Guest Blog by Lynn Payette

For more 20 years, the Hot Springs Music Festival has been bringing world class music and musicians to Hot Springs for two weeks of open rehearsals and nightly concerts featuring music that is Casual…Classical…Fun!

One of the premiere classical music festivals in the United States, the Hot Springs Music Festival combines exceptional student musicians from around the world with nationally respected mentors and teachers, who perform side by side in chamber concerts and full orchestral programs in venues throughout downtown Hot Springs.

The Hot Springs Music Festival begins on Sunday, June 4, at 6.45 pm with the Opening Fanfare on the terrace of the Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa, and concludes on Saturday, June 17, with a full orchestra concert at Oaklawn Magnet School.

Featured composers this year include: Prokofiev, Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky and the Hot Springs Music Festival Chorus and orchestra – joined by The Village Chorale – in presenting the stirring Howard Hanson Song of Democracy under the direction of Peter Bay, music director and principal conductor.

Peter Bay – Photo by Kenny Trice

On Monday, June 5, at 7.30 pm at the First United Methodist Church Family Life Center, the audience will have the unique opportunity of being seated within the orchestra as Maestro Bay guides them through an early rehearsal.

Festival passes are available for purchase online; general admission tickets are typically available at the door. For more information about the Hot Springs Music Festival, visit hotmusic.org or call 501-623-4763.