Blattner Lecture Series hosted by Kate van Orden
2025-07-12 14:30, 2025-07-19 14:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Hanna Center, 17000 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 95476, United States
Details to be announced soon. Free for concert ticket holders.

FANNY AND FELIX MENDELSSOHN: A MUSICAL FAMILY
2025-07-12 16:00 - 18:00 | Hanna Center, 17000 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 95476, United States
This concert offers a moving portrait of the profound bond between Fanny Hensel and her brother Felix Mendelssohn—a relationship of deep musical collaboration and mutual mentorship. Fanny was Felix’s “Minerva,” whose wisdom and discerning advice shaped his compositions. The siblings grew up studying with the same teachers and were deeply influenced by J.S. Bach. Fanny’s salon became a cultural hub, but her music was rarely published due to the social constraints on women of her time. Felix, by contrast, enjoyed public acclaim and even published some of Fanny’s songs under his own name. He later revealed to Queen Victoria that her beloved “Italien” was actually Fanny’s composition. Their connection endured until the end: Fanny died of a stroke at 41, and Felix, grief-stricken, died just six months later.

PROGRAM
FELIX MENDELSSOHN Quintet No. 1 in A major for Two Violins, Two Violas, and Cello, Op. 18 (1826)
J.S. BACH Chorale Prelude
J.S. BACH Aus Liebe arr. for Flute, Two Violas, and Voice (1727)
FELIX MENDELSSOHN Trio No. 2 in C minor for Piano, Violin, and Cello, Op. 66 (1845)
FANNY MENDELSSOHN Italien for Voice and Piano
FANNY MENDELSSOHN Trio in D minor for Piano, Violin, and Cello, Op. 11 (1846)

ARTISTS
Nikki Einfeld, SOPRANO | Stacey Pelinka, FLUTE | Jennifer Frautschi, Owen Dalby, VIOLIN | Elizabeth Blumenstock, Ramón Carrero-Martínez, VIOLA | Aaron Wolff, Tanya Tomkins, CELLO | Audrey Vardanega, Eric Zivian, PIANO

PERFORMANCE LENGTH
Approximately 2 hours with intermission | Program and artists subject to change

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WAGNER AND THE FRENCH: A LOVE-HATE RELATIONSHIP
2025-07-13 16:00 - 18:00 | Hanna Center, 17000 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 95476, United States
Experience the stormy relationship between Richard Wagner and the French Romantics. Initially captivated by Wagner’s bold innovations, French composers embraced his music as a model. However, following the Franco-Prussian War, a surge of patriotism led them to reject German influence, sparking a search for a distinctly Gallic musical identity. This shift coincided with a broader rebellion against Romanticism, pushing the French toward a new musical language that anticipated modernism.Yet despite their efforts, did they ever truly escape Wagner’s shadow?

PROGRAM
WAGNER Siegfried Idyll for Two Violins, Viola, Cello, Bass, and Piano, WWV 103 (1869)
DEBUSSY Sonata in G minor for Violin and Piano, L.140 (1917)
CHAUSSON Concert in D Major for Violin, Piano, and String Quartet, Op. 21 (1891)

ARTISTS
Anna Presler, Jennifer Frautschi, Liana Bérubé, Owen Dalby, VIOLIN | Phyllis Kamrin, Ramón Carrero-Martínez, VIOLA | Aaron Wolff, Tanya Tomkins, CELLO | Dan Turkos, BASS | Audrey Vardanega, Eric Zivian, PIANO

PERFORMANCE LENGTH
Approximately 2 hours with intermission | Program and artists subject to change

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ALFRESCO CONCERT 1
2025-07-17 19:00 | La Luz Center, 17560 Greger St, Sonoma, 95476, United States
The first Alfresco Concert of the summer will be held on the beautiful patio of the La Luz Center. Enjoy music by Spanish-speaking composers from Baroque to Classical and beyond, featuring guitarist Marc Teicholz and the beloved Festival ensemble Beneath a Tree. The performance will be accompanied by comments from the stage in both Spanish and English. Join us for an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and community.
Tickets for this concert are pay-what-you-wish, starting at $2. The suggested ticket price is between $25 – $45.
Works by Ximénez, Ponce and special performance by Beneath a Tree. Exact works to be announced later in the spring.
ARTISTS
Marc Teicholz, GUITAR | Daria Adams, Elizabeth Blumenstock, Gail Hernández Rosa, VIOLIN | Ramón Carrero-Martínez, VIOLA | Aaron Wolff, CELLO | Dan Turkos, BASS
PERFORMANCE LENGTH
Approximately 75 minutes without intermission | Program and artists subject to change

