Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — Listening to the world's best musicians in a beautiful setting throughout the summer is easy to come by in Steamboat Springs. Next week will be no exception, when Strings in the Mountains presents an extraordinary concert every day of the week.

"Strings adds such a nice aspect to summer in Steamboat and I love to see the way it gets better every year," said Robin Craigen, Strings sponsor and owner of Moving Mountains Chalet.

The week kicks off with an Encore! Chamber Concert at 6 p.m. Monday.

Music lovers can experience chamber music in an intimate setting at the home of Bob and Mary Litterman on the mountain.

"Encore concerts are special concerts that are put on in the truest form of chamber music," said Betse Grassby, Strings' executive director. She said chamber music was originally designed as entertainment for people in private settings, and she is thrilled to be able to re-create the setting in which chamber music was written to be heard.

The ski-in, ski-out home of the Littermans will enhance the chamber music with its wonderful views of Steamboat's ski trails and spectacular atmosphere with floor-to-ceiling walls of glass, an exceptional Steinway piano and an indoor pool with a hand-painted mural.

Grassby said the Steinberg piano will be one of the instruments played for the concert.

CBS commentator Verne Lundquist will introduce the concert, and these internationally acclaimed musicians will perform: Yehonatan Berick, violin; Steven Copes, violin; Godfried Hoogeveen, cello; and Phillip Bush, piano. The concert is followed by an elegant wine and hors d'oeuvres reception.

For those interested in music of a different tempo, Michael Johnson, one of the biggest names in folk music, is performing at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

"Michael Johnson is an incredible singer and virtuoso guitarist," Grassby said. "Everyone that sees his show is astounded that he is only one person."

Johnson has performed with many symphony orchestras. He spent 1993 on the road with the Clint Black and Wynonna Judd tour. In 1997, he toured with Alison Krauss and Union Station.

"I like to talk to people and I love to make them laugh," Johnson said. "And, of course, I have to move them with the music. That's the whole thing. Without that, there is no reason to be on stage."

Many people do not know Johnson by his name, Grassby said, but know many of his songs. Some of Johnson's songs include "Bluer than Blue," "Give Me Wings" and "This Night Won't Last Forever."

The connection made between Johnson and his audience is amazing and energetic, Grassby said.

Craigen, sponsor for the concert, said he is glad to support any Strings event because of the outstanding quality of all performances.

"I am excited about the evening," he said.

Locals awaiting one of the most popular concerts, "Mostly Mozart," will get their chance to see the finest musicians in the world performing music by one of the greatest composers at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

"It always seems to be a favorite because it's Mozart," Grassby said.

The event includes a delightful duo of charm with pianists Phillip Bush and Katherine Collier, plus the String Quartet with Steven Copes, Yehonatan Berick, Yizhack Schotten, David Harding and David Hardy. The performance features a "Meet the Musicians" reception catered by Albrecht's Bakery and Caf
Additional concerts include Music on the Green from 12:15 to 1 p.m. at Yampa River Botanic Park and the world music of Willie and Lobo at 8 p.m. Friday.

For tickets to any of the concerts, call 879-5056, ext. 105.