{"id":2673,"date":"2020-04-23T15:53:09","date_gmt":"2020-04-23T19:53:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dworkincompany.com\/site\/?p=2673"},"modified":"2020-12-06T18:58:41","modified_gmt":"2020-12-06T23:58:41","slug":"mmf28","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dworkincompany.com\/site\/mmf28\/","title":{"rendered":"THE MOAB MUSIC FESTIVAL IS PLANNING ON MUSIC, AND SO SHOULD YOU! The 28th Season is a \u201cOnce-in-a-Lifetime\u201d Experience Everyone Will Need"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n
The getaway, the retreat \u2013 after facing the world’s current challenges, recharging the soul will be essential, and a \u201conce-in-a-lifetime\u201d experience (Chamber Music magazine<\/em>) awaits! The Moab Music Festival\u2019s (MMF) 28th season of music in concert with the landscape\u00ae <\/em>offers respite and sanctuary to rejuvenate the soul. Amidst a fabled town filled with charming shops and restaurants, a 3-diamond spa, top-notch winery, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, and some of America\u2019s best hiking, biking, and jeep trails, world-class music will again emerge from Southeast Utah\u2019s ruggedly stunning red rock desert.<\/p>\n

Running the gamut from chamber music to Latin and jazz, MMF Artistic Director and violist, Leslie Tomkins, and pianist and MMF Music Director Michael Barrett, have devised a singular tie-in to the worldwide celebrations of Ludwig van Beethoven\u2019s 250th birthday. Beloved by audiences, the German master was powerfully inspired by composers who came before him, and had a seismic influence on succeeding generations of musical creators in so many genres. Beethoven\u2019s varied interests \u2013 including nature \u2013 and immense breadth of imagination will be featured in works both famous and rare, amidst one of the world\u2019s most magnificent landscapes.<\/p>\n

MUSICAL RAFT TRIPS<\/u><\/strong>
\nThe season kicks off with a journey for lovers of music, nature, and outdoor adventure:\u00a0a custom 3-day\/2-night <\/span>Westwater Canyon Musical Raft Trip <\/strong>through the Colorado River’s Ruby-Horsethief and Westwater Canyons, beginning on <\/span>Monday, August 31 at 7am<\/strong>. Living up to the Festival’s reputation as \u201can adventurer’s paradise” (<\/span>Smithsonian<\/em> magazine), voyagers will spend part of the time drifting leisurely at the river’s pace, followed by a morning of exciting whitewater rapids like Little Hummer, Funnel Falls, Last Chance, and the famous Skull Rapid formed as the Colorado River flows through a narrow black granite gorge. Patrons will enjoy daily concerts by two Festival superstars\u2013 cellist Jay Campbell and violinist Ayano Ninomiya \u2013 in extraordinary settings, as well as swimming, walks, and dining experiences. After bringing their inner rhythms in tune with the river, participants return to Moab on the last evening, Wednesday, September 2. Outfitted by Sheri Griffith River Expeditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b>GROTTO CONCERTS<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

An exhilarating 45-minute jet boat ride down the Colorado River will bring listeners to “nature’s own concert hall” (The New York Times) \u2013 a pristine, acoustically-perfect wilderness grotto carved from the surrounding red rocks. Imagine this grotto as a sonic marriage between the Sistine Chapel and Carnegie Hall, set within one of the most stunning natural settings to be found anywhere. The first of three signature Grotto Concerts, on Thursday, September 3, features acclaimed pianist-composer Michael Brown performing Beethoven\u2019s Fifth Symphony in a brilliant, devilishly-difficult transcription for solo piano, as arranged by the towering pianist Franz Liszt. This rarely heard tour-de-force will be paired with some of Mozart\u2019s music for two pianists playing together at one instrument. At the next grotto performance, on Wednesday, September 9, Brown returns to dazzle the audience with Beethoven\u2019s monumental \u201cHammerklavier\u201d Sonata, long considered unplayable, along with works by Robert Schumann for piano, four-hands. The final grotto adventure on Monday, September 14, the Festival finale, is Music of Faith and Belief, devoted to music by Johann Sebastian Bach. One of Bach\u2019s magnum opuses, The Well-Tempered Clavier, was a lifelong touchstone for Beethoven from the time he learned the work by memory by age 12! Paying homage to Beethoven\u2019s admiration for his older German compatriot, this program intersperses several of Bach\u2019s sacred chorales with American spirituals for what is likely to be a transcendent experience.<\/p>\n

