Schedule :

August 20, 2023 -  August 23, 2023

Westwater Canyon Musical Raft Trip

Join us on this three-day, two-night trip that conquers Westwater Canyon, including the notorious Skull Rapid. Together, we experience the contrast between the serene solitude of the upper canyon and the exciting rapids of the lower canyon and its gorgeous pink and black Precambrian rock formations, the earliest of the geologic ages.

Moab Music Festival artists perform daily in programs that complement this extraordinary wilderness.

The trip includes:

- Daily concerts given by Moab Music Festival musicians (click the “Artists & Program” button above for more details)
- Rafting through some of the world’s most famous whitewater rapids (Class III-IV)
- Floating two sections to Westwater Canyon and Ruby-Horsethief Canyon
- Hiking, swimming and floating amidst the canyon’s magnificent scenery
- Expert river guides set up camp and cook delicious meals in comfortable riverside sites

National Geographic calls this remarkable section of the Colorado River “The West’s Best Short Whitewater Trip.”

Orientation: Sunday, August 20, 5:00 pm, at Sheri Griffith River Expeditions (SGRE), 2231 US-191, Moab

Departure on river: Monday, August 21, 7:00 am, from SGRE

Return: Wednesday, August 23, 5:00 pm, to SGRE. End time may vary.

Ages 16 +

Participants should be in general good health, possess a moderate level of physical strength and agility, and be comfortable in the outdoors. No previous experience necessary.

No pets allowed.

August 23, 2023

Documentary Screening: 'River'

An exploration of the timeless relationship between human civilization and Earth’s rivers. Spanning six continents, this visual and musical tour-de-force is by turns celebratory, cautionary, and ultimately hopeful that we are beginning to understand rivers in all their complexity and fragility. Narrated by Oscar Nominee Willem Dafoe with music by the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Radiohead.

August 24, 2023

New Music at Red Earth

We’re kicking off the 31st edition of the festival with a celebration of the new: new music, new venue, and four composer-performers, featuring strings, percussion, synthesizer and projections. A glass house at the mouth of seven-mile canyon sets the scene for this concert. Seven incredible, innovative artists perform nature-inspired work. Click the Artists & Program tab above for more information. Your ticket includes hors d’oeuvres and beer and wine are available.

Artists:

Ayano Ninomiya, violin
Simone Porter, violin
Jessica Meyer, viola
Ashley Bathgate, cello
Jay Campbell, cello
Pius Cheung, percussion
Timo Andres, keyboard

Program:

Pius Cheung: Nian
Kate Moore: Stories for Ocean Shells
Timo Andres: Fast Flows the River
Jessica Meyer: I only speak of the sun
George Walker: Bleu
Eugène Ysaye: Sonata in G Major, Op. 27, No. 5, Pastorale
L’auore (Dawn). Lento assai
Danse rustique. Allegro giocoso molto moderato
Jeremy Turner: Shorebirds

Doors open: 6:30 pm

Concert begins: 7:00 pm

Ages 16+

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August 25, 2023

American Minimalism: A Retrospective

A close look at American Minimalism from the 1930s to the present. What captured the musical imagination of the previous generation of composers and how has the minimalist movement left its mark on today’s young composers? The program is anchored by pianist-composer Timo Andres, including the world premiere of his new quartet, commissioned by MMF.

Artists:

Robert Patterson, clarinet
Ayano Ninomiya, violin
Jessica Meyer, viola
Ashley Bathgate, cello
Pius Cheung, percussion
Chelsea Tinsler Jones, percussion
Timo Andres, piano
Michael Barrett, piano
Derek Wang, piano

Program:

Colin McPhee: Balinese Ceremonial Music
Michael Gordon: Light is Calling
Lou Harrison: Varied Trio
Andy Akiho: -intuition) (Expectation
Pius Cheung: Yuen
I Still Play
John Adams: I Still Play
Laurie Anderson: Song for Bob
Timo Andres: Wise Words
Louis Andriessen: Rimsky or La Monte Young
Donnacha Dennehy: Her Wits (About Him)
Philip Glass: Evening Song No. 2
Brad Mehldau: L.A. Pastorale
Nico Muhly: Move
Steve Reich: For Bob

MMF commission/world premiere
Andres: Tooth and Claw
Doors open: 6:30 pm
Concert begins: 7:00 pm
Ages 6 +

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August 26, 2023

Piano Marathon: One Day, Three Concerts

The MMF marks Rachmaninoff’s 150th birthday with an afternoon of concerts spotlighting three young pianists. Serene plays works by Russian composer/pianist Scriabin with her computer-generated projections based on Scriabin’s color system. Derek Wang offers transcriptions from pianist-composers paying tribute to their idols and forebearers. And Claire Huangci finishes with Rachmaninoff Preludes from her acclaimed recording.

