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The folk tale Peter and the Wolf takes place at the home of the grandfather of the eponymous protagonist in a forest. Though the forest is imagined in Russia judging by composer Sergei Prokofiev, it’s possible to imagine shenanigans that lead to a duck still quacking inside a wolf’s belly as possible in Grand Teton National Park.
That’s the calling for one show in this year’s Grand Teton Music Festival lineup which includes over 60 free shows in various community hubs in addition to another 60 ticked events. In its 64th year year, the classical festival is leaning in to make a traditional art form more approachable for Jacksonites from all walks of life.
In keeping with tradition, the festival has 28 shows scheduled to take place in Walk Festival Hall in Teton Village, kicking off July 3. Emma Kail, the festival’s executive director, said many performances will include components of what she calls “Wyoming flare.”
“[We’re] opening with Beethoven’s 9th, which we haven’t performed in 10 years […] and ending the summer with Hansel and Gretel, Humperdinck’s opera, a fantasy opera that tells a story in nature,” Kail said. “We’re placing it in the mountains.”
Outside of Walk Festival Hall, GTMF’s “on the road” programming brings live classical music to audiences in Teton County and surrounding communities through free concerts.
Concerts span from the Murie Ranch in Grand Teton National Park to the Jackson Hole History Museum and various parks and green spaces. Music will also show “over the hill” at Pierre’s Theater in Victor, Idaho. Kail said the festival is trying to reach people wherever they are.
“I think throughout the summer, whether or not you have time to come out to Teton Village and see a concert within the four walls of our concert hall, there are different ways to experience the festival.”
More information on the Grand Teton Music Festival’s 64th season can be found at GTMF.org. Tickets range from free to up to $150 for special events.
