Join us for a vibrant concert at La Luz Center’s Patio, featuring chamber music by Latin American composers, as well as music by our friends from Raíz del Real. Refreshments and appetizers will be served! 

Acompáñenos a disfrutar de música de cámara en vivo por compositores Latinoamericanos así como también Son Huasteco por nuestros amigos de Raíz del Real en el estimado patio de La Luz.  ¡Se servirán refrescos y aperitivos!

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Hispanic Heritage Month Concert

La Luz Center

Join us as our beloved composer friend returns to Sonoma for an enchanting journey of music and storytelling. Children and families will be captivated by engaging tales and interactive fun, exploring the rich musical traditions of various Mexican regions. Be amazed as Schmutzinberry draws fascinating parallels to the enchanting world of European chamber music. It’s a magical experience that seamlessly blends laughter, learning, and the universal language of music!

Kids & Family Concert

Sebastiani Theatre

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

In late September 2023, the U.S. State Department launched the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative, a bipartisan project that aims to establish an international music mentorship program and other activities. Days later, the war in the Middle East broke out, leaving many to wonder what, if anything, music can do to promote world peace. 

 The State Department is no stranger to these questions. During World War II and the Cold War, the government sponsored a healthy number of musical exchanges between composers and performers from throughout the Americas. The idea was to learn about one another’s music but also to encourage amity, initially against Nazism and then communism. Nearly all the composers on this evening’s program were in some way touched by these programs.

Blattner Lectures Series Lecture with Carol Hess: Classical Music of the Americas

Aaron Copland made four highly publicized government-sponsored trips to Latin America between 1941 and 1963. During these visits, he shared contemporary American concert music with Latin American audiences, including his own violin sonata, heard on tonight’s program. Back home, he drew US attention to the composers and musicians he met in Latin America, such as Heitor Villa-Lobos of Brazil and Silvestre Revueltas and Manuel Ponce of Mexico, all whom Copland knew personally and whose works are also featured. Another contemporary of Copland was the Black American composer William Grant Still, whose Panamanian Dances were inspired by a collection of Latin American folk songs. The history of Pan-American musical exchange predates Copland.

The Americas

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

Discover a harmonious fusion of serenity and exuberance come together at Buena Vista Winery. Our stage will be the enchanting Fountain Courtyard, framed by the historic backdrop of the 1864 Champagne Cellar. Savor the exquisite selection of Buena Vista’s wines as they complement the sultry notes of Villa-Lobos’ ‘Bachianas Brasileiras No.5’ and the fiery passion of Pablo de Sarasate’s ‘Carmen Fantasy’. Immerse yourself in the grand finale of our Alfresco series, where the blend of music, high-quality wines, and the breathtaking sunset creates an unforgettable evening.

Alfresco 3

Buena Vista Winery

Harvard musicologist and Festival favorite Kate van Orden returns to discuss one of contemporary music’s most dynamic musicians, world renowned guitarist and composer Sergio Assad. Assad’s inspirations range widely, from European composers like Chopin and Ravel to the rich and varied musical traditions of his native Brazil.

Blattner Lecture Series: Conversations with Kate Van Orden

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

The centerpiece of this program is the Quartetto Concertante, op 55, by Pedro Ximenez Abrill Tirado (1784-1856), the most prolific South American composer of the first half of the 19th century. Ximenez, born in Peru during the independence movement that led to the country’s founding, hosted a famous salon at his home that was celebrated by artists and revolutionaries alike. At the invitation of the Bolivian president in 1833, Ximenez became Maestro de Capilla in Sucre, the Bolivian capital, a post he held until his death. The first half of the program includes favorites from Ximenez’s European contemporaries, Boccherini, Haydn, and Mozart.

La Música Clásica

Immerse yourself in an hour-long program curated by violinist Rachell Ellen Wong, a trailblazer in historical performance and recipient of the coveted Avery Fisher Career Grant. Experience her magic as she artfully weaves together musical selections with engaging discussions and conversations. Wine and hors d’oeuvres, as well as cabaret-style seating, compliment the proceedings. Don’t miss out on this up-close encounter, it’s a festival highlight you won’t want to pass up!

