The Festival concludes with a grand finale featuring Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings,performed by a full band of players—faculty, Apprentices, Fellows, and Laureates—led by violinist Rachell Ellen Wong. Tchaikovsky was deeply inspired by Mozart, who in turn was profoundly influenced by Haydn. Before the Serenade, you will hear a Mozart’s Piano Trio and Haydn’s ebullient string quartet op. 33, no. 5. Music is passed down through generations, with each composer responding to those who preceded them—whether striving to match or surpass their predecessors’ achievements or simply honor and incorporate their voices. This concert tells the story of one such set of musical dialogues.

Final Concert: Inspirations

Hanna Center

Set against the picturesque courtyard of Buena Vista Winery, this concert offers an evening of musical fireworks!

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Alfresco Concert 2

Buena Vista Winery

Clara Schumann was one of 19th-century Europe’s foremost pianists. In addition to raising many children and being the wife of renowned composer Robert Schumann, who demanded silence at home while he was at work, Clara maintained a grueling touring schedule—yet still found time to compose. Salons were an essential part of Leipzig’s cultural life, fostering exchanges of ideas and friendships. Two women composers featured on this program were part of Clara’s circle: Josephine Lang, for whom Clara organized a benefit concert, and Swedish composer and violinist Amanda Maier, whom Clara befriended in her later years. According to Amanda Maier’s great-granddaughter, Saskia Thiadens (who lives in Napa!), a treasure trove of Amanda’s forgotten scores were discovered in a family member’s attic. Although Maier’s music is rarely heard today, we are thrilled to share her brilliance alongside works by the Schumanns, Josephine Lang, and Johannes Brahms.

Clara Schumann And Her Circle

A concert featuring works by German-born American composer, MSM alumna, and former faculty member Ursula Mamlok (BM ’57, MM ’58) on the centennial year of her birth (b. 1923, d. 2016) performed by MSM doctoral of arts candidates.

SoYoung Choi

Events

Past events

Jul 27, 2025

Final Concert: Inspirations · Valley of the Moon Music Festival

Jul 22, 2025

Alfresco Concert 2 · Valley of the Moon Music Festival

Future and recently performed repertoire

Violin in String Quartet in G major by Haydn

Valley of the Moon Music Festival

Violin in Octet by Mendelssohn

Valley of the Moon Music Festival

Violin in Scherzo in C Minor by Brahms

Valley of the Moon Music Festival

Violin in Piano Quartet in E minor by Maier

Valley of the Moon Music Festival

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