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NADIA BOULANGER: 20TH CENTURY INFLUENCER
2025-07-19 16:00 - 18:00 | Hanna Center, 17000 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 95476, United States
This concert transports us to Paris to celebrate legendary pedagogue Nadia Boulanger and some of her remarkable students. From Aaron Copland to Astor Piazzolla to Quincy Jones, many young talents sought her guidance, solidifying her legacy as the Grande Dame of 20th-century composition. The program also includes works by Stravinsky, whom she admired and advised on several of his pieces, music by her talented sister Lili Boulanger, and the G minor Piano Quartet of her own teacher, Gabriel Fauré.

PROGRAM
BOULANGER Three Pieces for Cello and Piano, Piece 1 (1914)
PIAZZOLA Oblivion for Cello and Piano (1982)
COPLAND AND LILI BOULANGER Songs for Voice and Piano
FRANCAIX Sonatine for Violin and Piano (1934)
COPLAND Two Pieces for String Quartet (1928)
QUINCY JONES Soul Bossa Nova arr. for String Quartet (1962)
FAURÉ Quartet No. 2 in G minor for Piano, Violin, Viola, and Cello, Op. 45 (1887)

ARTISTS
Nikki Einfeld, SOPRANO | Daria Adams, Gail Hernández Rosa, Juliette Greer, Liana Bérubé, VIOLIN | Rosemary Nelis, VIOLA | Clara Abel, Nick Reeves, Tanya Tomkins, CELLO | Audrey Vardanega, Eric Zivian, PIANO

PERFORMANCE LENGTH
Approximately 2 hours with intermission | Program and artists subject to change

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CLARA SCHUMANN AND HER CIRCLE
2025-07-20 16:00 - 18:00 | Hanna Center, 17000 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 95476, United States
Clara Schumann was one of 19th-century Europe’s foremost pianists. In addition to raising many children and being the wife of renowned composer Robert Schumann, who demanded silence at home while he was at work, Clara maintained a grueling touring schedule—yet still found time to compose. Salons were an essential part of Leipzig’s cultural life, fostering exchanges of ideas and friendships. Two women composers featured on this program were part of Clara’s circle: Josephine Lang, for whom Clara organized a benefit concert, and Swedish composer and violinist Amanda Maier, whom Clara befriended in her later years. According to Amanda Maier’s great-granddaughter, Saskia Thiadens (who lives in Napa!), a treasure trove of Amanda’s forgotten scores were discovered in a family member’s attic. Although Maier’s music is rarely heard today, we are thrilled to share her brilliance alongside works by the Schumanns, Josephine Lang, and Johannes Brahms.

PROGRAM
CLARA SCHUMANN Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann for Piano, Op. 20 (1853)
BRAHMS Sonatensatz: Scherzo in C minor for Violin and Piano (1853)
LANG/CLARA/ROBERT/JOHANNES/MAIER Songs
AMANDA MAIER Quartet in E minor for Piano, Violin, Viola, and Cello (1891)
CLARA SCHUMANN Romance from Piano Concerto in A minor for Cello and Piano, Op. 7 (1835)
ROBERT SCHUMANN Quartet in F major for Strings, Op. 41, No. 2 (1842)

ARTISTS
Clara Osowsk, SOPRANO| Juliette Greer, Soyoung Choi, VIOLIN | Rosemary Nelis, VIOLA | Clara Abel, Tanya Tomkins, CELLO | Audrey Vardanega, Eric Zivian, PIANO

PERFORMANCE LENGTH
Approximately 2 hours with intermission | Program and artists subject to change

