Welp. June is over. July is here. And, for the past 27 years, July has meant one thing in Durango: the start of Music in the Mountains.

Despite what the name brings to mind, it’s not a bluegrass festival (although Durango has plenty of those). Music in the Mountains is a classical music festival and conservatory program that features world-class musicians, orchestra performances and chamber concerts. Every summer since 1987, the Music in the Mountains festival has brought classical music to venues in and around Durango.

According the event’s website:

In 1987, Maestro Mischa Semanitzky dreamed of a classical music festival in Durango and set his vision in motion. Through support from Fort Lewis College, The Durango Herald, Durango Mountain Resort, Morley Ballantine and Bank of Colorado, the original concert season was born. The first season included five concerts and featured 11 musicians, all of whom were members of the Dallas Fine Arts Chamber Players, a group also founded by Semanitzky. In response to the growing interest of local and regional audiences, Music in the Mountains has broadened its program steadily over the past 27 years – increasing the number of concerts and venues.

This year, Music in the Mountains kicks off July 13 and runs through Aug. 3 and will feature more than 25 performances nearly every night of the festival (with a few exceptions — be sure to check the schedule). Festivities kick off July 13 with an invitation-only performance for donors, but things get into full swing on July 14 with a free community concert featuring the Mana Quartet at the First National Bank of Durango, and a (not free) concert that night by the faculty of the Music in the Mountains Conservatory at First United Methodist Church. (The Conservatory is a two-week program that provides intense instruction for high school and college-age string players.)

Full orchestra concerts usually last about 2 hours with a 15-minute intermission, while chamber concerts are a bit shorter. You can buy your tickets online or at the Music in the Mountains’ box office at 1063 Main Ave. in Durango (open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday or call 970-385-6820).

Whether you’re visiting Durango to catch a concert or to perform in one, we would love to have you stay with us at the Durango Quality Inn!