Listening Lists

Looking for concert ideas? See our suggestions below for a huge variety of concert experiences. If you prefer personalized recommendations, check out our Concert Concierge form. 

Check back as more are added. Also, send us your own for consideration for posting on this page. Send to announcements@aspenmusic.org.

Epic Orchestral Works
Love a big orchestra playing full out--brass ringing across the full hall, string sections digging in, bow hairs flying? Try one of these full-hearted, lushly orchestrated experiences. 

Finger-Crunchers
Float around the melodies or bash them into submission, for pianists there’s no getting around the fact that some works are fiendishly fast and difficult almost to the point of making their overworked digits collapse onto the keyboard. Here are six of those dizzyingly virtuosic works.

From the Vault 
You may know and love Beethoven’s recognizable Fifth Symphony, Stravinsky’s thrilling Rite of Spring, and Rachmaninoff’s virtuosic piano concertos that have become staples of orchestral concerts, but all too often, we miss out on some of these esteemed composers’ lesser-known and lesser-performed works. Take advantage of the vast repertoire offerings throughout the summer—you might just discover a new work by your favorite composer. Some of these pieces haven’t been heard on an Aspen stage in decades! 

Popular and Cross-Genre Events
Want to branch out from orchestra concerts and classical recitals? We offer a handful of non-classical events throughout the summer—from the legendary Chris Thile on mandolin and a mariachi celebration, to Scottish bagpipers and musical theater, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Here are a few of our recommendations.

AMFS Co-Commissioned Works 
From the beginning, Aspen has been a place to create and experiment, and legions of young composers have found inspiration as students in Aspen. Be one of the first to hear these recently composed works, many written by recent AMFS alumni, artist-faculty, and visiting composers, all co-commissioned by the AMFS. If you’re lucky, you may run in to the composer at the concert! 

For The Opera Aficionado
A brilliant, all-star team from around the opera world comes together in Aspen to train an elite set of young singers and present three productions ranging from classic to contemporary.