On-site food trucks provide access to refreshments, snacks and dinner between concerts.

4:00 PM : Spotlight on Scriabin

Artist: Serene

This program celebrates Scriabin, examining the intersection of performance and composition, the influence of audio-visual synesthesia, and uncovering the generator functions behind these disciplines in the context of being a concert pianist without formal training while having another career as a technologist.

6:00 PM : Tricks of the Transcription

Artists: Derek Wang with Michael Barrett, Claire Huangci and Serene

This program celebrates the piano as the chameleon of instruments, which, under skilled hands, can trick us into hearing a singer, an organ, or even a whole orchestra. The first half explores the legacy of J.S. Bach, himself a great transcriber, through musical homages of Mendelssohn and Busoni; the second half presents a series of musical postcards from Vienna, with iconic works of Schubert, Mozart, and Johann Strauss II creatively rearranged for piano.

8:00 PM : Celebrating Rachmaninoff’s 150th

Artists: Claire Huangci with Derek Wang and Serene
For pianists in particular, Rachmaninoff composed some of the best evergreen repertoire of all time; music that transcends the classical boundaries and enters the pop and film industries. In this program, Claire chose works that span from Rachmaninoff’s university times to his final years in his chosen home, the US.

Artists:

Serene, piano
Derek Wang, piano
Claire Huangci, piano
with Michael Barrett, piano

Program:

4:00 pm – Spotlight on Scriabin (curated by Serene)

Scriabin: Sonata No. 5
Scriabin: Etude Op. 42 No. 5
Scriabin: Piano Concerto in F# Minor, Op. 20

6:00 pm – Tricks of the Transcription (curated by Derek Wang)

Mendelssohn-Rachmaninoff: Scherzo from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, incidental music, op. 61
Mendelssohn: Prelude and Fugue in E minor, op. 35 no. 1
J.S. Bach: Contrapunctus XIII (Mirror Fugue) from The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080, in Bach’s arrangement for two keyboards
J.S. Bach-Busoni: Toccata and Fugue for organ in D minor, BWV 565
Schubert-Liszt: Ständchen (Serenade) and Abschied (Farewell) from Schwanengesang, D. 957, S. 560
Mozart-Grieg: Sonata in C major, K. 545
Strauss II-Schulz-Elver: Concert Arabesques on “By the Beautiful Blue Danube”

8:00 pm – Celebrating Rachmaninov’s 150th (curated by Claire Huangci)

Rachmaninov:
Prelude in C-sharp minor, Op. 3, No. 2
Prelude in F-sharp minor, Op. 23, No. 1
Prelude in G major, Op. 23, No. 5
Prelude in F minor, Op. 23, No. 6
Prelude in C minor, Op. 23, No. 7
George Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue
Rachmaninov:
Suite No. 1, Op. 5
Two Pieces for Pianoforte Six Hands

Doors open: 30 minutes before each concert

Concerts begins: 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm

Ages 6+

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August 27, 2023

Floating Concert

The river, snow, water nymphs, and fountains are depicted in?this water-themed concert. The sound of strings, clarinet, piano, and solo percussion resonate over the water in a program set on the Colorado River. The program includes works by French impressionists, composer/performers Timo Andres and Amanda Harberg, jazz clarinet innovator Tony Scott and avant-garde composer Iannis Xenakis. Life jackets provided.

Artists:

Robert Patterson, clarinet
Pius Cheung, percussion
Claire Huangci, piano
Serene, piano
Derek Wang, piano
Ayano Ninomiya, violin
Jessica Meyer, viola
Ashley Bathgate, cello

Program:

Timo Andres: House Work
Tony Scott: After the Snow the Fragrance  
Leonard Bernstein: Sonata for Clarinet and Piano
Maurice Ravel: Gaspard de la nuit
Debussy: Jeux d’ eau
Amanda Harberg: Clarinet Sonata
Iannis Xenakis: Rebonds B

Concert Location: Colorado River, up-river from the Moab Bridge

Check-In Location: Canyonlands By Night, 1861 N Hwy 191 #9623, Moab, Utah

Check-In Time: 5:00 pm

Open bar (beer and wine): 5:00 pm

Boarding: 5:45 pm

Float & Concert: 6:00 pm

Boat Docks: 7:30 pm

Ages 16 and above.

