Mehta at the Museum: the story of American Classical Music

Mehta at the Museum: the story of American Classical Music, is a collaboration between the Ventura Music Festival and the Museum of Ventura County featuring Ventura Music Festival’s spellbinding artistic director, Nuvi Mehta, 3–4 p.m., June 4, presenting his unique spin on the music and stories of the people and events leading up to what is recognized today as authentically American Classical Music.

Included in the story: the starts and the misfires, the impact of European composers, the importance of Jazz, the landmark contribution of Gershwin, the distinctly American imagery and music of Aaron Copland followed shortly after by the glorious work of Samuel Barber.

The program also focuses on American classical music today when Ojai’s John Biggs joins the conversation. Biggs, a fiercely independent, well-loved composer, has written numerous emotionally rich classical pieces over the course of his long career.

While Mehta at the Museum is an admission-free event, reservations are requested. RSVP at http://www.venturamusicfestival.org/register.php. The Museum is located at 100 E. Main Street, Ventura; parking is free.

23rd Ventura Music Festival – July 13-16 & 21-23. The Ventura Music Festival has been presenting a mix of genre-spanning concerts since 1994, this year in an American Festival that ranges from Bluegrass to the Great American Songbook. Featured performers include Songbook Ambassador Michael Feinstein, the dazzling piano duo Anderson & Roe, Nuvi Mehta & Friends with great American classical music, jazz legend Roger Kellaway, Perla Batalla‘s memory-making tribute to her friend Leonard Cohen, and the sensational Classical-Pop trio Simply Three.

Tickets & Info: www.VenturaMusicFestival.org. 805-648-3146