Artist Spotlight: Rachell Ellen Wong

After a successful first collaboration last season, VMMF returns to the gorgeous patio of the La Luz Center in Sonoma for another Alfresco evening. Get together with two striking string quartets by early 20th Century Mexican composers Silvestre Revueltas and Miguel Bernal Jiménez. To close this concert, the vibrant and colorful sounds of local favorite and sibling trio Raiz del Real will bring the essence of Son Huasteco to life.

Alfresco 2

To ensure the comfort and safety of our audience (and instruments!), we decided to move this Alfresco concert inside of Bartholomew Park’s historic Haraszthy’s Villa.

Alfresco 1

Haraszthy Villa

Known to her adoring fans as the “Valkyrie of the piano,” Venezuelan pianist, composer, and opera star Teresa Carreño (1853-1917) stunned audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. Like Cuban violinist-composer José White, Carreño received support from American composer Louis Gottschalk in New York City, and concertized widely in Europe, before returning to America, and then to Venezuela, where she attempted to found a conservatory and opera company. This program weaves together the rich tapestry of Carreño’s life and influence, featuring her works alongside those of her teachers, friends, and students, and even a husband.

Pianist, Singer and Composer: Teresa Carreño

In this pre-concert lecture, noted White scholar Dr. Yavet Boyadjiev will explore José White’s connections with some of the most interesting musicians of his time, all from diverse backgrounds. We will hear about White’s friendship with his fellow Paris Conservatory students and his pioneering support for female students and colleagues. We will also learn about White’s collaboration with other Cuban musicians who were taking part in the movement for independence from Spain.  In all, the lecture will widen our understanding of José White, his music, and his circle.

Blattner Lecture Series: Yavet Boyadjiev Virtual Lecture hosted by Kate van Orden

José Silvestre de los Dolores White (1835-1918), also known as José White and Joseph White, was born in Matanzas, Cuba, during colonial times. He began playing the violin and composing at a young age. His professional debut occurred in 1854 alongside the American pianist Louis Moreau Gottschalk (1829-1869), who inspired him to study at the Paris Conservatoire. There, he won the Premier Prix after less than one year of study. White gained global recognition as a soloist, composer, and pedagogue and, in the United States, he notably became the first soloist of African descent to perform with the New York Philharmonic Society, during his 1875-1876 tour. 

José White's Circle

Show your unwavering support for Valley of the Moon Music Festival while indulging in delicious hors d’oeuvres, exquisite wines, and the artistry of extraordinary Cuban pianist, Adonis Gonzalez. Join us for a spectacular kick-off celebration marking the beginning of our 10th Season!

Season Opener Benefit Concert

Hanna Center

At this informal concert in a Berkeley architectural gem, the Valley of the Moon Music Festival presents talented young musicians raised in the Bay Area. These performers, students at prestigious music schools work on historical performance practice with VMMF Directors, Tanya Tomkins and Eric Zivian. The program includes works by Schubert and others.

Emerging Artists At the Berkeley Piano Club

Berkeley Piano Club

Join us for an enchanting evening of chamber music and delightful nibbles featuring the talented Cremona Foundation Apprentices from the Valley of the Moon Music Festival performing works by Stravinsky, Carreño, and Beethoven.

VMMF NYC Salon

Stefania de Kenessey

In the Festival’s final concert Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony will be performed by the 2023 Apprentices in a version for Piano Quartet arranged by Ferdinand Ries, Beethoven’s dedicated student and fan. To end the festival on a celebratory note, Apprentices and faculty join forces in Tchaikovsky’s ecstatic “Souvenir de Florence” for string sextet. Before the concert join musicologist, Kate van Orden, in “Conversations with Kate”for perspective and context on the 2023 theme.

This concert is preceded by a free Blattner Series Lecture at 2:30pm offered by Kate Van Orden.

The Eroica For Four: Beethoven & Tchaikovsky

Our dazzling Festival Apprentices take the stage in a 45-minute musical experience designed to engage audiences of all ages.

MATINEE Concert 2023 Apprentices Perform!

