Artists Share Their Stories With Students

Bravo! Vail's Education & Engagement Programs continue to bring us together in celebration of music and our shared passion for it. We are thrilled to announce the new Artist Meet & Greet Series, a virtual Zoom event connecting students in our After-School Piano & Violin Program with accomplished guest musicians, providing unparalleled access to professionals in the music world.

Artistic Director Anne-Marie McDermott and Kerry McDermott speaking to students in early February

The series kicked off this month with a conversation between Anne-Marie and her sister, Kerry McDermott, a violinist with the New York Philharmonic. The two musicians shared stories and answered questions about their careers and their lives, providing the students with valuable insights into what it is like to be a professional musician. They even shared a fun newspaper clipping of Kerry in first grade playing a violin that was passed down through their family. The heirloom was longer than her arm. More than 60 students, parents, and friends attended the first of this four-part series.

To connect students from across the state, we will be inviting local music students in Eagle and Lake counties and youth musicians from Colorado music festivals and non-profit organizations to join us for the remainder of the series. We hope these events provide a spark of inspiration to all involved.

Donor Spotlight

Shirley & Bill McIntyre

Shirley and Bill McIntyre are passionate supporters of Bravo! Vail and are co-chairs of the Friends of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Shirley currently sits on our Board of Trustees and took a few minutes to talk with us about why she and Bill are dedicated to the Festival.

Bravo! Vail: Why is Bravo! Vail important to you?
Shirley: I love music – on a personal level and also how it unites people – it is a universal connection. To have our Festival bring such amazing orchestras and talented artists from around the world to share their magical music with so many others is truly inspiring and brings us tremendous joy.

Bravo! Vail: Do you have a favorite Bravo! Vail moment?
Shirley: As much as I adore all the classical and pops music, the celebration on July 4 brings me an overwhelming sense of pride for our country and all it represents.

Bravo! Vail: Describe Bravo! Vail in one word.
Shirley: Joie de vivre.

Bravo! Vail Playlists on

Chosen by Bravo! Vail Artistic Director Anne-Marie McDermott, this month's playlist is a collection of selected historic recordings from the masterpieces we are programming this summer.

“It is such a gift to share these extraordinary historic recordings. There is much magic and inspiration to be gained from the illumination of masterful interpretations from iconic artists of our past,” explains Anne-Marie.

Click here to listen to the February 2021 Playlist.

Save the Dates!

2021 Bravo! Vail Music Festival

Academy of St Martin in the Fields
June 24 - June 27, 2021

Dallas Symphony Orchestra
June 30 - July 5, 2021

The Philadelphia Orchestra
July 9 - July 17, 2021

New York Philharmonic
July 21 - July 28, 2021

See concert dates on our website.
bravovail.org

Watch your inbox for program announcements coming in the near future.