Bassist

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

The first Alfresco Concert of the summer will be held on the beautiful patio of the La Luz Center. Enjoy music by Spanish-speaking composers from Baroque to Classical and beyond, featuring guitarist Marc Teicholz and the beloved Festival ensemble Beneath a Tree. The performance will be accompanied by comments from the stage in both Spanish and English. Join us for an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and community.

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Alfresco Concert 1

La Luz Center

Experience the stormy relationship between Richard Wagner and the French Romantics. Initially captivated by Wagner’s bold innovations, French composers embraced his music as a model. However, following the Franco-Prussian War, a surge of patriotism led them to reject German influence, sparking a search for a distinctly Gallic musical identity. This shift coincided with a broader rebellion against Romanticism, pushing the French toward a new musical language that anticipated modernism.Yet despite their efforts, did they ever truly escape Wagner’s shadow?

Wagner And The French: A Love-hate Relationship

From pleasing to provocative, intellectual to insouciant, this program sheds light on the many facets of 20th-century Mexican and Argentinian classical compositions. Feel the passion and intensity of the tango in Piazzola’s renowned “Seasons”, juxtaposed with the exhilarating and profound string quartet “Música de Feria” by Revueltas. The program also features the graceful compositions of Manuel Ponce, offering a glimpse into the elegant charm of his musical creations. Works by 20th-century composers Alberto Ginastera (Argentina) and Mario Lavista (Mexico) top off an exciting and varied program.

Mexico and Argentina

Hanna Boys Center

Five exceptionally talented young musicians, each chosen for a coveted spot in the 2024 Apprenticeship Program, take the stage for a showcase concert. During the Festival, Apprentices work with VMMF Faculty Artists, immersing themselves in the theory and practice of historical performance. Repertoire includes favorites of the 18th and 19th Century chamber music repertoire.

Apprentice Concert

Immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds of Brazil as we bring to life the musical genius of GRAMMY-award winning Brazilian guitarist, composer, and arranger Sergio Assad (b. 1953). Renowned for his captivating duo performances with his brother Odair Assad and frequent collaborations with Yo-Yo Ma and other luminaries, Assad stands as one of today’s most prolific composers for the guitar. The program presents Assad’s music alongside that of his Brazilian forebears, Antonio Carlos Gomes and Heitor Villa-Lobos, as well as his European influences, Chopin and Maurice Ravel. Bay Area guitarist—and friend of Assad’s—Marc Teicholz makes his Festival debut for this Brazilian panorama. 

Sergio Assad and His World

Beethoven’s great Pastorale Symphony in a chamber version? How is that possible? Join us to find out how powerfully the music comes across without a conductor and with only seven string players.  The first half of this program features another grand work on an intimate scale: Chopin’s Piano Concerto in E minor with VMMF Laureate, Suren Barry as soloist, and string quartet accompaniment. 

This concert is preceded by a free Blattner Series Lecture at 2:30pm. Lecturer: Francesco Spagnolo.

The Intimate Pastorale: Schumann, Beethoven & Chopin

We've heard from many in our audiences that one of their favorite ABS performances at our 2019 Festival was "Bach to Bluegrass & Beyond" . Bach’s timeless music has influenced and enlightened performers from all genres who utilize it as a source of harmonic and melodic inspiration. So — back by popular demand! — we're presenting some of the same multi-talented musicians in this summer's exploration titled "Bach & Jazz: Blowin' the Blues Away." The concert is sure to be a box office hit!

Bassist

Dan Turkos

Events

Past events

Jul 27, 2025

Final Concert: Inspirations · Valley of the Moon Music Festival

Jul 17, 2025

Alfresco Concert 1 · Valley of the Moon Music Festival

Future and recently performed repertoire

Bass in String Quartet in G major by Haydn

Valley of the Moon Music Festival

Bass in Piano Trio by Mozart

Valley of the Moon Music Festival

Bass in Siegfried Idyll by Wagner

Valley of the Moon Music Festival

About

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