STAR HALL CONCERTS<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Following the final Grotto Concert, when some patrons return to town, those adventurers who do not want their experience to end will set out on a custom 4-day\/3-night Cataract Canyon Musical Raft Trip (September 14 through 17) on the Colorado River for yet another encounter of a lifetime. Setting off by raft for a \u201cplace where the awe comes easy\u201d (KSL-TV), this trip takes the notion of wonder and astonishment to a whole other level. Along the river by day and at camp each night, the trip features daily concerts by extraordinary violinists Francisco Fullana and Cindy Wu (who will also play viola), and cellist Clancy Newman, as well as fine food and wine, and lively companionship. World renowned naturalist John Weisheit puts the surroundings in context, guiding guests to petroglyphs and petrified wood, and providing deep insights on geology and the Colorado River. Starting in flat-water and progressing to an exhilarating run through world-famous Cataract Canyon, the river portion of the trip ends at Lake Powell’s Hite Marina, where participants catch a scenic flight with Redtail Air Adventures back to Moab, over Canyonlands National Park and the Colorado River, returning late on Thursday evening, September 17. Outfitted by Sheri Griffith River Expeditions.<\/p>\n

Two performances take place at one of Moab\u2019s landmark venues, the elegant Star Hall. On Friday, September 4 at 7pm, RUSSIA IN THE US looks at the immense impact of Russian \u00e9migr\u00e9s and visitors in the U.S., who transformed the music world, including two generations of American concert and theater composers. The program ranges widely from works by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Serge Prokofiev, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Igor Stravinsky to novelties by Vernon Duke, Harold Arlen, Irving Berlin, and George Gershwin. On Friday, September 11 at 6pm, Octomania! features Dmitri Shostakovich\u2019s early, quirky work for eight strings, alongside the work on which it was based, Mendelssohn\u2019s beloved Octet. Beethoven\u2019s music makes also an appearance on this program with several of his works for cello and piano.<\/p>\n

MUSIC HIKES<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

At each of four invigorating Music Hikes, explorers will discover Moab\u2019s natural wonders, as they meet at the Grand County Middle School bright and early at 8am and are transported to stunning, surprise locations for an hour-long concert. On Saturday, September 5, hikers journey to a majestic spot in a secluded canyon, ideal for acoustic music, to hear Beethoven\u2019s reflective and visionary String Quintet known as the \u201cStorm\u201d and Bohuslav Martin\u016f\u2019s virtuosic Duo for Violin and Viola. The second hike on Sunday, September 6, at a private protected canyon, will feature the Festival\u2019s virtuoso strings captivating listeners with works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and John Corigliano (his Red Violin Caprices, from the acclaimed movie The Red Violin). On Saturday, September 12, trekkers will venture to Moab\u2019s own meditative inner landscape for Everything That Rises, when the JACK Quartet, \u201csuperheroes of the new music world\u201d (The Boston Globe) offers a work by Pulitzer Prize-winner John Luther Adams, who approaches nature as a canvas for his extended sonic explorations, and gives new meaning to the phrase \u201ctrail-blazing!\u201d On the season\u2019s final Music Hike on Sunday, September 13, adventurers travel to another secret, equally stunning wilderness site for String Theory, where the Festival\u2019s virtuoso strings lead an excursion though music from Bach to today and from the lowest tones on the double bass to the highest pitches of the violin.<\/p>\n

Know before you go<\/em>: The hike requires a moderate level of stamina, agility, and comfort with uneven footing and potentially some exposure on slick rock. Hiking\/trail shoes are required. Comfortable outdoor clothing for a desert environment is recommended. Hiking poles are welcome. Please remember to hydrate and bring a water bottle.<\/p>\n