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ALFRESCO CONCERT 2
2025-07-22 19:00 | Buena Vista Winery, 18000 Old Winery Road, Sonoma, CA, 95476
Set against the picturesque courtyard of Buena Vista Winery, this concert offers an evening of musical fireworks!
Arrive early to savor the beauty of the surroundings while enjoying a glass of Buena Vista wine and a leisurely picnic. The performance will begin with a delightful cello and guitar duo, featuring Angela Lee and Marc Teicholz. The night will culminate with one of the most exhilarating works of the entire chamber music repertoire—Felix Mendelssohn’s Octet, composed, incredibly, when he was only 16. This vibrant masterpiece will be brought to life by the festival’s Apprenticeship and Fellowship quartets, led by Laureate violinist Juliette Greer.

PROGRAM
MENDELSSOHN Octet in E-flat Major for Four Violins, Two Violas, and Two Cellos, Op. 20 (1825)
Additional repertoire to be announced soon

ARTISTS
Marc Teicholz, GUITAR| Juliette Greer, Soyoung Choi, VIOLIN | Rosemary Nelis, VIOLA | Angela Lee, Clara Abel, CELLO | Apprentice Quartet

PERFORMANCE LENGTH
Approximately 1 hour without intermission | Program and artists subject to change

GOOD TO KNOW
Wine is available for purchase inside the historic Press House Tasting Room from 6:00-7:00 pm
You are welcome to come early to enjoy your own food prior to the performance at the winery’s picnic tables.

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2025 APPRENTICE CONCERT
2025-07-25 18:00 | Hanna Center, 17000 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 95476, United States
The VMMF Apprentices are much more than “students”. Although some are pursuing graduate or undergraduate degrees, others have already begun their professional careers. What they share is extraordinary promise and eagerness to expand their horizons and hone their interpretive skills. They are accomplished artists who come to the Festival for the unique opportunity to be mentored by world-class faculty while performing on historically accurate instruments. This immersive experience elevates their artistry to new heights, guiding them toward the next stage in their musical journeys. Join us for a concert that promises to be one of the season’s most memorable, as these rising stars take the stage and share their brilliance and new insights.

Beethoven – Sonata No. 9 “Kreutzer” for Violin and Piano (1803)
Beethoven – String Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135 (1826)
R, Schumann – Piano Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 47 (1842)
ARTISTS
Tara Hagle, Josh Liu, VIOLIN | Gabriel Galley, VIOLA | Isabelle Nichols, CELLO | Jonathan Mak, PIANO

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Blattner Lecture Series hosted by Tom Grey
2025-07-26 14:30 | Hanna Center, 17000 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 95476, United States
Americans in Paris
This talk explores the symbiosis between African-American vernacular-based styles and the Parisian musical avant-garde in the first decades of the 20th century. Key modernists such as Debussy and Stravinsky respond to the rhythmic energy of ragtime and the harmonic-timbral colors and improvisatory vitality of blues and early jazz. Aaron Copland and George Gershwin refine their own ideas of American music in response to the orchestration of Maurice Ravel, the urban patois of Darius Milhaud and Les Six, and the pedagogy of Nadia Boulanger. Retrospectively, Gershwin’s An American in Paris comes to embody a whole generation of exciting musical “cultural transfer” in the City of Light.

AMERICANS IN PARIS
2025-07-26 16:00 - 18:00 | Hanna Center, 17000 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 95476, United States
Paris has long been a city that absorbs influences from across the globe, a vibrant hub where cutting-edge musical ideas flourish. Throughout the years, composers and musicians such as Gershwin, Copland, and Joséphine Baker left their mark on the city’s dynamic music scene. This concert celebrates the rich musical exchange between continents, from the rhythms of jazz and ragtime to the unique style and virtuosity of Cuban violinist José White. Jazz musicians adopted French harmonies and the French, in turn, embraced the rhythmic freedom of jazz with open arms. The composers featured in this concert were either Americans beloved in Paris, lived there for a time, or, like Debussy and Ravel, were deeply influenced by the vibrant music of the Americas. Join us for a program that captures the dazzling interplay of these musical worlds.
PROGRAM
GERSHWIN Lullaby for Two Violins, Viola, and Cello (1920)
DEBUSSY Première rhapsodie for Clarinet and Piano (1910)
ELLINGTON Don’t Get Around Much Anymore, arr. for violin (1940)
BAKER Sous les Ponts de Paris, arr for string trio (1962)
MILHAUD La création du monde, Arr. for Two Violins, Viola, Cello, and Piano, Op. 81a (1923)
JOPLIN Swipesy Cakewalk (1900)
DEBUSSY Debussy: Préludes, Book 2: VI. ‘General Lavine’ – Eccentric (1912)
STRAVINSKY Piano-Rag-Music (1919)
COPLAND Four Piano Blues, No. 4 (1948)
RAVEL Sonata No. 2 for Violin and Piano (1927)

