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Berkshires, Massachusetts

Aston Magna

Multiple venues
203-792-4662
website
Click here for schedule

(June – July) Founded in 1972, the Aston Magna Festival is the oldest annual summer festival in America devoted to to music performed on period instruments. Some of the highlights of this historic festival have included the first complete performances of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos and the first Mozart symphonies to be heard on period instruments in America. Each summer, Aston Magna performs at a number of venues in the greater Boston area and the Berkshires, with a wide-ranging repertoire. Each concert is preceded by an hour-long lecture on the evening’s program. The festival’s performers also have an extensive discography available, featuring past years’ programs. Tickets to events in the festival are available through the website, as are details of subscription series and membership information. (MS)

Aston Magna Information

  • Venues: Slosberg Auditorium at Brandeis University (415 South Street, Waltham, MA); The Daniel Arts Center at Bard College at Simon’s Rock (84 Alford Road, Great Barrington, MA); Olin Hall at Bard College (30 Campus Road, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY)
  • Public Transportation: Good for Slosberg Auditorium (a short walk from MBTA bus 553 at the Brandeis University stop, and a 6-minute walk from the Fitchburg Line at the Brandeis/Roberts Station). Poor for The Daniel Arts Center and Olin Hall
  • Handicapped Accessibility: Good at each location
  • Performances/Programs: 4 concerts per season with multiple performances of each
  • Ticket Prices: The Daniel Arts Center – $35 ($25 Seniors); The Olin Auditorium – Tickets and information are available directly from Bard only at 845-758-7425; The Slosberg Auditorium – $25 each ($15 Seniors). Up to two children (ages 6–16) may attend the Daniel Arts Center concerts free with each paid adult ticket. $10 Student rush tickets are available at the door 30 minutes before concert time on performance days at the Slosberg Auditorium and the Daniel Arts Center
  • Subscriptions: The Daniel Arts Center – Four-Concert ($120); Two-Concert ($65). The Slosberg Auditorium Three-Concert ($60)
  • Membership: Friend ($75); Associate ($150); Donor ($250); Sponsor ($500); Benefactor ($1000); Leader ($2500); Angel ($5000). Benefits are tiered with every member receiving a listing in season program books
  • Other Benefits: At the Sponsor level ($500) members receive two complimentary guest tickets. At the Angel level ($5000) members receive recognition as a program supporter.