1. Summertime Classics - New York
Where: New York CityWhen: June 25-July 4
This year, the world famous New York Philharmonic will perform a Russian repertory, including works by Shostakovich, Prokofiev, Rachmaninoff, and Tchaikovsky. Special guests include Jocye Yang (piano) and James Ehnes (violin). With tickets ranging in price from $24 to $54, this classical concert is easily affordable. Now in its fifth year, Summertime Classics has become a favorable concert series to attend.
2. Concerts in the Parks - New York
Where: New York CityWhen: June 24-July 15
Now in its 44th consecutive year, the New York Philharmonic's Concerts in the Parks have become an annual tradition to many people. Bring your picnic gear, blankets, food, and lawn chairs to these concerts and enjoy great classical music free of charge!
3. Vail Valley Music Festival - Colorado
Where: Vail, ColoradoWhen: July 18-25
What could be more spectacular than listening to classical music in the gorgeous setting of the Colorado Rockies? Now in its sixth season, the Vail Valley Music Festival has become a popular music event in Colorado. The New York Philharmonic performs in this festival, featuring Lang Lang (piano), Heinrich Schiff (cello), James Ehnes (violin), Joyce Yang (piano), Jean-Yves Thibaudet (piano), and Lorin Maazel (conductor).
4. Ravinia - Illinois
Where: Chicago, IllinoisWhen: June-September
This historic music festival features more than just classical music, but for purposes of this list, we'll stick with only classical music. This year, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra will perform works by Rachmaninoff, Mahler, Beethoven, Mozart, as well as John Williams. Special performances by The Kronos Quartet, Chanticleer, and the 5 Browns dot the three-month festival.
5. Festival del Sole - California
Where: Napa Valley, CaliforniaWhen: July 12-20
The beautiful scenery of California's wine valley, five-star meals, exquisite wines, and classical music convene during this 10-day festival to create a magical and unique experience. With two festivals under their belts, the third season for Festival del Sole promises to be better than before. Festival co-founder Rick Walker says, “This year, audiences can look forward to more unique events that unite the world's best and most adventurous music with the visual, culinary and viticultural arts.” Returning artists include Joshua Bell, Dmitry Sktkovetsky, and Jean-Yves Thibaudet.
6. Revered Masters at Tanglewood - Massachusetts
Where: Lenox, MassachusettsWhen: July 11-August 16
World famous conductor James Levine will lead twelve concerts at this year's Tanglewood ranging from "epic opera" to "cutting-edge music." With works by Haydn, Bach, Mozart, Schubert, Brahms, Beethoven, as well as Mahler, (just to name a few), there will be plenty of music for everyone to enjoy. The ever-busy pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet will also perform Tanglewood on August 16.
7. Thursday Classics - California
Where: Hollywood, CaliforniaWhen: July 10-September 4
Every Thursday from July 10-September 4, the Los Angeles Philharmonic will perform works by Mozart, Berlioz, Ravel, Bizet, Tychaikovsky, Prokofiev, and Rachmaninoff. Featured artists include Orion Weiss (piano), Jean-Yves Thibaudet (piano), and Lise de la Salle (piano). Of course, these concerts will be performed at the iconic Hollywood Bowl.
8. Carmel Bach and Beyond Festival - California
Where: Carmel, CaliforniaWhen: July 19-August 9
For those of you who love Johann Sebastian Bach, here's a festival just for you. With performances of the entire Brandenburg Concertos and Bach's B Minor Mass, these are just a few of the works being performed throughout this multi-week festival.
9. First Tennessee Summer Festival 2008 - Tennessee
Where: Nashville, TennesseeWhen: June 13-28
For those of you unable to attend Festival del Sole in California, you might be able to make it to the First Tennessee Summer Festival. Offering a "wonderfully informal" concert atmosphere with a dinner buffet prepared by award-winning chefs before every concert, this festival is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Each of the three weekends has a unique and distinctive style of music: Spanish Guitar, Russian Favorites, and American Movies.
10. The Blossom Festival - Ohio
Where: Cuyahoga Falls, OhioWhen: July 19-August 9
Located just 25 miles south of Cleveland within the beautiful 33,000 acre Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the Blossom Music Center becomes the summer home of the Cleveland Orchestra. This year, expect to hear works by Dvorak, Orf, Rachmanimoff, Gershwin, and Mendelssohn. On July 26, Drew Carey makes his first appearance with the Cleveland Orchestra narrating Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
