Bravo! Vail 2021

A Year in Review

Thank You

With this annual report, we look back at Bravo! Vail’s 34th season, featuring ensembles large and small, beloved soloists, and inspiring artistic experiences for all ages. For many musicians, this Bravo! Vail season was their first time coming together and performing for live audiences in over a year, which made it especially moving and magical. 

This year, more than ever, we are humbled by the opportunity to bring audiences and artists together, in the magnificent setting of the Vail Valley, to experience the power of live music. We are fortunate to welcome wonderful musicians to our community and enjoy their spectacular talents. We have never been more grateful, and we celebrate every note.

On behalf of the entire universe of artists, staff, and volunteers who made these programs happen, we express our gratitude to you—our donors, patrons, sponsors, community partners, and supporters—for making it all possible.

 

The 2021 Annual Report is also available as a digital PDF that can be downloaded and printed. 

Click here for the printable 2021 Annual Report. 

Our Mission

Bravo! Vail enriches people's lives through the power of music by producing the finest performances by the greatest artists, fostering music education, and promoting a lifelong appreciation of the arts. 

The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra

Renowned for its artistic excellence, remarkable versatility, and adventurous programming, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra is widely regarded as one of the finest chamber orchestras in the world.

 

HIGHLIGHTS

Bravo! Vail was proud to open the 2021 season with the Vail debut of this vibrant ensemble. 

Violinist Joshua Bell, who has a long history with The SPCO, was featured on each of the three programs.

Two world-class artists performing separate Mozart concertos in a single program, featuring both Artistic Director Anne-Marie McDermott and Bell in solo turns.

Members of The SPCO in an elegant program of chamber music by Schubert and Brahms.

 

“We absolutely loved seeing Joshua Bell and The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra this week! They were fabulous!”

—Valerie and Bob Gwyn

SPCO Photo

Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Bravo! Vail was thrilled to welcome the return of the endlessly inventive Dallas Symphony Orchestra, with its new Music Director, Fabio Luisi.

 

HIGHLIGHTS

The Vail debut of maestro Fabio Luisi in his inaugural season leading the DSO.

Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik celebrated his 27th season at Bravo! Vail with two exciting pops programs and a patriotic concert.

Featured soloists included violinist James Ehnes, pianist Alessio Bax, and vocalist/trumpeter Byron Stripling.

The world premiere of a new work by Bruce Adolphe, co-commissioned by Bravo! Vail and DSO. 

 

“Last night’s concert with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra was lively and fun! One of the best ever!!!”

—Nancy and Harold Zirkin

DSO Photo

The Philadelphia Orchestra

The “Fabulous Philadelphians'” distinctive sound and legacy of ingenuity were on full display with six powerfully diverse programs.

 

HIGHLIGHTS

Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin led two vibrant programs, as did Nathalie Stutzmann, Principal Guest Conductor Designate, in her Vail debut.

Soloists included Gil Shaham, Yefim Bronfman, Principal Clarinet Ricardo Morales, and First Associate Concertmaster Juliette Kang. 

A residency-long exploration of works by Black composers including Joseph Bologne, George Walker, Florence Price, and Valerie Coleman. 

Artistic Director Anne-Marie McDermott performed a Mozart concerto with Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the first time these incredible artists have shared the stage together after many years of behind-the-scenes collaborations.

 

“WOW! Last night with The Philadelphia Orchestra was FANTASTIC! We are so proud and thrilled to be part of Bravo! Vail. Thank you for making these extraordinary evenings of great music happen!”

—Gina Browning and Joe Illick

TPO Photo

New York Philharmonic

The grand finale of Bravo! Vail’s symphonic season showcased the enthralling brilliance of America’s oldest symphony orchestra.

 

HIGHLIGHTS

Music Director Jaap van Zweden led the orchestra in four programs, among its first in-person orchestral concerts since February 2020.

Featured soloists included pianists Daniil Trifonov, Conrad Tao, and Jean-Yves Thibaudet; violinist Augustin Hadelich; and Philharmonic principal players Carter Brey (cello) and Christopher Martin (trumpet).

Focus on Black composers with works by Carlos Simon, Jessie Montgomery, and Julia Perry.

Symphonic season finale with Bramwell Tovey and Tony Award-winning vocalist Kelli O’Hara.

 

“Thank you for the amazing time and your always great hospitality, Bravo! Vail! It felt like everything was back to normal, such hope, it was so incredible to play together, to perform for audiences again, to see everyone’s smiley and happy faces! Till next summer…”

—Yulia Ziskel, New York Philharmonic violinist

NYP Photo

Small Ensembles

Chamber Music Series

This exquisite array of programs moved to the Vilar Performing Arts Center for the 2021 season and featured beloved repertoire from the Classical and Romantic eras. 

HIGHLIGHTS

• Bassist/composer Edgar Meyer performing Bach and one of his own works in progress.
• Duo piano program with sisters Christina and Michelle Naughton.
• New York Philharmonic String Quartet performing Mendelssohn and Schumann.
• Chamber music power couple Wu Han and David Finckel.

