The Gesher Music Festival returns for its ninth year running, with chamber music presented in three formal concerts, along with additional informal opportunities to hear music and meet the musicians.
Running Aug. 8 to 18, this year’s festival, entitled “Shelter of Peace,” concentrates on the music of refuge, security and sanctuary.
The Gesher preview concert will be held at 7 p.m., Aug. 8, at the World Chess Hall of Fame, where Gesher artists will perform for one hour.
“Safe Haven” is a free concert that will be presented at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 15 at the Missouri History Museum. Throughout history, the United States has served as a safe haven for artists and composers fleeing war and persecution. The program highlights the music and stories behind these refugee composers as festival artistic director Sara Sitzer narrates their fascinating history alongside performances by world-class Gesher artists.
“Shelter From the Storm” will be performed at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 17, at the 560 Music Center. The concert will explore how composers depict shelter from all types of storms, from music depicting the story of Noah’s Ark to the 18th century artistic movement referred to as Sturm und Drang, or Storm and Stress. Admission is $20.
“Sacred Spaces,” is at 2 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 18 at the J’s Wool Studio Theater. The program will look at the music inspired by and written for the places that humans have found to be the most sacred throughout history. Admission is $20.
Produced by Zelda Sparks, festival direction is by Dana Hotle, with artistic direction by Sitzer.
Based on the Hebrew concept of “Gesher,” or bridge, the Gesher Music Festival builds bridges across the diverse cultures of St. Louis through engaging, inspiring and immersive performances.
Festival artists include members of many of the nation’s top symphony orchestras, chamber music ensembles and university faculties, and are winners of major musical awards, including the Grammys and top prize in the Concert Artists Guild Competition.
This year’s lineup of musicians include vocalist Lucy Dhegrae, pianist Daniel Pesca, violinists Eva Kozma and Cristina Buciu, violist Sixto Franco, Sitzer on cello, and clarinetist Dana Hotle.
Festival artists will also perform as part of the Friday, Aug. 9, Shabbat services at Central Reform Congregation and Friday, Aug. 16, at Temple Israel.
At 11 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 11, the festival will partner with the St. Louis Art Museum to provide a free, docent-led tour of art in the SLAM galleries relating to the “Shelter of Peace” theme. The tour is free, but registration is requested online.
“One of the reasons why music and art are so critical for our society is because they provide a reflection on who we are as a culture,” Sitzer said. “And this year, it’s particularly relevant for Gesher to be exploring the art that shines a lens on what makes us feel safe, secure and uplifted.”
The Gesher Music Festival is a program of the St. Louis Jewish Community Center, and is presented by the Silk Foundation. For more information, to register for special events or purchase concert tickets, visit geshermusicfestival.org.
