Lovers of chamber music don’t have to wait until summer to get their fix of the gorgeous blend of a string quartet. The Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival is kicking off its 25th season with “Winter Strings,” a program of sultry string quartets to warm a long February night. Festival Artistic Director Kevin Krentz has assembled a consummate quartet for … Read More

The Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival celebrated early this year, with four sold-out concerts on cool June evenings. The refreshing weather offered ample time for the audience members to take in wildflower-studded hillsides on the Festival grounds before the main event. The earlier date didn’t alter the fundamental approach of the festival – showcasing music by masters of chamber music … Read More

The Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival has changed it schedule to earlier dates this summer, June 20-29, while keeping its tradition of presenting dynamic, internationally recognized performers. “The abilities of the musicians onstage at the festival are just staggering,” said Dr. Kevin Krentz, artistic director. “I like to show those off with pieces that highlight their virtuosity.” “Each concert this … Read More

The owners of Signal Hill Ranch and the Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival have agreed to renew the lease for the festival’s spectacular venue for another five years. Owners Howard and Liz Johnson have hosted the festival, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year, at their ranch since 2009. “I like to see the barn get used for something … Read More

It takes a lot of talent, synergy – and a little magic – for the impeccable performances at the Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival to come together. It’s a process that unfolds over time. Festival artistic director Kevin Krentz is putting the finishing touches on the essential first steps for this summer’s chamber music festival, lining up a roster of gifted … Read More

At the 23rd Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival, audiences were introduced to stellar musicians – from an internationally award-winning string quartet to a young pianist and clarinetist – all of whom have seen their careers catapult after they won top prizes in their fields. Bringing in these artists as their acclaim grows allows the Festival to feature some of the … Read More

When Curt Spiel sets out to tune the Steinway grand piano at the Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival, he can avail himself of a nearly infinite number of adjustments for those 88 keys. Most keys allow 39 different adjustments, although the top 28 notes, which don’t have dampers, have a mere 34 options. And most notes have multiple strings – … Read More

The Aizuri Quartet, winners of the 9th-annual Osaka International Chamber Music Competition, and currently quartet-in-residence at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, will headline the Festival’s summer concert series this July. Festival veteran and audience favorite Ayane Kozasa, who has wowed audiences in previous years with her sensitive viola playing is a member of the quartet and … Read More

The 2018 Festival season kicked off in elegant style on Saturday, February 17, with a spectacular concert featuring Russian pianist Alexei Eremine, violinist Mikhail Shmidt and cellist Kevin Krentz. The sold-out event featured works by Piazzolla, Saint-Saens and Mendelssohn. “What’s exciting about piano trios is that you really have three soloists,” said Artistic Director Krentz. The concert included Piano Trio … Read More

Merc Playhouse | Feb 18 The 2017 season started with a bang, selling out the Feb. 18 Valentine Concert for the third year in a row! The concert featured three angels playing romantic string music: Amber Archibald, Ingrid Matthews, and Haeyoon Shin. Signal Hill Ranch | July 27 – Aug 5, 2017 This summer’s Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival was … Read More