One of the greatest orchestrators of all time, Stravinsky, is heard on this program in his original 4-hands version of The Rite of Spring. This concert opens with Schumann’s dramatic first violin sonata performed by VMMF’s 2023 Apprentices.

THE RITE OF SPRING ON 88 KEYS: Beethoven, Berlioz & Stravinsky

Don’t miss VMMF’s first-ever “Lieder Evening”, an intimate event celebrating Schumann’s “Dichterliebe” (“A Poet’s Love”). Come listen to one of the most moving works of all time for voice and piano, and get to know the musicians and your fellow concertgoers over a post-concert drink. In this special evening devoted entirely to a song cycle of exquisite music set to poems by the great German poet Heinrich Heine about love, dreams and tears, you will also participate in a discussion with the performers: tenor, Kyle Stegall and Music Director, Eric Zivian after the performance.

This event will feature a cabaret-style concert setting with a complimentary glass of wine and snacks. Engage with the artists in conversation during an intimate post-concert reception.

A POET’S LOVE: Schumann

VMMF Laureate violinist Carmen Johnson-Pájaro curates and hosts this exciting program of American and American influenced Romantic chamber music in the glorious setting of the Buena Vista Winery.

Alfresco Concert III

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

Who needs a large orchestra when you can bring across the magic of Mozart’s Symphony Concertante with just a string quartet, bass and two soloists? In this case, star VMMF Laureates Rachell Ellen Wong and Andrew Gonzalez take the solo parts in an arrangement for string sextet. Excerpts of a string quartet by Florence Price and an arrangement of Ravel’s thrilling “La Valse” for four-hands piano round out the program.

The Concerto as Chamber Music: Price, Ravel & Mozart

Come experience the amazing virtuosity of VMMF Laureate Rachell Ellen Wong. Bring your friends and family to this concert with something for everyone.

Alfresco Concert II

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park

Acompáñenos en el Patio de La Luz Center para una tarde llena de música presentando a compositores latinoamericanos. 

Join us at the Patio of La Luz Center for an evening of music featuring latin american composers.

Alfresco Concert I

Franz Liszt, one of the great piano virtuosos of his time was also a prolific arranger of orchestral and operatic music to further show off the prowess of his instrument. In this case he takes Wagner’s “Liebestod” and reworks it brilliantly for his instrument, showing that the piano can sound like any instrument – even the human voice! Incidentally, when the young prodigy, Clara Schumann, whose music is also featured on this program, played for Liszt, he was awestruck by her pianistic abilities. The program ends with Robert Schumann’s Piano Quintet, one of his most orchestral-sounding works of chamber music

This concert is preceded by a free Blattner Series Lecture at 2:30pm offered by Nic McGeegan

THE PIANO AS ORCHESTRA: Clara Schumann, Liszt, R. Schumann

Mozart’s Piano Quartets are written like concertos: the piano is featured, accompanied by a sort of “mini orchestra” of 3 string players. We are thrilled to feature Laureate Axel Trolese as the “soloist” with three generations of early music experts in the accompanying roles. True to this year’s theme, the program ends with an arrangement of Beethoven’s 2nd Symphony for Piano Trio by the composer himself. On an 18th-century fortepiano you can really hear the trumpets and drums!

The Symphony as a Trio: Mozart & Beethoven

Enjoy a special edition of our Kids & Family Concert featuring guest composer, host, musician, Wolgang Amadeus Schmutzinberry.  Fun fact, Schmutzinberry is the only living composer that loves wearing powdered wigs!

Sonoma Valley Museum of Art

Our dazzling Festival Apprentices and Laureates take the stage in a 35-minute musical experience designed to engage audiences of all ages.

FREE KIDS & FAMILY CONCERT

Alfresco Concert

This concert begins with warm and sunny weather: Mozart’s “Kegelstatt” Trio. The nickname stems from the legend that he composed it while playing “skittles,” an outdoor bowling game.

Valley of the Moon Music Festival

Sep 26, 2024

Hispanic Heritage Month Concert

Jul 28, 2024

Kids & Family Concert

Valley of the Moon Music Festival