The Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival is a highly-anticipated summer event in the life of our Valley, as it has been for 25 years. Hundreds of locals and tourists flock to Signal Hill Ranch to hear stellar performances by world-class musicians. Scores more attend free outreach concerts sponsored by local businesses. But the Festival is more than the music. It’s … Read More

Meeting by video conference on July 11, all members of the Festival board and staff agreed to extend their terms of service through the 2021 season.  Jane Orme, president for the last three years, said that she will step down from her leadership role, but continue as a regular board member through 2023. Officers elected at the annual meeting include: … Read More

Expertise and Dedication Fuel MVCMF Behind the Scenes The spacious barn that provides the deeply resonant acoustics, spectacular mountain vistas, and relaxed, convivial vibe of the Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival didn’t come about by accident. It’s the product of the technical expertise, years of hard work, and generosity of Howard and Liz Johnson, who own Signal Hill Ranch, the … Read More

The Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival has cancelled their 2020 Summer Concert Series.  Originally scheduled for June 18-27, this year would have been the Festival’s 25th season.  “Naturally we are very saddened and disappointed,” said Executive Director Liz Johnson.  “But after Governor Inslee extended the stay-at-home order to May 31, it was inevitable.” The Festival noted the additional challenge of … Read More

The Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival is planning a spectacular program this June to celebrate its 25th season of exceptional chamber music in a relaxed, casual setting. For the first weekend of the festival, Artistic Director Kevin Krentz has assembled a 16-piece chamber orchestra to feature chamber music repertoire that demands a big, rich sound. Krentz is considering compositions by … Read More

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