No pets allowed.

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August 31, 2023

Grotto I: Bach in the Grotto

An exhilarating jet boat ride down the Colorado River brings listeners to a pristine wilderness grotto carved from the surrounding red rocks for an inspiring “once-in-a-lifetime” experience (Fodors). These MMF signature events weave a rich sonic tapestry of music with one of the most stunning natural environments imaginable, combining the beauty of music with the area’s scenic wonders.

The timeless music of J.S. Bach is a perfect match for the Grotto on the Colorado River. The abstract beauty and order of Bach complement the geological wonder sculpted by the elements through time. Award-winning pianist Claire Huangci performs Toccatas from her recent recording.

Artists:

Deanna Breiwick, soprano
ToniMarie Marchioni, oboe
Pius Cheung, marimba
Michael Barrett, piano
Claire Huangci, piano
LP How, violin
Miclen LaiPang, violin
Jay Campbell, cello

Program:

Bach: Toccata in C Minor, BWV 911
Bach: Toccata in D Major, BWV 912
Bach: Toccata in G Minor, BWV 915
Bach: Lute Suite No. 2 in C minor, BWV 997
Bach: Weichet nur, betrübte Shatten, BWV 202

Check-in & MMF Free Concert Shuttle Location: Aarchway Inn (1551 N Riverview Dr)—parking is located on the north side of the building.

Free parking at check-in; no parking at the boat ramp

Concert location: Colorado River Wilderness Grotto

Check in time: 11:00 am

Shuttle Departure: 11:30 am

Shuttle returns immediately following the concert

Ages 12 and above

Concert is outdoors. Venue is shaded.

No pets allowed

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September 1, 2023

House Benefit Concert: There Will Always Be Paris

The ephemeral beauty of early 20th-century French music for piano and winds fills a beautiful private home with an array of composers who defined the style. Françaix described his music as “a fusion of Machiavelli and magic.” The influential Debussy was considered the first impressionist. Brilliant, prolific, and often overlooked, Mel Bonis wrote in a late Romantic style. And Poulenc “epitomized the elegance, clarity, and droll wit of the 20th-century Gallic spirit.”

About the venue: One of Moab’s most beautiful private homes provides the intimate location for a memorable evening of music and fine food. This convivial occasion offers an exceptional opportunity to experience a performance up close, followed by a celebratory dinner.

Artists:

Demarre McGill, flute
ToniMarie Marchioni, oboe
Yoonah Kim, clarinet
Oleksiy Zakharov, bassoon
Michael Barrett, piano
Derek Wang, piano
Jay Campbell, cello

Program:

Jean Francaix: Wind Quartet
Claude Debussy: Sonata
Debussy: Jardins sous la Pluie [Gardens in the Rain]
Francis Poulenc: Flute Sonata, Op. 164
Mélanie Bonis: Piano 4-hands

Location: Private Home

We will provide driving directions to this event by email in the week leading up to the concert

Entrance opens: 5:30 pm for drinks and socializing

Dinner: 6:00 pm

Performance: 7:00 pm

Ages 16 and above

No pets allowed

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September 4, 2023

Rocky Mountain Power Community Concert

Our annual free concert for the community! MMF artists offer a festive sampling of musical styles from classical to Parisian hot jazz. Click the Artists & Program tab above for more information. There’s something for everyone!

Artists:

- Deanna Breiwick, soprano

- Amanda Lynn Bottoms, mezzo-soprano

- Demarre McGill, flute

- ToniMarie Marchioni, oboe

- Yoonah Kim, clarinet

- Oleksiy Zakharov, bassoon

- Leelanee Sterrett, horn

- Pius Cheung, percussion

- Michael Barrett, piano

- Hot House West

Program:

Valerie Coleman: Red Clay & Mississippi Delta

George Frederick Handel: Tornami a vagheggiar from “Alcina”

Aaron Copland: Laurie’s Song from The Tender Land

Puccini: O Mio Babbino Caro

August Klughardt: Wind Quintet in C major, op. 79

Iannis Xenakis: Rebonds B

Pius Cheung: “Union” from Heaven and Earth

Selections by Hot House West to be announced from stage

Andy Razaf, Thomas “Fats Waller”, and Harry Brooks: Ain’t Misbehaving

September 7, 2023

Grotto II : Winds On The Colorado River

An exhilarating jet boat ride down the Colorado River brings listeners to a pristine wilderness grotto carved from the surrounding red rocks, for an inspiring “once-in-a-lifetime” experience (Fodors).

