Music in the Mountains Presents a free online lecture on composer Richard Strauss with Maestro Ryan Murray

Grass Valley, CA – March 28, 2024 – Discover more about composer Richard Strauss’s life and career including his early influences and education, greatest achievements, and romantic compositions with a free educational lecture presented by Music in the Mountains (MIM). The second installment of MIM’s 2024 education series titled Mondays with the Maestro will focus on the influential German composer Richard Strauss and highlight his career and legacy as “The Last Romantic.”

“Music in the Mountains offers our high-level educational series as a part of MIM’s dedication to music education,” notes MIM’s Donor Services Manager, Kevin Ross. “We are supported by local community sponsors and donors whose contributions allow us to invite the community to participate in this program for free.”

This free online educational event will start at 7 PM and will be facilitated via Zoom, providing participants with an interactive experience combining an informative, live presentation by Maestro Murray with a captivating slideshow. The lecture is free and accessible online.  Interested individuals are asked to RSVP via MIM’s website to secure access to the event link.

Strauss enjoyed a high reputation as a composer and conductor throughout his lifetime. He was awarded numerous honors and accolades, including National Prize in Arts and Sciences, Order of Merit of the Bavarian Crown, Gold Medal for Music and received honorary doctorates from Oxford, Cambridge and Vienna as recognition of his profound impact on the world of music.

“Richard Strauss was known for his rich orchestration, new harmonic ideas, and storytelling through music,” remarks MIM Board Member Nancy McRay. “He was greatly inspired by earlier Romantic composers like Robert Schumann and Franz Liszt. We invite the public to join Maestro Ryan Murray to learn more about this influential composer.”

Ryan Murray is currently the Artistic Director and Conductor of Music in the Mountains and the Auburn Symphony Orchestra, and the Principal Pops Conductor of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra. He is also the Music Director of Opera Modesto, the Director of Symphony Orchestra & Opera at California State University, Sacramento, and the Conductor for the Sacramento Youth Symphony’s premier orchestra. His passion for enriching the community through music education promises to deliver a truly enlightening experience for attendees, offering a unique presentation on Richard Strauss.

This event will allow patrons to join a music community and embark on a captivating journey into the romantic world of Richard Strauss, guided by the expertise of Maestro Ryan Murray, and experience the transformative power of music education firsthand.

Music in the Mountains is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Nevada County, dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape of the community by offering a wide variety of classical music performances and educational programs. The public is invited to experience the diverse programs MIM offers throughout the year, including live concerts and workshops. 

For further information, please contact 530-265-6124 or email info@musicinthemountains.org. Stay connected with Music in the Mountains at www.musicinthemountains.org for the latest updates and announcements.