On the evening of Wednesday, February 12th, Music in the Mountains (MIM) invites you to a special, interactive educational webinar led by the talented Artistic Director & Conductor, Ryan Murray. The evening will explore the rich legacy of the beloved composer Antonín Dvořák and his profound impact on American music. The program will delve into the magic of his compositions, examining both his most celebrated works and the hidden gems that continue to captivate audiences. Join this engaging discussion, complete with a professional slideshow and thoughtful insights, all from the comfort of your home via online conferencing software. This event is open to the public with a sliding-scale donation, and attendees can RSVP through MIM’s website.
“We started offering these free, educational lectures during Covid as a way to connect our community through music. With Maestro Murray’s fun approach to learning about famous composers and pieces, they have grown in popularity and we’ve added the series to our regular programming.” notes MIM Board President, Tim Geckle.
Music in the Mountains is a distinguished classical music organization that has been gracing the stages of Nevada County since 1982. Known for its world-class performances, MIM brings together exceptional musicians to create unforgettable concert experiences. Their hallmark concert series, SummerFest, has become a cherished tradition, providing a stage for the finest classical musicians. The 2025 SummerFest programs will begin on Wednesday, June 25th at the Center for the Arts in Grass Valley, with a spectacular performance of Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, “From the New World”.
The first in MIM’s education series, Musings with the Maestro, will be held on February 12th and promises to be an enlightening exploration of Dvořák’s music. Maestro Ryan Murray will lead the audience through a discussion of what makes Dvořák’s compositions timeless—offering insights into his celebrated works and lesser-known masterpieces. The program will also highlight the composer’s influential role as Director of the National Conservatory of Music in America, with special attention paid to his iconic New World Symphony, the featured piece for the June 25th Music in the Mountains concert.
“We are delighted to bring the opportunity to learn more about the work of the world’s most famous composers to our community and to anyone with internet access,” notes Artistic Director and Conductor Ryan Murray. “Dvorak’s New World Symphony has had incredible influence on American classical music and remains an audience favorite.”
Ryan Murray is currently the Artistic Director and Conductor of Music in the Mountains and the Principal Pops Conductor of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra. American conductor Ryan Murray has found steady acclaim as a compelling, dynamic and unflappable presence on the podium. He has served as an assistant conductor at the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera, is the past Music Director of Fresno Grand Opera, and previously worked as a staff conductor for the Bay Area Summer Opera Theater Institute (BASOTI) and The Opera Academy of California in San Francisco. Effortlessly moving between genres, Ryan currently enjoys a wide range of performance genres & platforms, including traditional orchestral and operatic repertoire, pops performances, movies in concert, and a notable emphasis on contemporary American operatic works.
The 2025 SummerFest concert season promises to be another exceptional chapter in MIM’s legacy. Led by Maestro Murray, highlights will include Copland’s Appalachian Spring, Elgar’s Cello Concerto, and more! The SummerFest annual music festival will close with an outdoor garden concert and dessert finale featuring a musical performance by the critically acclaimed brass quintet “Brass Over Bridges.” Tickets for MIM’s Summerfest concerts will go on sale to the public on February 12th.
Music in the Mountains is a professional classical music organization producing world class concerts with professional musicians and educating future generations of classical musicians right here in Nevada County. The public is invited to join MIM in 2025 and is invited to attend workshops, purchase tickets to live concerts, or support music education programs by donating. Volunteer opportunities are available as well. For more information call 530-265-6173 or email info@musicinthemountains.org. Always open at www.musicinthemountains.org.
What: Musings with the Maestro – Dvorak – His music and influence in America
Where: Online via Zoom
When: Wednesday, Feb 12th
Time: 7pm start
Ages: All ages
Price: Pay What You Choose – Suggested Donation $10
More Information: www.musicinthemountains.org or 530-265-6124
Email: info@musicinthemountains.org