These MMF signature events weave a rich sonic tapestry of music with one of the most stunning natural environments imaginable, combining the beauty of music with the area’s scenic wonders.

Concert Description:

Woodwinds, piano, the solo horn, and the soprano voice provide a rich acoustic exploration of the Grotto as one of the greatest places on Earth to hear live music.

Four masterpieces by Mozart, Schubert, Brahms, and Messiaen provide the emotional content to the sonic wonder of instruments.

Artists:

- Deanna Breiwick, soprano
- Demarre McGill, flute
- ToniMarie Marchioni, oboe
- Yoonah Kim, clarinet
- Oleksiy Zakharov, bassoon
- Leelanee Sterrett, horn
- Miclen LaiPang, violin
- Michael Barrett, piano
- Michael Stephen Brown, piano

Program:

Debussy: Syrinx (La Flute de Pan)

Schubert: The Shepherd on the Rock, op. 129

Mozart: Quintet for Piano and Winds in E flat major, K. 452

Brahms: Trio for Piano, Horn and Violin, in E flat major, op. 40

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September 8, 2023

Ranch Benefit Concert: Bailen With Paul Woodiel

The flawless harmonies of the indie-pop power trio BAILEN waft over the Colorado in this festive program hosted by Paul Woodiel who joins on fiddle.

About the venue:

This scenic, historical working ranch beside the Colorado River is the perfect setting to enjoy drinks, a buffet style dinner, and a lively concert. Dramatic fireworks illuminate the surrounding red rocks after the program.

Artists:

- BAILEN

- Daniel Bailen, vocals/bass

- David Bailen, vocals/drums

- Julia Bailen, vocals/guitar

- with Paul Woodiel, violin

Program :

Program to be announced from stage

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September 9, 2023

Hot House West Swing Orchestra

Hot House West celebrates the timeless allure of swing rhythm blending the virtuosic yet soulful music of Django Reinhardt with their western roots and American jazz influence. Group vocals, masterful improvisation, and a ceaseless swinging pocket keep audiences smiling and tapping their feet from the first note to the last.

About the venue:

Follow Highway 128, one of the Southwest’s most scenic byways, 17 miles upriver from Moab to the green oasis of this boutique resort. With its spectacular views of towering red mesas, the Pavilion, open to breathtaking sunsets and evening air, is a perfect spot for enjoying music while taking in the dramatic natural surroundings.

Artists:

- Hot House West Swing Orchestra
- Hayley Kirkland, voice
- Nathan Royal, lead guitar
- James Martak rhythm guitar
- Curtis Woodbury, violin
- David Baker, bass
- Kale Stiles, clarinet
- Benjamin Nichols, alto/tenor sax
- Andrew Glanville, baritone sax
- Dennis Fuller, Daniel Jonas, Tyler Webb, trumpet
- Joe Chisholm, Brian Woodbury, trombone
- Chris Petty, drums

Program:

Program announced from the stage

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September 10, 2023

7:30am  : Music Hike II: Free Voices Of Eastern Europe - Moab Wilderness

This string-centric program of works from composers who are free from Russia or the former Soviet Union, showcases the brilliant young violinists of the MMF 2023.

Grazina Bacevicz, one of Poland’s most celebrated 20th-century composers, and herself a violin virtuoso, makes a statement with her Sonata for four violins. Celebrated Russian-born, Juilliard-educated polymath Lera Auerbach is a published poet, visual artist, composer, pianist, and an important artistic voice. Martinu’s overlooked sextet hails from the Czech Republic, written before his relocation to America. Click the Artists & Program tab above for more information.

About the venue: 

A guided scenic hike leads adventuresome concert-goers to a secluded canyon to enjoy music chosen to fit the setting. Among our most popular events, this scenic hike offers unparalleled musical intimacy and engagement with the artists.

