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Founded | 1949 |
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Type | Classical music |
Focus | classical music festival, education |
Location | |
Website | www |
The Aspen Music Festival and School (AMFS) is a classical music festival held annually in Aspen, Colorado.
It is noted both for its concert programming and the musical training it offers to mostly young-adult music students.[1][2] Founded in 1949, the typical eight-week summer season includes more than 400 classical music events[3]—including concerts by five orchestras, solo and chamber music performances, fully staged opera productions, master classes, lectures, and children's programming—and brings in 70,000 audience members.[4]
In the winter, the AMFS presents a small series of recitals and Metropolitan Opera Live in HD screenings.[5]
As a training ground for young-adult classical musicians, the AMFS draws more than 650 students from 40 states and 34 countries, with an average age of 22.[4][6] While in Aspen, students participate in lessons, coaching, and public performances in orchestras, operas, and chamber music, often playing side-by-side with AMFS artist-faculty.[7]
The organization is currently led by President and CEO Alan Fletcher and Music Director Robert Spano.[7]