Grand Teton Music Festival

The Grand Teton Music Festival (GTMF) is a renowned cultural institution based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, celebrated for its exceptional orchestral, chamber, and solo classical music performances. Established in 1962 as part of an initiative to cultivate cultural activities in the region, GTMF has evolved into one of the premier orchestral organizations in the United States. The festival's history is marked by significant growth and development, particularly following the appointment of Ling Tung as music director in 1968. Under his leadership, the festival began to attract the country's top classical musicians to its unique summer retreat setting. Ling Tung, along with his spouse Margot Walk, was instrumental in the construction of Walk Festival Hall, which opened in 1974. This all-wooden performance venue is praised for its intimate atmosphere and outstanding acoustics, offering attendees a fully immersive musical experience. Walk Festival Hall is situated in the heart of Teton Village at the base of the Jackson Hole Ski Resort and is available for rent year-round. The festival's vision is to be recognized as one of the finest music festivals globally and to be an integral part of Jackson Hole's distinctive culture of excellence. Its mission is to engage, entertain, educate, and inspire both the resident and seasonal communities through exhilarating musical experiences. GTMF achieves this through nearly 100 concerts, educational activities, and community events annually. The heart of GTMF is its Festival Orchestra, led by Music Director Sir Donald Runnicles. This ensemble features over 220 classical musicians from major orchestras and educational institutions worldwide, who convene for eight weeks of symphonic and chamber music concerts during the summer festival held each July and August. The festival's impact is significant, with an audience of 20,000 for all GTMF programming and 4,500 free tickets distributed, allowing a wide range of individuals to access high-quality musical performances. In addition to its summer festival, GTMF offers a variety of programming such as solo piano presentations, performances by non-classical artists, and free community engagement programs. The festival maintains a year-round presence in the community through concerts at Jackson's Center for the Arts, presentations of the Met Opera in HD, select digital programming, and free events for local students. GTMF also emphasizes community engagement, with initiatives like the 2023 Scholarship Competition and free "On the Road" concerts. The festival's dedication to education is reflected in the work of resident Education Curator Meaghan Heinrich, who presents free community engagement programs. The Grand Teton Music Festival is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with all donations being tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. The festival continues to thrive, with its unique location in Jackson Hole offering a backdrop of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, enhancing the cultural experience for festival-goers and musicians alike.