A Brief History
A "Picnic and Pops" concert in the outdoor pavilion.
Music in the Mountains was conceived and founded by members of the Golden Chain Chorale, along with Paul Perry and Terry Brown of San Francisco’s City Opera. The first festival in the summer of 1982 featured 14 concerts performed at St. Joseph’s Cultural Center in Grass Valley, and the Nevada Theatre and the American Victorian Museum (now Miners Foundry) in Nevada City. Professional instrumental musicians were hired from orchestras throughout the United States.
In 1985, the corporate name was changed from City Opera to Music in the Mountains, and the Golden Chain Chorale was renamed the Festival Chorale. Since that time the organization has continued to present several festivals each year and has built a multifaceted education program as well as a calendar of successful benefit events.
A few more photos from our past:
(Click the thumbnails to view larger versions)
 One of our early concerts. |
 The Amaral Family Festival Center groundbreaking party. |
 Cofounder Paul Perry with Janet Sims and Robin Mayforth, long-time members of the orchestra. |
 Artistic Director Gregory Vajda performing with Janet Sims in an ensemble. |
