Mimir Chamber Music Festival's 11th season runs July 3-11

Fort Worth, TX

6/17/2008

TCU's Mimir Chamber Music Festival, recognized as one of the premiere classical music events in the Southwest, opens its 2008 season Thursday, July 3 at PepsiCo Recital Hall on campus. Drawing top performing artists and young musicians from across the country, the two-week event (July 3-11) will offer five distinctly different and exceptional chamber music performances for the public - and the opportunity for 18 talented aspiring musicians to learn from prominent guest artists.

The line-up of artists includes members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, San Diego Symphony, TCU School of Music faculty and internationally acclaimed concert artists including Van Cliburn International Competition Gold Medalist José Feghali and Leeds Piano Competition winner Alessio Bax.

Public performances are July 3, 5, 8 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 6 at 3 p.m. The concert series kicks off with an all-Beethoven evening on July 3 featuring works from the composer's late career. Other performances will feature works by a variety of composers from Bartok and Grieg to Shostokovich and Schubert and will include a performance of the original version of Mozart's piano concerto for string quartet plus piano. Tickets for Mimir Festival concerts are $25 for general admission and $20 for seniors, students, TCU faculty/staff and Star-Telegram PressPass holders. Tickets are available by calling 817-257-5443 or at www.MimirFestival.org

During the two-week festival, the 18 young artist-musicians will participate in daily coaching sessions and Master Classes with professional guest artists and faculty members. The public is invited to attend the Master Classes, as well as a special concert on Thursday, July 10 when Young Artists will perform. Admission is free to both.

The annual Mimir Festival, attracting growing audiences each year, is considered a highlight of the Texas summer music scene and has received impressive recognition in the regional and national press. Concert performances from the 2007 Mimir Festival season were named to the "Top 10" lists of classical music events of the year by both the Dallas Morning News and Fort Worth Star-Telegram. The Mimir Festival is also included in The New York Times' prestigious 2008 "Summer Stage" listing of important classical music venues around the country.

The Mimir Chamber Music Festival was founded in 1997 by executive director Curt Thompson, associate professor of violin at TCU.