Britt fest sets classical lineup

The stage of the Britt Festival in Jacksonville, Ore., during an orchestra performance. Photo by Maxine Guenther

In recognition of Britt Festival’s milestone 50th season, the three-week event will include several celebrations of Britt’s history.

The Britt Orchestra first performed in 1963, under the direction of founding conductor John Trudeau. Fifty seasons later, the 2012 Classical Festival orchestra is a high-caliber ensemble that draws 90 musicians from top orchestras across the country. Orchestra members are housed in host families’ homes.

The 2012 Classical Festival includes seven orchestra concerts under the stars.

The gala opening night concert Aug. 3 features acclaimed violinist Sarah Chang performing Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1. Opening weekend also includes the return of pianist Anton Nel on Aug. 4 and the world premiere of “Celebration,” a piece by composer and Britt principal bassist David Anderson.

The middle weekend of the festival features pianist André Watts in Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2 on Aug. 10. That program will also spotlight four Britt Orchestra soloists on Haydn’s Sinfonia concertante.

On Aug. 11, National Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster Nurit Bar-Josef will solo with the orchestra in Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto.

On Aug. 12, the Calder Quartet, the new faculty-in-residence for Britt’s String Quartet Academy, will perform a recital at the Southern Oregon University Recital Hall in Ashland.

Closing weekend begins Aug. 17 with a concert celebrating Britt’s history.

On Aug. 18, the Britt Orchestra will perform a concert of “Symphony Pops,” featuring music of stage, screen and ballet. All tickets for this concert are just $5.

Aug. 19 marks conductor Peter Bay’s Farewell Concert.

For full program and guest artist information, go to brittfest.org.

Classical Festival tickets can be purchased during a presale event now through March 15. Call the box office at 1-800-882-7488.

Britt’s full 2012 season schedule will be announced April 4.