Celebrate our 11th Season in the Black Hills with exhilarating performances presented by the Rushmore Concert Artists!
Join us for Summertime Soirées, an intimate weekly VIP chamber music and dinner experience like no other! Each concert evening will feature a one-of-a-kind program performed by the world-class Rushmore Concert Artists—the professional faculty artist collective of the Rushmore Music Festival.
Our chef-in-residence, Brendon Deolivera, will curate a multi-course dinner (menu announced in May) uniquely paired to each evening’s unique musical offerings. With only up to 30 guests per night, you’ll enjoy an intimate setting with cocktail table seating, a complimentary beverage, and the option to BYOB. After the performance, mingle with the artists and fellow guests in a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere.
Attire: Cocktail
Doors Open: 6PM (We kindly request that guests not arrive early)
Dinner: 6:30PM
Concert: 7:15PM
Seating is very limited—reserve early!
Program Details
Thursday, June 26th – Fjords and Fairy Tales
(Program: Allegretto Pastorale from Nielsen's String Quartet No.3*, Turina's “Scène andalouse” for Piano Sextet**, Grieg String Quartet)
This program highlights vibrant contrasts in style, from Turina’s Spanish warmth to Nielsen’s Nordic delicacy and Grieg’s stormy passion. Grieg’s quartet brings the evening to a dramatic close, full of bold harmonies and sweeping intensity. A journey through Romanticism, folk influence, and vivid storytelling.
*Ava Howell is a Young Artist Fellow at the 2025 Rushmore Music Festival
**Matthew Jean Baptiste is a Young Artist Fellow at the 2025 Rushmore Music Festival
Wednesday, July 2nd – From Vienna, With Love with International Soloist, Cellist COLIN CARR*
(Popper's Requiem, Brahms String Sextet No. 1, Schubert String Quintet)
Brahms, Popper, and Schubert offer a deeply emotional evening exploring memory, passion, and transcendence. From Popper’s elegiac Requiem to Schubert’s sublime C Major Quintet, this program flows with soaring melodies and heartfelt lyricism. A celebration of Romantic depth and affectionate farewells.
*Distinguished Guest Artist-in-Residence at the 2025 Rushmore Music Festival
**Gianna Beckford is an Emerging Artist Fellow at the 2025 Rushmore Music Festival
Wednesday, July 9th – Elegy & Irony
(Arensky Piano Quintet, Shostakovich String Quartet No. 10, Schnittke's Musica Nostalgica)
This concert traces a century of Russian expression, from Arensky’s lush Romanticism to Shostakovich’s searing introspection and Schnittke’s minimalist poignancy. Shostakovich’s Tenth Quartet, dedicated to his friend Weinberg, balances mystery and irony with raw intensity. A powerful meditation on nostalgia, resilience, and the soul of Russian music.
Thursday, July 17th – Modern Conversations
(Strauss Piano Quartet, Shaw's Limestone & Felt, Corigliano's Gazebo Dances for Piano Four-Hands*)
This eclectic program opens with Caroline Shaw’s Limestone & Felt, a textural dialogue for viola and cello that contrasts friction and resonance. John Corigliano’s Gazebo Dances for piano four-hands follows, blending classical charm with playful American flair. The evening culminates in Strauss’ richly Romantic Piano Quartet, brimming with sweeping melodies and youthful intensity.
*Hanna Lee and Rose Yam are Collaborative Piano Fellows at the 2025 Rushmore Music Festival
Thursday, July 24th – Echoes of the Past
(Palestrina's Ave Maria*, Purcell's Chacony**, Ravel Piano Trio)
Spanning centuries, this program explores the interplay between clarity, form, and color—from Palestrina’s pure counterpoint to Ravel’s shimmering impressionism. Purcell’s stately Chacony, reimagined by Britten, connects early and modern voices. A timeless conversation where sacred meets secular and old meets new.
*Manasseh Etienne is an Emerging Artist Fellow at the 2025 Rushmore Music Festival
**Sarah Horton is a Young Artist Fellow at the 2025 Rushmore Music Festival
Wednesday, July 30th – Bohemian Rhapsodies
(Dvořák Piano Quartet, TBD by Emerging Artists Quartet-in-Residence*)
The season finale celebrates Dvořák’s joyful, folk-inflected Piano Quartet alongside a special selection by our Quartet-in-Residence. With dance rhythms, lush melodies, and vibrant storytelling, this evening honors the rich roots of classical music. A spirited close to the summer filled with warmth and nostalgia.