ARTISTS
Jerome Simas, CLARINET | Daria Adams, Giancarlo Latta, Mads Tolling, Rachell E. Wong, VIOLIN | Gail Hernández Rosa, VIOLA | Julia Yang, Nick Reeves, CELLO | Allegra Chapman, Audrey Vardanega, Eric Zivian, Elizabeth Dorman, PIANO

PERFORMANCE LENGTH
Approximately 2 hours with intermission | Program and artists subject to change

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KIDS AND FAMILY CONCERT
2025-07-27 11:00 | Sonoma Community Center, 276 E Napa Street, Sonoma, CA, 95476
Bring family and friends of all ages— from 2 to 102— to the outdoor patio of the Sonoma Community Center for a lively and engaging musical hour featuring a vibrant mix of musical styles and traditions. Featuring Grammy Award-Winning jazz violinist Mads Tolling alongside the 2025 Apprenticeship Quartet, this concert promises to delight audiences with its energy and artistry. It’s FREE for the entire community—don’t miss it!
ARTISTS
Mads Tolling, VIOLIN | Apprentice Quartet

PERFORMANCE LENGTH
Approximately 50 minutes without intermission | Program and artists subject to change

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FINAL CONCERT: INSPIRATIONS
2025-07-27 16:00 - 18:00 | Hanna Center, 17000 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 95476, United States
The Festival concludes with a grand finale featuring Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings,performed by a full band of players—faculty, Apprentices, Fellows, and Laureates—led by violinist Rachell Ellen Wong. Tchaikovsky was deeply inspired by Mozart, who in turn was profoundly influenced by Haydn. Before the Serenade, you will hear a Mozart’s Piano Trio and Haydn’s ebullient string quartet op. 33, no. 5. Music is passed down through generations, with each composer responding to those who preceded them—whether striving to match or surpass their predecessors’ achievements or simply honor and incorporate their voices. This concert tells the story of one such set of musical dialogues.

PROGRAM
MOZART Piano Trio
HAYDN Quartet in G major for Strings, Op. 33, No. 5 (1781)
TCHAIKOVSKY Trio in A minor for Piano, Violin, and Cello, Variations (1882)
TCHAIKOVSKY Serenade for Strings in C major, Op. 48 (1880)

ARTISTS
Apprentices | Elizabeth Blumenstock, Giancarlo Latta, Juliette Greer, Rachell E. Wong, Soyoung Choi, VIOLIN | Rosemary Nelis, VIOLA | Clara Abel, Julia Yang, Tanya Tomkins, CELLO | Dan Turkos, BASS | Eric Zivian, PIANO

PERFORMANCE LENGTH
Approximately 2 hours with intermission | Program and artists subject to change

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LIVESTREAM
Free Livestream

SUBSCRIPTIONS
Weekend III Festival Pass Ultimate Festival Pass

Fall Alfresco Concert
2025-09-17 18:00 | La Luz Center, 17560 Greger St, Sonoma, 95476, United States
Join us for a joyful evening of music under the Sonoma sky as we kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with a special concert Alfresco at La Luz.
The evening will feature the acclaimed Ensemble San Francisco alongside talented young musicians from ViVo Youth Orchestras.
Bring your friends, neighbors, and loved ones to celebrate community, culture, and music together at this fun, family-friendly concert.
Tickets for this concert are pay-what-you-wish, starting at $2. The suggested ticket price is between $25 – $45.
Works by Grant Still, Jimenez and Piazzolla. Other works to be announced from the stage.
ARTISTS
Ensemble San Francisco with Jennifer Choi, Rebecca Jackson-Picht, VIOLINS; Jessica Chang, VIOLA; Angela Lee, CELLO | students from ViVo Youth Orchestras

