Page 9 - GTMF 2024 Season Program

welcome

to the 63 season of the
rd
Grand Teton Music Festival!

Welcome, dear patron!
Whether you are joining us for the first time or are a
regular supporter, we are delighted to welcome you to
the Grand Teton Music Festival’s 63 season.
rd
Johannes Brahms would have loved these mountains.
From the heights of his four monumental symphonies,
scholars, musicians and audiences alike have speculated
about the life and loves of this solitary, melancholy, Photo: Chris Lee
passionate and supremely disciplined artist. Less
well-known and discussed is the composer’s love of the mountains. The Swiss Alps were his favorite—not unlike
Gustav Mahler, Brahms seemed happiest on a trail, walking, hiking, communing and no doubt composing.
During this, the 50 anniversary of Walk Festival Hall, we are profoundly grateful for the vision and the resolve of
th
those who gifted this Festival to Jackson Hole. Under the auspices of the Grand Teton Music Festival, our GTMF
Orchestra has grown from those modest roots to be considered today one of the world’s finest ensembles.

As with any important birthday, it is a time for both celebration and reflection. We celebrate GTMF’s crown
jewel—the hundreds of musicians who join us each year to perform and revisit the finest orchestral and
chamber music. We reflect on our commitment to you and to our musicians as we remain ever-curious about
new repertoire, new artists and innovative concert experiences.
“I have learned that music is an infinite journey, and I am but a humble traveler.” These memorable words of
Brahms should fill us with joy and humility.
It was the extraordinary summer of 2020. Our Principal Horn, Gail Williams, and I set off up the Wildflower
Trail. Gail had brought her Alphorn, a traditional instrument of the Austrian Alps. We found the appropriate
spot—all of a sudden, our valley and our mountains were full of music. The melody? Gail had chosen the great
horn theme from the Finale of the First Symphony of Brahms—that momentous moment when the deep
darkness is rent asunder by a blaze of golden sunlight. Another unforgettable day in Jackson Hole.
In our inaugural week, you will hear Johannes Brahms’ glorious Third Symphony—a performance that will,
moreover, be recorded for the future release of the complete symphonies.
My journey as Music Director fills me with joy and humility.
When I walk up the path into Teton Village each summer day, I reflect on the unique opportunities that this
extraordinary Festival offers. We endeavor to inspire young and old, aficionados and new audience members
alike—we are always eager to hear and learn from you!
As you ascend the Teton Village path, if you go left, you have chosen to join us on a musical journey unlike any
other. If you go right, your trip up the mountain on the chairlift will doubtless be breathtaking.
Thank you for taking a left turn today and choosing the Grand Teton Music Festival.

Gratefully yours,

Donald Runnicles
Music Director
60 E Broadway on Town Square | 307.201.1722 | jacksonholejewelry.com
Summer 2024 gtmf.org 7