Sedona Red Rocks Music Festival - August 23rd-August 31st

August 23-31 Red Rocks Music Festival Featuring world-class chamber and flamenco music, orchestral performances, master classes and workshops throughout the week. Call 877-733-7257.

The Red Rocks Music Festival educates, engages, and challenges audiences through a unique collaboration of leading Arizona artists and world acclaimed musicians.

History of the Festival

In its inaugural season, on Labor Day 2002, a festival symphony was lead by Maestro Shlomo Mintz, who also played the Mendelssohn violin concerto . Beethoven Symphony Number 7 received a standing ovation. Other performers included pianist Gustavo Romero and "Musica Viva" Director David Ehrlich.

Since then the festival has maintained a high level of performance, which included Elmira Darvarova, first woman co-concertmaster of the New York Metropolitan Orchestra. The 2005 Season marked a collaborative effort with ASU School of Music which included concerts and master classes . Intercultural Journeys lead by Philadelphia Orchestra cellist, Ohad Bar-David, with Native American Flutist R. Carlos Nakai was a huge success with sold out venues.

Following years included artist such as Shmuel Ashkenasi and Marc Johnson of the Vermeer Quartet.

The 2007 6th annual festival offered a variety of events including Quintessence, a woodwind quintet performing a Southwest premier by composer Bill Douglas. The dance side of arts was presented by Tango dances in 2006 and Un Corazon Flamenco in 2007. In addition, two young opera stars, Sarah Heltzel and baritone, Adam Margulies, both received great accolades. The Young Artists performance and master classes has been an integral part of the festival as the festival looks forward to its 7th year. We anticipate continuation of high level performance with artist scheduled to appear such as Shmuel Ashkenasi of the Curtis Institute, Rami Solomonow, viola Professor DePaul University and other distinguished musicians.