Chamber Music Series
Chamber Music Series
Linda & Mitch Hart

Linda & Mitch Hart Soirée Series - Al Fresco

These stylish soirées are truly one-of-a-kind social and musical experiences, and this year featured performances on the Bravo! Vail Music Box in elegant outdoor settings, with sumptuous refreshments and intimate receptions with the artists. 

HIGHLIGHTS

• Joshua Bell & Alessio Bax
• Yefim Bronfman
• Viano String Quartet
• Anne-Marie McDermott

Linda & Mitch Hart

Immersive Experiences

A three-evening exploration of Béla Bartók’s folk-inspired masterpieces, his six string quartets, in concert and conversation with the Escher String Quartet and Artistic Director Anne-Marie McDermott.

Immersive Experiences
Immersive Experiences
Small Ensembles Photo

Education & Engagement Programs

Access to great music and inspiration for all—Bravo! Vail’s Education & Engagement Programs are designed to create meaningful musical experiences, spark lifelong learning, and share the joy and power of music with audiences of all ages year-round.

Community Concerts

Ten free hour-long solo recitals and chamber music concerts connected Festival musicians with music-lovers of all ages in relaxed, accessible settings.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Seven midday concerts at the Vail Interfaith Chapel featured Bravo! Vail’s 2021 Piano Fellows and Chamber Musicians in Residence. 
• Bravo! Vail’s mobile Music Box took performers on the road to Ford Park, Eagle-Vail, and Gypsum.
• Vail premiere of Caroline Shaw’s The Evergreen – co-commissioned by the Festival and performed by the Viano String Quartet.

Community Concerts
Community Concerts
Little Listeners @ the Library

Little Listeners @ the Library

Eight free programs held at four area libraries introduced musical concepts and instruments in an approachable, interactive way. Kids connected with Festival musicians, participated in games, and—new this year—completed stages in the LL@L Game Board, inspiring a love of music through participation and a sense of achievement.

Little Listeners @ the Library

Free Family Concert

Bravo! Vail’s Artistic Director Anne-Marie McDermott played the title role of Robot Piano Teacher in two performances of this spirited show that used comedy to explore both the art and science of making music. New this year, budding musicians from Bravo’s Music Makers Haciendo Música program joined the fun on stage.

Free Family Concert
Free Family Concert
Community Collaborations

Community Collaborations

Each year, constructive partnerships with community-serving organizations allow Bravo! Vail to share the joy and healing power of music. This year, a live-streamed performance provided the Festival’s young friends at Roundup River Ranch the opportunity to engage and interact with musicians without risking their health.

Community Collaborations

Music Makers Haciendo Música

Bravo! Vail’s flagship school-based program offers children in grades 2 through 12 the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of instrument training, musical concepts, performance skills, and reading music in 45-minute classes throughout the academic year. During the 2021 summer season, advanced students were invited to the Summer Intensive, a four-day camp where they prepared solo works and chamber music and composed a short piece. The group also attended an orchestra rehearsal, met and learned from performing artists, and attended a Dallas Symphony Orchestra concert.

Music Makers Haciendo Música
Music Makers Haciendo Música
Professional Development Photo

Professional Development

2021 Piano Fellows

Dominic Cheli  |  Chaeyoung Park

2021 Chamber Musicians in Residence

Verona Quartet  |  Viano String Quartet

Piano Fellows and Chamber Musicians in Residence

Every season Bravo! Vail is proud to showcase outstanding chamber musicians and ensembles in the early stages of major professional careers, and two up-and-coming pianists, selected by Artistic Director Anne-Marie McDermott. All these young artists benefit immeasurably by performing, teaching, and learning throughout the Vail community.

New this year: Piano Fellows and Chamber Musicians in Residence wrote brief program notes for each of their concerts, adding a new element to connecting with audiences.

Musicians in Residence
Musicians in Residence
Internship Program

Internship Program

Six summer interns joined the Bravo! Vail team this season in the areas of Institutional Advancement, Operations, and Sound Recording. These internships provide invaluable experience and exposure that these students can take into successful careers in arts administration and nonprofit management.

Internship Program

2021 Financials

Financials

Thank you for your incredible support

Bravo! Vail gratefully acknowledges the entire community of patrons, partners, and dedicated supporters who make these programs possible. Thanks to generous support from these individuals and organizations, lives are enriched, meaningful connections are made, and our community is inspired by the power of music.

Bravo! Vail Donors

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Bravo! Vail Board, Guild & Staff

2021 Board of trustees & advisory council

The 2020 Festival was successfully executed out of the collaborative and highly supportive relationship between the Board and Advisory Council, the executive team, and staff.  

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Bravo! Vail Guild

Since the Festival's inception, Guild members have donated countless volunteer hours. 

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Bravo! Vail Staff

Bravo! Vail is fortunate to have a passionate, driven, and dedicated staff.  

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Bravo! Vail Annual Reports

2021 Annual Report

Click Read More for the full report. 

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2020 Annual Report

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2019 Annual Report

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2018 Annual Report

Click Read More for the full report. 

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2017 Annual Report

Click Read More for the full report. 

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Photography & Videography Credits

Festival photography provided by
Tomas Cohen Photography

Festival Filmmaker-in-Residence
Tristan Cook