Classical in the Mountains: The Manchester Music Festival

Classical New England's weekly music festival travelogue takes you to the Green Mountains of Vermont for the Manchester Music Festival.

To hear the program, click on "Listen" above.

The Manchester Music Festival encompasses more than the word "festival" usually implies. With year-round programs of both concerts and education, the organization is an integral part of the cultural life of Vemont.

Founded by Carol Glen and Eugene List in 1974 as the summer-only Southern Vermont Arts Center Music Festival, Michael Rudiakov assumed leadership of the festival in the 1980's, following the passing of the founders. Rudiakov transformed the festival, expanding both its educational scope and its calendar of activities.

In 2000, Michael Rudiakov passed away, and his son Ariel Rudiakov, a violist and conductor, took on the role of Artistic Director. Ariel Rudiakov's wife, violinist Joana Genova, is now the organization's Education Director.

The headquarters of the festival are in Festival House, the former Village Schoolhouse, which provides room for offices, rehearsals, meetings, and gatherings.

Festival House, the former Village Schoolhouse, now the headquarters for MMF

For information about travelling to Manchester for the concerts and activities of MMF, the State of Vermont maintains an excellent tourism web site. Manchester is located within Green Mountain National Forest, which has abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, even as recovery from Hurricane Irene in 2011 continues.

Additional attractions include Shaftsbury Alpacas, Bennington College, and, just across the Massachusetts border, the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, a.k.a. MASS MoCA.
 

 

HEAR THE PROGRAM, SEE A SLIDESHOW, AND LEARN MORE