RED CLIFFS LODGE<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

And to kick back after two of the hikes or let loose (or a little of both!), drop into Red Cliffs Lodge for a pair of toe-tapping, finger-snapping evenings of sheer delight. On Saturday, September 5 at 6pm, the Cuban master clarinetist and saxophonist Paquito D\u2019Rivera, a multi-Grammy-winner and Festival favorite, leads his virtuoso quintet \u2013 joined by the Festival strings \u2013 to the banks of the Colorado River for My Heart is in Havana, reveling in Cuba\u2019s irresistible melodic, rhythmic, and emotional imagination. And after the hike on Sunday, September 6 at 6pm, The Manhattan Transfer, which made music history winning Grammys in popular and jazz categories in the same year, offers hits in its signature pop, jazz, R&B, rock & roll, and swing styles, along with songs from its newest recording, The Junction.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>LABOR DAY EXTRAVAGANZA<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

There will be plenty of electricity to go around at the Festival\u2019s free annual Rocky Mountain Power Family Concert on Monday, September 7 at 2pm, when two powerhouses \u2013 Paquito D\u2019Rivera Quintet and The Manhattan Transfer \u2013 share the stage. Kids, entire families, and picnics are welcome to catch the (heat) wave, which will also be ignited when superstar violinist Charles Yang, cellist Nicholas Canellakis, baritone Justin Austin, and pianists Michael Barrett, Michael Brown, and Peter Dugan join the fun. The Festival expresses its gratitude to our sponsor, Rocky Mountain Power, for helping the series keep the lights on! <\/span><\/p>\n

PRIVATE HOMES<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Picture being at a Private Ranch on the banks of the Colorado River, with great food, good company, and an eclectic mix of jazz, classical, and original music from two of the most versatile and electrifying young musicians of their generation. On Tuesday, September 8 at 5:30pm<\/strong> Time for Three<\/em>\u2019s Charles Yang, who \u201cplays classical violin with the charisma of a rock star\u201d (The Boston Globe<\/em>), joins the new host of NPR\u2019s popular From the Top, pianist Peter Dugan, and his \u201cfeats of alarming dexterity” (San Francisco Chronicle<\/em>) for a sizzling, virtuosic romp, setting off musical fireworks that are likely to rival the pyrotechnics that close out the evening, which is a benefit for the Festival.<\/p>\n

On Thursday, September 10, 5:30pm<\/strong>, one of the Moab area\u2019s most exclusive homes is the setting for a special celebration of Beethoven\u2019s 250th birthday. Beethoven as He Heard His Music<\/em><\/strong> lets a select audience hear the master\u2019s music on the instruments on which it was performed during his lifetime. String instruments and a piano of Beethoven\u2019s era reveal the secrets of period performance practice, with the music being performed in an intimate salon. The concert is followed by an exquisite dinner and wonderful conversation with the artists and other guests. <\/span><\/p>\n

… AND BACKSTAGE, AT THE RANCH, ON THE RIVER, AND IN SCHOOL
\nSatisfy your curiosity about what goes on behind the scenes of producing a concert by sitting in on an Open Rehearsal with Festival Music Director Michael Barrett and other artists on Saturday, September 12 at 1pm. Watch, listen, and get a sneak peek at the music to be performed on the new Floating Concert on September 13 (see below).<\/p>\n

Soak in one of the breathtaking sunsets at Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa on September 12 at 6pm, and heat up the night with the jazzy mischief-makers known as The Hot Sardines. With over a year on the Billboard Jazz charts, over 20-million streams on Spotify in over 90 countries, and a rave from The Times of London about the group\u2019s \u201cwitty showmanship,\u201d Moab audiences are in for pure delight!<\/p>\n

