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Aspen Music Festival and School: A Symphony of Education and Performance

Experience world-class classical music and education at the Aspen Music Festival and School, a summer destination for musicians and enthusiasts since 1949.

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The Aspen Music Festival and School (AMFS) is a renowned classical music festival held annually in Aspen, Colorado. Founded in 1949, it attracts talented musicians from around the globe for an eight-week summer season of concerts, recitals, operas, and music education.

A brief summary to Aspen Music Festival and School

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Check the AMFS website for a full schedule of events, including free concerts, master classes, and lectures.
  • Arrive early for popular performances to secure a good seat, especially for free lawn seating at the Music Tent.
  • Take advantage of the free transportation options in Aspen, including buses and shuttles, to reach the festival venues.
  • Pack a picnic and enjoy a concert on the lawn outside the Benedict Music Tent for a relaxed and affordable experience.
  • Explore Aspen's other cultural attractions, such as the Aspen Art Museum and Theatre Aspen, to complement your musical experience.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) provides free bus service within Aspen. Several routes serve the Music School Road area. Check the RFTA website or app for schedules and real-time updates. Bus service between Aspen and Snowmass Village is free.

  • Walking

    The Aspen Music Festival and School is located at 225 Music School Rd. From downtown Aspen, it's a pleasant walk of approximately 15-20 minutes. Head east on Main Street, then turn left onto Mill Street. Continue onto Music School Road. The campus will be on your left.

  • Taxi

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are available in Aspen. A short taxi ride from downtown Aspen to the Music Festival and School will cost approximately $10-$15. Taxi fares in Aspen start at $4.30, with an additional $1.90 per kilometer. Be aware that rates may be higher during peak season or special events.

  • Parking

    Free parking is available during all events, and the main parking lot for the Klein Music Tent and Harris Concert Hall can be found on Gillespie Ave. If the lot is full, patrons are allowed to park on the side streets in the surrounding area for free.

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Discover more about Aspen Music Festival and School

The Aspen Music Festival and School is more than just a festival; it's a vibrant hub where music, artistry, and inspiration converge. Founded in 1949, the AMFS has grown into one of the most revered summer training programs for young classical artists. The festival emerged from a two-week celebration honoring the 18th-century German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Chicago businessman Walter Paepcke and his wife, Elizabeth, envisioned sharing art and ideas in a distraction-free environment to foster a better world. Each summer, nearly 500 young artists come to Aspen to play in four orchestras, sing, conduct, compose, and study with over 100 artist-faculty members. These faculty members hail from leading orchestras, conservatories, and music schools worldwide. The eight-week summer season includes over 400 classical music events, including concerts, recitals, chamber music, operas, classes, lectures, and family programs. Many events are free, allowing everyone to experience the magic of classical music. The festival's primary concert venue is the Michael Klein Music Tent, which opened in 2000 and seats 2,050 people. The tent replaced earlier structures, including one designed by Eero Saarinen. Concerts are held almost daily during the summer, and seating on the lawn outside the tent is free. The AMFS also presents recitals and music education programs for local youth and families in the winter. The school draws over 650 students from around the world, with an average age of 22. Students participate in lessons, coaching, and public performances, often playing alongside their teachers.

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