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Blattner Lecture Series
2026-07-11 14:30 | Hanna Center, 17000 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 95476, United States
Conversations with Kate van Orden
Dvořák and Czech Nationalism
In this lecture, Kate van Orden sets the stage for Dvořák’s travels by discussing his homeland. The nineteenth century was a time of great nationalism in many countries. But what did it mean to be Czech, and what made Dvořák’s “Czech” music sound distinctive?
Free for concert ticket holders.
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Bohemian Homeland
2026-07-11 16:00 - 18:00 | Hanna Center, 17000 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 95476, United States
Travel to 19th-century Prague, where the musical lives of Smetana and Dvořák intertwined amid the folk rhythms and cultural energy of Bohemia. This opening-night program explores the artistic world that shaped Dvořák’s early voice: the Classical legacy of Haydn to the bold, expressive chamber music of Smetana, one of Dvořák’s earliest champions. Featuring Smetana’s Piano Trio on VMMF’s 1841 Rausch fortepiano, this concert offers a richly textured portrait of Czech musical life at its source. Paired with wines from premier Sonoma vineyards, it’s a festive and inviting start to the Festival!

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PROGRAM
HAYDN Trio in A major for Piano, Violin, and Cello, Hob. XV:18 (1794)
DVOŘÁK Select solo piano pieces
DVOŘÁK Selections from Moravian Duets, B. 60 and B. 62 for Soprano, Alto, and Piano (1876)
SMETANA Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 15 (1855)

ARTISTS
Jeff LaDeur, Eric Zivian, PIANO | Elizabeth Blumenstock, VIOLIN | Tanya Tomkins, Aaron Wolff, CELLO | Rachell Ellen Wong, VIOLIN |Nikki Einfeld, SOPRANO | Laura Krumm, MEZZO-SOPRANO

PERFORMANCE LENGTH
Approximately 2 hours with intermission | Program and artists subject to change

Concert Tickets

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With Love from Vienna
2026-07-12 16:00 - 18:00 | Hanna Center, 17000 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 95476, United States
Step into 19th-century Vienna, where Dvořák’s early career was transformed by the support of Johannes Brahms and the vibrant musical life of the Austro-German world. This program brings together the lyrical beauty of Mendelssohn, the depth and richness of Brahms, and music by Austrian Romantic composer Mathilde Kralik, whose voice emerged from the same cultural circles. With the addition of wistful Slavic dances by Chopin and Dvořák, the concert unfolds as a poetic afternoon of intimate chamber music.

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Program
DVOŘÁK Selected Slavonic Dances for Piano Four Hands, Opp. 46 and 72 (1878, 1886)
DVOŘÁK and CHOPIN Selected Mazurkas for solo piano
MENDELSSOHN Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 49 (1839)
KRÁLIK Selections from the Violin Sonata in D minor (1878)
BRAHMS String Quintet No. 2 in G major, Op. 111 (1890)

Artists
Eric Zivian, Chris Goodpasture, PIANO | Liana Bérubé, SoYoung Choi, Rachell Ellen Wong, Juliette Greer, VIOLIN | Rosemary Nelis, Ramón Carrero-Martínez, VIOLA | Aaron Wolff, CELLO

Performance Length
Approximately 2 hours with intermission | Program and artists subject to change

Concert Tickets

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Weekend 1 Pass

Alfresco Concert 1
2026-07-15 19:00 | La Luz Center, 17560 Greger St, Sonoma, 95476, United States
The first Alfresco Concert of the summer will be held on the beautiful patio of the La Luz Center. The performance will be accompanied by comments from the stage in both Spanish and English. Join us for a fun celebration of music, culture, and community.
Exact repertoire and artists to be announced later in the spring.
Tickets for this concert are pay-what-you-wish, starting at $2. The suggested ticket price is between $25 – $45.
PERFORMANCE LENGTH
Approximately 75 minutes without intermission | Program and artists subject to change
Concert Tickets