Artists:

- Rupert Boyd, guitar
- Hayoung Choi, violin
- Francisco Fullana, violin
- Kristin Lee, violin
- Aubree Oliverson, violin
- Danbi Um, violin
- LP How, viola
- Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, viola
- Alexis Gerlach, cello
- Laura Metcalf, cello

Program:

Lera Auerbach: T’filah

Gra?yna Bacewicz: Quartet

Arvo Pärt: Spiegel im Spiegel

Valentin Silvestrov: Serenade

Trad. Ukrainian: Verbovaya Doschechka

Bohuslav Martinu: String Sextet, H. 224

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7:00 pm : THE FOUR SEASONS ACCORDING TO GLASS AND PIAZZOLLA - Star Hall

American violinist Robert McDuffie makes his first MMF appearance to perform Philip Glass’s Violin Concerto No. 2. McDuffie personally commissioned Glass for the work, and subsequently premiered and recorded it. Described as “the American Vivaldi,” Glass made this chamber version for McDuffie. The concert pairs it with nuevo tango master Astor Piazzolla’s “Four Seasons of Buenos Aires,” each season being performed by a different violinist in this performance.

About the venue:

Located in downtown Moab, historic Star Hall was built in 1906. The recently renovated Richardsonian Romanesque style stone building seats 300 people. The intimate size, excellent acoustics and architectural charm make Star Hall an ideal setting for chamber music. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1993.

Artists:

- Hayoung Choi, violin
- Francisco Fullana, violin
- Miclen LaiPang, violin
- Kristin Lee, violin
- Robert McDuffie, violin
- Aubree Oliverson, violin
- Danbi Um, violin
- LP How, viola
- Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, viola
- Leslie Tomkins, viola
- Nicholas Canellakis, cello
- Alexis Gerlach, cello
- Laura Metcalf, cello
- Tristan Kasten-Krause, bass
- Michael Barrett, synthesizer

Program:

Astor Piazzolla arr. Leonid Desyatnikov: Las Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas (The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires)

featuring Francisco Fullana, Miclen LaiPang, Kristin Lee, and Aubree Oliverson, solo violin

Philip Glass: Violin Concerto No. 2 “The American Four Seasons”

featuring Robert McDuffie, solo violin

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September 11, 2023

Grotto III: German Masterpieces

An exhilarating jet boat ride down the Colorado River brings listeners to a pristine wilderness grotto carved from the surrounding red rocks, for an inspiring “once-in-a-lifetime” experience (Fodors).

These MMF signature events weave a rich sonic tapestry of music with one of the most stunning natural environments imaginable, combining the beauty of music with the area’s scenic wonders.

Concert Description:

A celebration of Brahms’ emotional depth and Mendelssohn’s exuberance in an unforgettable setting.

Artists:

- Francisco Fullana, violin
- Miclen LaiPang, violin
- Kristin Lee, violin
- Robert McDuffie, violin
- Danbi Um, violin
- LP How, viola
- Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, viola
- Nicholas Canellakis, cello
- Alexis Gerlach, cello
- Laura Metcalf, cello
- Tristen Kasten-Krause, bass
- Michael Stephen Brown, piano

Program:

Brahms: Piano Trio No. 1 in B major, op. 8

Michael Stephen Brown: Vortex

Nicholas Canellakis, solo cello

Mendelssohn: Octet in E flat major, op. 20

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September 12, 2023 - September 15, 2023

San Juan River Musical Raft Trip

This scenic three-day, two-night float trip on the Upper San Juan River couples daily concerts by Moab Music Festival Artists with one of the prettiest river experiences in the region.

The leisurely pace allows rafters to enjoy the spectacular red rock canyons, petroglyph panels, Ancestral Puebloan ruins, and side canyon hikes.

This trip includes:

- Dinner and a hotel stay in historic Bluff, Utah

- Daily concerts given by Moab Music Festival musicians (click the “Artists & Program” button above for more details)

- Rafting through thousands of years of human history (Class I-II)

- Hiking and floating amidst the canyon’s magnificent scenery

- Expert river guides set up camp and cook delicious meals in comfortable riverside sites

Artists:

- Rupert Boyd, guitar

- Laura Metcalf, cello

Program:

Renowned duo Rupert Boyd, guitar, and Laura Metcalf, cello play an eclectic mix of music from classics to popular in daily concerts along the San Juan River.

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Date : August 21, 2023 - September 15, 2023

Location : Various Location

Click Here to View for More Information