Published on 11/14/08
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Bard SummerScape
Annandale-on-Hudson, NY
The Russians are coming to Westchester this summer, as the brainy Bard Music Festival turns its attention to the life and times of Prokofiev with a full slate of orchestral and chamber-music concerts, lectures, panel discussions and more (Aug 8–10, 15–17). Setting the stage are a new version of Prokofiev’s ballet Romeo and Juliet performed by the Mark Morris Dance Group (Jul 4–9), and an unusual double bill of Polish composer Karol Szymanowski’s opera King Roger and choral ballet, Harnasie (Jul 25–Aug 3).
Jul 4–Aug 17. Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY (845-758-7900, summerscape.bard.edu). Travel: Amtrak train to Rhinecliff, then take a taxi to Bard College. Prices vary.
Caramoor International Music Festival
Katonah, NY
Before you hear a note played at Caramoor, you’ll already be enchanted by the stately mansion, sprawling grounds and especially a spectacular garden that will make you want to get married right there on the spot. Come for the sights; stay for the concerts, including orchestral music, chamber works, cabaret and jazz. The renowned Bel Canto at Caramoor series focuses on new editions of two familiar operas, Il Barbiere di Siviglia (Jul 12, 18) and La Forza del Destino (Jul 26).
Jun 21–Aug 3. Caramoor, Katonah, NY (914-232-1252, caramoor.org). Travel: Caramoor Caravan shuttle service, or Metro-North to Katonah, then take a taxi to Caramoor. Prices vary.
Glimmerglass Opera Festival
Cooperstown, NY
Following last year’s summer of Orpheus, this season finds Glimmerglass turning its attention to Shakespeare. Opening with a cheeky pairing of Cole Porter’s Kiss Me, Kate (Jul 5) and Handel’s Giulio Cesare (Jul 6), the adventurous company also includes the early Wagner rarity Das Liebesverbot (Jul 19) and Bellini’s fiery I Capuleti e i Montecchi (Jul 26). Concert performances of Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream complete the season (Aug 3, 17).
Jul 5–Aug 24. Alice Busch Opera Theater, Cooperstown, NY (607-547-2255, glimmerglass.org. Travel: Adirondack Trailways bus to Cooperstown, then take a taxi to the theater. Mon–Thu $51–$114; Fri–Sun $75–$126.
Maverick Concerts
Woodstock, NY
It’s not hard to imagine that a beneficent spirit hovers among the stately trees that surround Maverick Concert Hall. This year, that spirit has a name: Schubert. That’s because the Viennese Romantic master’s music is on a number of programs, and even seems to float through concerts in which it’s not included. String quartets are a specialty here, but don’t miss music director Alexander Platt’s highly regarded chamber reduction of Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 (Aug 30).
Jun 29–Aug 31. Maverick Concert Hall, Woodstock, NY (845-679-8217, maverickconcerts.org). Travel: Adirondack Trailways bus to Woodstock, then take a taxi to the hall. $25, students $5, book of ten tickets $175.