Blattner Lecture Series
2026-07-18 14:30 | Hanna Center, 17000 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 95476, United States
In Translation: Dvořák and the British Isles, 1884-1904
Lecture Presented by Elaine Fitz Gibbon
In the final decades of his life, Dvořák undertook extensive international travels, not just to the United States, where he famously lived and composed from 1882-1885, but also to England. Indeed, England was Dvořák’s first international destination, and the country to which, in the end, he owed his broad international success. In this lecture, Elaine will dive into this lesser-known yet transformative period in Dvořák’s life and professional career.
Free for concert ticket holders.
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English Impressions
2026-07-18 16:00 - 18:00 | Hanna Center, 17000 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 95476, United States
Let’s go to 19th-century England, where Dvořák’s music found eager audiences and his international reputation reached new heights. Echoing Haydn’s own celebrated success in London generations earlier, this program explores the artistic exchange between composers who drew inspiration from folk traditions and transformed them into deeply personal musical voices. Alongside Dvořák, the program features Vaughan Williams and Rebecca Clarke, later composers whose music reflects a similarly distinctive sense of place and expression.

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Program
HAYDN String Quartet in D minor, Op. 76, No. 2, Hob. III:76, “Fifths” (1797)
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS Excerpts from Six Studies in English Folk Song for Cello and Piano (1926)
DVOŘÁK Excerpts from Piano Trio No. 4 in E minor, Op. 90, B. 166, “Dumky” (1891)
CLARKE Dumka for Violin, Viola, and Piano (ca. 1941)
DVOŘÁK Piano Quartet No. 1 in D major, Op. 23, B. 53 (1875)

Artists
Amizia Quartet in Residence | Elizabeth Dorman, Eric Zivian, PIANO | Jennifer Frautschi, Tsien-Hsin Cindy Wu, VIOLIN | Andrew Gonzalez, VIOLA | Tanya Tomkins, Julia Yang, CELLO

Performance Length
Approximately 2 hours with intermission | Program and artists subject to change

Concert Tickets

Ultimate Pass
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Weekend 2 Pass

Kids & Family Concert
2026-07-19 11:00 | Sonoma Community Center, 276 E Napa Street, Sonoma, CA, 95476
Bring family and friends of all ages— from 2 to 102— to the outdoor patio of the Sonoma Community Center for a lively and engaging musical hour featuring a vibrant mix of musical styles and traditions. Featuring the Amizia Quartet in Residence and the 2026 Apprentices, this concert promises to delight the entire family. It’s FREE for the entire community. Don’t miss it!

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Artists
Amizia Quartet | 2026 Apprentices

Performance Length
Approximately 50 minutes without intermission | Program and artists subject to change

Good to Know
This event takes place outdoors and the seating area is not shaded. Guests are encouraged to dress accordingly and bring sun protection.
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Russia: In Shadow & Song
2026-07-19 16:00 - 18:00 | Hanna Center, 17000 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 95476, United States
Dedicated to family member and VMMF friend and supporter, Susan Shalit
Dvořák’s journey to Russia at Tchaikovsky’s invitation opened a window onto the broader Slavic musical world. This program brings together deeply expressive songs and chamber works of lyrical beauty and dramatic intensity. Arensky’s elegiac Cello Quartet and Dvořák’s F minor Piano Trio anchor an afternoon shaped by longing and emotional depth, while songs by Dvořák, Mussorgsky, and Yuliya Weissberg offer compelling perspectives across time.

