The anticipatory hum of the audience lulls to silence as the conductor begins and the outdoor amphitheater is suddenly filled with chords that you can feel as much as you can hear. Nestled into one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the forest of Lake Tahoe is the Ricardi Pavilion at the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe along with a few other select venues scattered throughout Incline Village, which become the home of the Classical Tahoe music festival each summer. This 14th season, the festival returns with 16 concerts from July 12 to August 10. World class musicians, conductors, dancers, and artists will perform for the audiences in this exquisite location, filling the environment with warmth, beauty, and a sense of peace and joy.
“Live music really gets into your soul. There’s a real difference between listening to music on the radio or on your phone to experiencing it in person,” David Pratt, executive director of Classical Tahoe, says. Pratt joined the organization in 2024 and is thrilled to be able to bring this standard of performance into the region from all over the world.
A truly unique and enchanting festival, Classical Tahoe offers a mixture of symphony, jazz, and chamber music and includes performances from musicians coming from top orchestras, including the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Symphony, and Philadelphia Orchestra, among others.
“Classical Tahoe is a very social event. People come together with their family and friends and make new friends. That combined with the music you hear in an incredible outdoor venue is what makes it so unique for locals and visitors alike. The impact it has on people is what is most rewarding for me,” Pratt said.
He’s also excited that the festival is held so close to Reno. “Reno has so many great cultural institutions and musicians and it’s only about a 30 or 45-minute drive from Incline Village.”
Classical Tahoe holds both special events and community engagement initiatives offering something for everyone. The festival begins on July 12 with Classical Tahoe’s Annual Gala featuring an evening of jazz and classical performances with proceeds supporting education and outreach programs that nurture the next generation of musicians. The festival runs through Aug. 10, with one of the highlights being the annual Family Concert and Music Maker’s Faire (Aug. 9) where local students from the region get to play on the Classical Tahoe stage along with music and arts activities.
To attend, purchase tickets on Classical Tahoe’s website, www.classicaltahoe.org.