The Felici Trio (l-r): Rebecca Hang, Brian Schuldt and Steven Vanhauwaert. (Photo: Yves Rubin)

Life is sweet for the classics at the Mammoth Lakes Music Festival

Press Release

In case you missed some of the Mammoth Lakes Music Festival’s opening concerts, you still have a few golden opportunities to catch music at its finest. As the MLMF enters its final week, 20 celebrated guests join the resident Felici Trio, performing a wide array of exhilarating chamber music at Cerro Coso College.
Still left on the program, “Northern Exposure,” which highlights the nordic region’s contribution to classical music, as well as some works that have become well known as part of some notable movie soundtracks. And in between, feast on some Italian food for the musical palette, with works by Mediterranean masters Paganini and Vivaldi … boy, could they cook!
The lineup even includes a fun Festival Freebie. On Saturday, July 25, at 10 a.m., the festival presents a free concert by the outstanding students of the Sierra Academy of Music. Check out some serious talent developing with the “next generation” of musicians in a program of solo, chamber and string orchestra works.
“Northern Exposure” on July 27 features some cool Norwegians; Edvard Grieg (his high-octane “String Quartet in G Minor”) and Christian Sinding (the passionate “Piano Quintet”). Starting the program is the husband-wife duo of Aimee Kreston and Andrew Picken, performing the showy “Passacaglia for Violin and Viola” by Johan Halvorsen.
On July 29, enjoy the “Sweet Life” in the festival’s Italian program “La Dolce Vita.” Violinist Josefina Vergara and guitarist Rickard Savino begin with Paganini’s “Sonata,” followed by a charming concerto by Vivaldi, arranged for guitar by Savino. Festival cellists Emilio Colón and Brian Schuldt conclude the first half with Vivaldi’s “Concerto for Two Cellos.” Savino again takes center stage after the break with Luigi Boccherini’s “Quintet for Guitar and Strings,” a work he has recorded on a critically acclaimed CD.
The final program, on July 31, “L.A. Confidential,” showcases some of the brilliant artists responsible for your favorite movie soundtracks. Los Angeles-based musicians Josefina Vergara, Aimee Kreston, Marian Newman, Scott Hosfeld, Andrew Picken and Oscar Hildalgo join the Felici Trio and festival crew in works from the baroque to the present.
One recent ringing endorsement came from Mono County Supervisor Byng Hunt, who said he’s been to several shows this season. Hunt rated their caliber as outstanding and recommends them highly.
All concerts (except the Festival Freebie showcase) take place at Cerro Coso Community College, Mammoth Lakes campus and start at 7:30 p.m. Tix: $20 adult, $15 senior, $7 student, available at Access Art and Business Center in Mammoth Lakes, at the door at 6:45 p.m. on concert nights or online at www.ChamberMusicUnbound.org. Felici Trio member Brian Schuldt recommends getting tickets early, as the concerts have been selling out.