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Program
TCHAIKOVSKY “July: Song of the Reaper,” from The Seasons, Op. 37a, for solo piano (1876)
MUSSORGSKY, WEISSBERG, and DVOŘÁK Selected Songs for Voice and Piano
ARENSKY String Quartet No. 2 in A minor, Op. 35, for Violin, Viola, and Two Cellos (1894)
DVOŘÁK Piano Trio No. 3 in F minor, Op. 65, B. 130 (1883)

Artists
Simon Barrad, BARITONE | Eric Zivian, PIANO | Jennifer Frautschi, Tsien-Hsin Cindy Wu, VIOLIN | Andrew Gonzalez, VIOLA | Tanya Tomkins, Julia Yang, CELLO

Performance Length
Approximately 2 hours with intermission | Program and artists subject to change

Concert Tickets

Ultimate Pass
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Weekend 2 Pass

Alfresco Concert 2
2026-07-21 19:00 | Buena Vista Winery, 18000 Old Winery Road, Sonoma, CA, 95476
Set in the stunning courtyard of Buena Vista Winery, this outdoor concert is the perfect summer evening escape. Arrive early to enjoy a glass of wine, bring a picnic, and soak in the beauty of the surroundings before the music begins.
Radiant, lyrical, and irresistibly warm, Dvořák’s Serenade for Strings is one of the great celebrations of the string ensemble. Written early in his career, the work unfolds in graceful arcs of melody, infused with gentle Bohemian dance rhythms and glowing harmonies. Its blend of elegance and heartfelt simplicity captures Dvořák’s gift for transforming folk spirit into refined instrumental beauty, moving effortlessly from tender introspection to buoyant joy. Josef Suk, Dvorak‘s son-in-law and artistic heir, based his Meditation on a centuries-old Czech hymn. Suk extends his mentor’s lyrical legacy into a more searching, introspective sound world—rooted in tradition, yet shadowed by history.

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Program
SUK Meditation on an Old Czech Hymn “St. Wenceslas”, for String Quartet, Op. 35a (1914)
DVOŘÁK Serenade for Strings in E major, Op. 22 (1875)

Artists
Amizia Quartet in Residence and 2026 Apprentices to be announced soon!

Performance Length
Approximately 1 hour without intermission | Program and artists subject to change

Good to Know
Wine is available for purchase inside the historic Press House Tasting Room from 6:00–7:00 pm. You are welcome to come early to enjoy your own food prior to the performance at the winery’s picnic tables.

Concert Tickets

Ultimate Pass

Rising Stars: The Cremona Apprentice Showcase
2026-07-24 18:00 | Hanna Center, 17000 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 95476, United States
The VMMF Cremona Foundation Apprentices are exceptional emerging artists whose musicianship, intelligence, and expressive range mark them as talents to watch. Coming from leading conservatories and early professional careers alike, they arrive at the Festival ready to deepen their artistry through close mentorship with our world-class faculty and the transformative experience of performing on historical instruments. This concert offers the rare opportunity to hear these remarkable young musicians at a pivotal moment in their artistic journeys, and promises to be one of the season’s most exciting and memorable events.
Complete details to be announced later in the spring
Concert Tickets

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Blattner Lecture Series hosted by Kate van Orden
2026-07-25 14:30 | Hanna Center, 17000 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 95476, United States
Between America and Abstraction – Composers and local musical sources
Lecture Presented by Michael Beckerman
It seems to be a matter of faith that Dvořák, Burleigh, Ives and Florence Price referenced American music in order to draw attention to the United States, but could it be, rather, that they chose musical “Americanism” to make distinctive statements that were essentially abstract? This talk looks at the possible motives composers had for choosing to associate their work, somehow, with local musical sources.
Free for concert ticket holders.
Concert Tickets

American Roots
2026-07-25 16:00 - 18:00 | Hanna Center, 17000 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 95476, United States
America opened a new musical world to Dvořák, one that would profoundly shape his creative life. After arriving in New York in 1892 to lead the National Conservatory, he formed an important friendship with the young baritone and composer Harry T. Burleigh, whose singing introduced him to the beauty and expressive power of African American spirituals. This concert explores that artistic exchange and the enduring influence of vernacular traditions on American music, pairing Dvořák with Burleigh, Florence Price, and Charles Ives, composers who, in different ways, drew deeply from folk song, spirituals, and the sounds of everyday life.

