Miami Beach Classical Music Festival Kicks Off Summer Concert Series
Miami Beach Classical Music Festival (MMF), a nonprofit dedicated to providing affordable, world-class musical instruction and groundbreaking performance experiences to young artists and the South Florida community, returns for its highly anticipated 2024 summer series. From June 27 to July 28, MMF will welcome over 200 classical musicians to Miami Beach to showcase their talents in various free public performances and ticketed events, including three full opera productions and three symphonic concerts. After last year’s sold-out performances of its groundbreaking new fusion of live symphony and immersive projections, MMF’s Immersive Space Symphony will also return with six performances at the Faena Forum.
Building on the overwhelming success of last year’s immersive performances, MMF is excited to continue pushing the boundaries of live music, theater and technology through projection mapping. Its musical experiences will feature the return of its popular Fourth of July orchestra and fireworks show at Lummus Park, an immersive symphony concert at Faena Forum, live renditions of Jake Heggie’s Dead Man Walking and Richard Wagner’s Die Walküre, and an immersive performance of Mozart’s The Magic Flute.
The full summer program includes:
Annual Independence Day Fireworks & Patriotic Concert - Thursday, July 4, at 8:30 p.m. at Lummus Park
The annual fireworks show and concert presented by the Ocean Drive Association and the City of Miami Beach will feature a performance at 8:30 p.m. by the MMF Symphony Orchestra and Alumni Division singers conducted by MMF founder and artistic director Michael Rossi. Celebrate the holiday listening to Broadway favorites and patriotic music, including Tchaikovsky’s bombastic 1812 Overture, the Armed Forces Salute, “The Stars and Stripes Forever” and more. The performance will be accompanied by fireworks at 9 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to make reservations at one of the many alfresco ocean-view restaurants or bring beach chairs, blankets and picnics.
Immersive The Magic Flute Opera - Saturday, July 6, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, July 7, at 2 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El
Experience Mozart’s The Magic Flute like never before! Join MMF for a captivating evening of music, magic and adventure in a unique immersive theater setting. As the performance unfolds, projections will dance around the room, transporting the audience to the opera’s magical world. Follow the journey of a heroic prince and a determined princess as they encounter enchanted creatures, an evil queen and, ultimately, each other – all with the help of a magic flute. Part of MMF’s popular Family Opera series, this production is created specifically for young children and will be performed with English dialogue. Mozart’s classic “Singspiel” includes both spoken and sung dialogue, with familiar melodies the audience can sing along to.
Jake Heggie Tribute Concert - Friday, July 12, at 8 p.m. at The Betsy Hotel
Join MMF for a special tribute concert honoring composer Jake Heggie, featuring select scenes from his acclaimed operas performed by singers from MMF’s Opera Apprentice Program. Experience the emotional depth and exquisite melodies of Dead Man Walking, Facing Forward/Looking Back and Three Decembers while celebrating Heggie’s remarkable contributions to opera. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to enjoy these masterpieces in the presence of the composer himself!
Dead Man Walking Opera - Saturday, July 13, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, July 14, at 2 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El
Based on the impactful book and film interpretation of the same name, acclaimed composer Jake Heggie takes on the true story that forever influenced the modern debate on the death penalty in America. When a New Orleans-based Catholic nun agrees to become pen pals with an inmate convicted of murder on death row, her entire worldview on life, death, forgiveness and capital punishment is challenged forever. Heggie is personally working with MMF’s Opera Institute cast to guarantee this production will be a poignant retelling of the modern setting, featuring libretto by Tony Award-winning playwright Terrence McNally of Master Class and Ragtime.
Immersive Die Walküre (Act 3) - Saturday, July 20, at 8 p.m. at Faena Forum
Experience the thrilling climax of Richard Wagner’s epic masterpiece, Die Walküre, as Act 3 comes to life in a mesmerizing immersive performance that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Join MMF for an evening of drama, passion and unforgettable music as it delves into the heart of this legendary opera. In Act 3, the stakes are higher than ever as the fate of gods and mortals hangs in the balance. Witness the intense confrontation between Wotan and his beloved daughter, Brünnhilde, as their destinies collide amidst a storm of betrayal and redemption. From the iconic “Ride of the Valkyries” to the poignant final moments of sacrifice and transcendence, every note resonates with power and emotion. The performance will be presented in MMF’s unique immersive theater setting, using state-of-the-art 360-degree projection-mapping technology to place the audience within the scenes of the opera.
Immersive Space Symphony - July 18 & 19 at 7 p.m. and July 21 at 1:30 p.m. at Faena Forum
Be transported to a world beyond imagination with MMF’s Immersive Space Symphony, a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience designed by artistic director Michael Rossi that combines cutting-edge projection-mapping technology with the power of a full orchestra. Through Gustav Holst’s The Planets, Richard Strauss’ Also sprach Zarathustra opening music from 2001: A Space Odyssey, and selections from Hans Zimmer’s epic soundtrack for Interstellar, MMF will take you on a musical journey to the outer reaches of the galaxy – all without leaving your seat! From Jupiter’s explosive energy to Saturn’s mesmerizing rings, The Planets captures the essence of each planet’s unique character, revealing the majesty and wonder of our universe in a way that will leave you breathless. This is a ticketed event. For tickets, visit here.
Miami Beach Classical Music Festival will also continue its summer promenade concerts in Miami Beach, hosted every Sunday in July at 6 p.m.
Produced by Michael Rossi, MMF founder and artistic director, with the support of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority and the City of Miami Beach, MMF’s summer season will span a diverse range of genres, promising to captivate audiences of all ages.