Returning to The Roots for Season 65

Each summer, the Tetons become a stage—where some of the world’s finest musicians gather to perform at the foot of the mountains.

The Grand Teton Music Festival was founded in 1962 with the vision of pairing rich cultural experiences with the exceptional outdoor recreation in the valley. Now, more than 20,000 audience members of all ages attend each season. The orchestra has always been the center of the Festival, moving from the Jackson-Wilson High School to a canvas tent in Teton Village before finding its permanent home in the world-renowned Walk Festival Hall in Teton Village in 1972. 

For its 65th season, while the Festival Hall undergoes renovations, Grand Teton Music Festival will commence in a number of venues reminiscent of its roots including the Jackson Hole High School Auditorium, the lawn at the Center for the Arts, on the Teton Village Commons, and in small ensemble visits to Teton Valley, Idaho.

Work on a typical season begins two years in advance, led by Sir Donald Runnicles, who is celebrating his 20th anniversary as Music Director. This summer, the Festival Orchestra is composed of 222 musicians from 84 orchestras including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. These musicians are dedicated to the Jackson Hole community, spending on average tenure of 14 years with the festival, some returning for over 40 summers. 

Executive Director Emma Kail says, “What’s especially meaningful is that, for all of GTMF’s international reach, the experience of coming to Jackson becomes deeply personal for the musicians. There’s a real sense of reunion and belonging that develops over time, and I think audiences can feel that on stage.”

“From the moment you fly into Jackson Hole and see the Tetons, there’s already a sense that you’re entering a very special place,” says Julianne Lee, concertmaster and violinist. “Being surrounded by the beautiful nature has a way of bringing out something in people, and you can feel that reflected in the music.” Last year, getting to perform Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel was a standout memory. “I don’t get to play a lot of opera, so that alone felt like a treat.” 

She loved the way the program brought together music, art, and nature “in a way that could only happen in that moment, in that hall.”

This magic extends into the community. “It’s our job to open the doors as widely as possible and create opportunities for people across the community to experience great music,” Emma says. There are over 100 free events happening this summer. In the On the Road series, Festival musicians visit iconic Jackson area locations from the Murie Ranch to the Teton Raptor Center for intimate performances. Musical Adventures offers early childhood music experiences twice a week in both Jackson and Teton Village. Launching this summer, the Classical Music Listening Club, a program in partnership with Teton County Library, “will invite people into the stories, themes, and history behind the music on our stage.” 

Whether you’re catching the full orchestra at one of their new venues or partaking in a casual community event, there’s no shortage of ways to be a part of the Grand Teton Music Festival this summer.

Visit gtmf.org to explore the full lineup of unforgettable experiences.