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Program
PRICE Five Folksongs in Counterpoint for String Quartet (1951)
BURLEIGH Southland Sketches for Violin and Piano (1916)
IVES Violin Sonata No. 4, “Children’s Day at the Camp Meeting” (1906)
DVOŘÁK String Quintet No. 3 in E-flat major, Op. 97, B. 180, “American” (1893)

Artists
Eric Zivian, PIANO | Jennifer Frautschi, Liana Bérubé, Josh Liu, VIOLIN | Elizabeth Blumenstock, VIOLA | Tanya Tomkins, Julia Yang, CELLO

Performance Length
Approximately 2 hours with intermission | Program and artists subject to change

Concert Tickets

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Final Years: Going Home
2026-07-26 16:00 - 18:00 | Hanna Center, 17000 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 95476, United States
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After his American years, Antonín Dvořák returned to Bohemia in 1895, spending his final decade immersed once again in Czech landscapes, language, and folk traditions. This homecoming deepened the national character of his late works. Bedřich Smetana’s From My Homeland evokes the lyrical spirit of place, while Leoš Janáček’s Violin Sonata demonstrates an intense, modern voice shaped by Moravian speech and song. Dvořák’s radiant A-flat String Quartet reflects his mature mastery, and the concert closes with a fiery Slavonic Dance offering a jubilant celebration of Czech identity.

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Program
SMETANA From My Homeland for Violin and Piano (1880)
DVOŘÁK Humoresque in G-flat major, Op. 101, No. 7, B. 187, for Violin and Piano (1894)
JANÁČEK Sonata for Violin and Piano (1914)
DVOŘÁK String Quartet No. 14 in A-flat major, Op. 105, B. 193 (1895)
DVOŘÁK Slavonic Dance No. 1 in C major, Op. 46, “Furiant” (1878)

Artists
Audrey Vardanega, PIANO |SoYoung Choi, Jennifer Frautschi, Josh Liu, Juliette Greer, VIOLIN | Liana Bérubé, Rosemary Nelis, VIOLA | Clara Abel, Tanya Tomkins, Julia Yang, CELLO | 2026 Apprentices

Performance Length
Approximately 2 hours with intermission | Program and artists subject to change

Concert Tickets

Ultimate Pass Festival Pass Weekend 3 Pass

2026 Benefit Concert
2026-09-20 16:00 - 18:00 | The General’s Daughter, 400 Spain Street, Sonoma, CA, 95476, United States
Join Valley of the Moon Music Festival for our Annual Benefit Concert on Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. at the iconic The General’s Daughter in the heart of Sonoma.
Enjoy an unforgettable afternoon featuring a live performance by internationally acclaimed violinist Alexi Kenney, exceptional wines from Bartholomew Estate Wines, and elegant appetizers by Delicious Dish—all while helping to sustain Valley of the Moon Music Festival’s artistic and educational mission.
Proceeds from this special event support VMMF’s year-round programs, including our Laureate Program, Fellowship Program, and community partnerships with La Luz Center and the VIVO Youth Orchestra. Your generosity helps provide meaningful musical experiences for young artists and expands access to world-class performances throughout our community.
Tickets: $250 per person
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Tax-deductible amount: $150 per ticket
If you are unable to attend but would like to support Valley of the Moon Music Festival, we invite you to make a donation. Every gift helps ensure that our educational initiatives and community programs continue to inspire audiences and nurture the next generation of musicians.

Perfect Pairings at Hamilton Family Wines
2026-10-29 14:00 - 16:00 | Hamilton Family Wines, 8860 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood, CA, 95452, United States
Join us at Hamilton Family Wines in Kenwood for an intimate private concert in the Olive Grove, featuring a captivating selection of duos for violin and cello performed by virtuoso Tien-Hsin Cindy Wu and Artistic Director Tanya Tomkins, artistes extraordinaire!
For your culinary pleasure, winery owner Lindsay Hamilton will provide curated bites to accompany a selection of exquisite Hamilton wines — delectable pairings not to be missed!
Tickets: $100 per person
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2026 Holiday Concert
2026-12-06 16:00 - 18:00 | Bartholomew Park – Villa, 1000 Vineyard Lane, Sonoma, CA, 95476, United States
Details to be Announced Soon!
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