Hailed as one of the Top 10 “Can’t Miss” Classical Musical Festivals in the US by NPR, Bravo! Vail is the only festival in North America (and probably the world) to host three world-renowned  orchestras in a single season. For six weeks every summer, internationally acclaimed soloists join the New York Philharmonic, The Philadelphia Orchestra and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.  Each of them are featured in programs of the great classics, plus pops and even some jazz. Stellar chamber music artists, sometimes including members of the three resident orchestras, come together in an eclectic chamber music series. While audiences attend for a variety of reasons, they stay with Bravo! Vail for the ultimate trifecta: enjoying extraordinary music in the company of great friends and the natural beauty of the Vail Valley.

The Antlers relationship with Bravo! Vail began more than 25 years ago when founders Ida Kavafian and John Giovando were searching for a pet friendly hotel. In the second year of the festival they made it their summer home with Ida bringing her Vizlas, and her husband Steve playing golf with the Antlers staff. Soon after, Bravo! chamber musicians started calling the Antlers home, and eventually orchestra members did too. These days, Music Director Anne-Marie McDermott makes the Antlers her summer home with her dog, Sam, as well as world-famous soloists and the most senior musicians of the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra and Dallas Symphony. The Antlers at Vail hotel doesn’t have the availability to host the entire orchestra so the musicians have to choose from a couple of host properties. The most senior members get first pick, and they almost always choose the Antlers for the friendly family environment.