Arts & Entertainment, Music

What We’re Hearing This Month: Classical Music Picks for July

The glorious Seattle summer has finally arrived, and with it comes a treasure trove of light-hearted and fun classical concerts. Experience the joy of live music outdoors at one of several concerts in local parks, or cool off with some chamber music favorites.

Jun. 29-Jul. 26 — Seattle Chamber Music Society‘s Summer Festival is in full swing with three more weeks of concerts in the books. Highlights include the world premiere of Lawrence Dillon’s Sanctuary on July 8, the performance of a string quartet by Fanny Mendelssohn (whose fame was eclipsed by that of her brother Felix) on July 10, a free outdoor concert of Dvořák’s “American” string quartets on July 18 at Volunteer Park, and a live recording of two Shostakovich string quartets on July 24.

Jul. 12-13 — Cirque comes to Benaroya Hall this month! The Seattle Symphony teams up with the acrobats of Cirque de la Symphonie for a series of performances that blend classical favorites with routines by aerialists, jugglers, contortionists. Now’s your chance to witness acrobats dangling from the rafters of Benaroya’s sumptuous auditorium.

Seattle Gilbert & Sullivan Society’s 2003 production of “The Gondoliers” (Photo: Seattle Gilbert & Sullivan Society)

Jul. 12-27 — Let yourself be whisked away to a world of Venetian romance and intrigue with the Seattle Gilbert & Sullivan Society‘s production of The Gondoliers. A local institution, this theater company knows their stuff — they’ve been producing performances of Gilbert & Sullivan operas since 1954.

Jul. 18 — Join members of the Auburn Symphony for a sunset concert of chamber music at the idyllic Mary Olson Farm. The first of the Symphony’s summer chamber music series highlights the brass section, featuring favorites by John Philip Sousa.

Jul. 18-21 — Experience the cutting edge of sound art and digital media at the four-day Substrata 1.3 festival. Performances focus on a variety of different topics, from digital sound design to experimentation with the electric guitar. The festival concludes with a guided listening workshop.

Jul. 27 — Hear new music from around the world at Octava Chamber Orchestra‘s Summer Chamber Music Extravaganza. The program includes a whopping ten works by living composers from near and far, including locals Nathan Jensen, Asher Hashash, and Meredith Connie.