Kicking off a new event for 2020 festival-goers on Sunday, September 13 at 5pm, patrons will sip cocktails and hors d\u2019oeuvres before boarding the mighty Queen for a Floating Concert. The low-speed open-air boat will take listeners (and a grand piano!) up the Colorado River, where it will float silently while the musicians play a private concert of music by Claude Debussy and Franz Schubert, on the river surrounded by canyon walls at sunset. A 7:30pm return allows for an early evening or dinner following this magical experience.<\/p>\n

Extensive educational outreach is integral to the Festival\u2019s activities, and artists will visit all the Grand County School students and The Moab Charter School on September 4 and 9 for assemblies for the high school and middle school students. The Festival\u2019s ongoing educational programs goes beyond performances for students, and includes scholarships, teacher support, instrument purchases, and more, giving back to the community which has supported this acclaimed series for over two decades.<\/p>\n

Week I artists<\/strong><\/em>: violinists Ayano Ninomiya, Pamela Frank, Arnaud Sussmann; violists Cynthia Phelps, Leslie Tomkins; cellists Jay Campbell, Ronald Thomas; pianists Michael Barrett, Michael Brown; Justin Austin, baritone.<\/p>\n

Paquito D\u2019Rivera Quintet<\/strong>: Paquito D\u2019Rivera, clarinet, saxophone; Hamish Smith, bass; Diego Urcola, trumpet, trombone; Eric Doob, drums, percussion; Alex Brown, piano.<\/p>\n

The Manhattan Transfer<\/strong>: Cheryl Bentyne, Trist Curless, Alan Paul, Janis Siegel, vocals; Ross Pederson, drums; Boris Koslov, acoustic, electric bass; Yaron Gershovsky, piano, electric keyboard<\/p>\n

Week 2 artists:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/em>Wviolinists Francisco Fullana, Kristin Lee, Christopher Otto, Austin Wulliman, Charles Yang; Violists Cindy Wu (& violin), John Pickford Richards, Leslie Tomkins; cellists Jay Campbell, Nicholas Canellakis, Clancy Newman, Tanya Tomkins; Robert Black, bass; pianists Michael Barrett, Michael Brown, Peter Dugan (& electric keyboard), Eric Zivian, (& fortepiano); Justin Austin, baritone.<\/p>\n

JACK Quartet<\/strong>: Christopher Otto & Austin Wulliman, violins; John Pickford Richards, viola; Jay Campbell, cello<\/p>\n

The Hot Sardines<\/strong>: Elizabeth Bougerol, co-leader, vocals; Evan Palazzo, pianist, bandleader; David Berger, drums, percussion; J. Walter Hawkes, trombone; Noah Hocker, trumpet; A.C. Lincoln, tap dancer; Jason Mercer, bass; Nick Myers, tenor saxophone, clarinet, conga.<\/p>\n

For more information about the Festival or to purchase tickets for the 28th annual Moab Music Festival go to the website<\/a>, or telephone the Box Office at (435) 259-7003. You may also visit the Festival Office at 58 East 300 South, Moab, UT 84532.<\/p>\n

For more information about the outfitter for the Westwater Canyon Musical Raft Trip the Cataract Canyon Musical Raft Trip visit Sheri Griffith River Expeditions.<\/p>\n

www.moabmusicfest.org<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The getaway, the retreat \u2013 after facing the world’s current challenges, recharging the soul will be essential, and a \u201conce-in-a-lifetime\u201d experience (Chamber Music magazine) awaits! The Moab Music Festival\u2019s (MMF) 28th season of music in concert with the landscape\u00ae offers respite and sanctuary to rejuvenate the soul. Amidst a fabled town filled with charming shops […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":2675,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"related-artist":[17],"class_list":{"0":"post-2673","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news","8":"related-artist-moab-music-festival","9":"entry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dworkincompany.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2673","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dworkincompany.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dworkincompany.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dworkincompany.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dworkincompany.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2673"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/dworkincompany.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2673\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2676,"href":"https:\/\/dworkincompany.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2673\/revisions\/2676"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dworkincompany.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2675"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dworkincompany.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2673"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dworkincompany.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2673"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dworkincompany.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2673"},{"taxonomy":"related-artist","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dworkincompany.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/related-artist?post=2673"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}