature August chamber music festival, presenting two dozen eclectic programs of opera, symphony, and chamber music. From the Middle Ages to commissioned world premieres, Staunton Music Festival offers an exceptional destination classical music event.
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"Staunton [is] an arts-and-culture magnet." - Washingtonian
Artist Spotlight (May 22, 2023)
Soprano Molly Quinn captivates audiences in a diverse repertoire ranging from Monteverdi to the Rolling Stones. Praised by The New York Times for her “arresting sweetness and simplicity,” Ms. Quinn has appeared as a soloist with many classical and early music ensembles including Apollo's Fire, the Knights NYC, Bang on a Can All-Stars, Portland Baroque Orchestra, Clarion Music Society, and she performs regularly with TENET and Music at Trinity Wall Street.
The spirit behind our tagline, Rethink Classical, touches on two basic convictions about what classical music can be in the 21st century. First, by taking a deep interest in historically-informed performance practice, we can rediscover the subtlety and color that emerges from period instrument concerts. Second, by merging past masterworks with world premieres, we remind ourselves that music from all eras is vital and expressive--that all music was once "modern". We believe programming the old and the new, together, deepens the appreciation of both.
Together, these commitments to historically-informed performance of older music and to the creative, mixed programming of contemporary works define Staunton Music Festival. For us, therefore, the call to "Rethink Classical" is more than just a tagline -it's a mission statement.
