Music Mountain's Sixth Season Continues With Shanghai String Quartet Perofmring Beethoven Cycle Program #2

Music Mountain, America's longest running summer chamber music festival, is off to a roaring start as it continues its extraordinary 89th season! The Shanghai String Quartet returns to perform Beethoven Quartet Cycle Program #2 on Sunday, June 17 (3pm) - a not-to-be-missed concert event! The favorite Twilight Series begins on Saturday, June 16th (6:30pm) with a VIP Opening Night featuring the two-time Grammy Award Winner,Ted Nash Quartet playing the rich and colorful sounds of jazz! Concerts are scheduled through September 23.

The technical and emotional scope of the Beethoven Cycle makes it the ultimate challenge for a string quartet. Described as challenging, intimate and graceful, and tumultuous, the Cycle includes some of the greatest works in Beethoven's entire output. "The Beethoven Cycle as a whole provides a cathartic experience for the listener, it takes you through the emotions of a lifetime," noted Music Mountain artistic director, Oskar Espina-Ruiz.

Shanghai String Quartet returns to Music Mountain on Sunday afternoon for the second of six Cycle Programs. Beethoven Quartet Cycle Program #2 will include String Quartet in D Major, Op. 18 #3; String Quartet in F Minor, Op. 95 "Serioso;" and String Quartet in A Minor, Op. 132.

Renowned for its passionate musicality, impressive technique and multicultural innovations, the Shanghai Quartet has become one of the world's foremost chamber ensembles. Its elegant style melds the delicacy of Eastern music with the emotional breadth of Western repertoire, allowing it to traverse musical genres including traditional Chinese folk music, masterpieces of Western music and cutting-edge contemporary works. Formed at the Shanghai Conservatory in 1983, the Quartet has worked with the world's most distinguished artists and regularly tours the major music centers of Europe, North America and Asia. The Quartet has a long history of championing new music and juxtaposing traditions of Eastern and Western music.

The Twilight Series begins on Saturday with first-time guest Ted Nash Quartet! Brilliant and innovative saxophonist, flutist and composer Ted Nash is joined by pianist Gary Versace, bassist Martin Wind, and drummer Matt Wilson. Individually and collectively, this group is intensely creative and highly experienced. "Here's a musician who will attract the new fans of jazz, while knocking the ears off those who've been listening to jazz all their lives." - (G21.net) Ted Nash has become one of the most significant jazz composers of the 21st century. His recordings have received wide critical acclaim, appearing on the "best-of" lists. Nash is also a long-standing member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, with Wynton Marsalis.

Celebrate the Twilight Series Opening Night as a VIP guest! Event Pass includes Green Room Meet & Greet with the artists (5:30pm), prior to the concert; an autographed copy of Ted Nash's latest album (CD & vinyl); a bottle of wine from Mr. Nash's own Two Notes label; plus priority seating at the concert. VIP Tickets: $75.

Music Mountain is located in Falls Village, Connecticut on Music Mountain Road, where a short scenic drive will bring you to Gordon Hall atop Music Mountain. Free parking and picnic facilities are available. Music Mountain is supported, in part, by the Connecticut Commission On Culture & Tourism and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Shanghai String Quartet continues the Beethoven Quartet Cycle on Sunday, June 24; Sunday, July 1; and Sunday, July 8. Concerts begin at 3PM.

The Saturday Evening Twilight Series continues with The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players (June 23); Michael Berkeley: No Tune Like a Show Tune (June 30); and Jive By Five (July 7).

Specially Priced Packages include: the Music Mountain Gold Pass, including admission to all concerts and receptions with the artists, priority reserved seating and one $20 guest ticket available for any regularly priced concert, for $780 individual and $1,500 pair, transferable; and Ted Nash VIP Event Pass on Sunday, June 16, Music Mountain's Jazz Series Opening Night, including Green Room Meet & Greet with the artists at 5:30 pm; autographed copy of artist's latest album (CD and vinyl); bottle of wine of artist's own Two Notes label; and priority seating at the concert, $75, individual, transferable.

Specially Priced Concerts include: Labor Day Benefit Concert & Reception on Sunday, September 2. All tickets $75. Special Concert & Wine Reception to Celebrate the Completion of the Beethoven Quartet Cycle on Sunday, September 9. All tickets: $60.

Regularly scheduled Chamber Music Concerts are $35. Twilight Series Concerts are $30. Concert & Dinner Passes are available for all Twilight Series Concerts for $70, including Pre-Concert Dinner (5pm) at The Falls Village Inn, a Litchfield County landmark - Classic American comfort fare, seasonal - and 6:30pm Twilight Concert at Music Mountain. Dinner reservations must be made no later than the Friday prior to concert date by calling the Music Mountain box office at 860-824-7126.

Children ages 5-18 are admitted FREE to ALL CONCERTS when accompanied by a ticket holder. Saturday evening Twilight Concerts are at 6:30 pm. Sunday afternoon Chamber Music concerts are at 3 pm. Discounts apply through participating organizations. For a complete summer schedule, special ticket prices, and to download a ticket order form visit musicmountain.org or call (860) 824-7126.