A Guest Viola Recital In Idyllwild

The town of Idyllwild is a rustic little community in the mountains an hour’s drive southwest of Palm Springs. It’s a great place to escape the heat and desert views for cooler temps and pine forests. The have several quaint restaurants and dozens of shops selling typical tourist knickknacks.

One little known fact is that they also have a world-class arts school geared for teens. This school regularly gives free concerts and recitals.

Last week, I was fortunate to be invited to the Idyllwild Arts Music Department’s Viola & Piano recital, featuring Roger Myers on viola and Douglas Ashcraft on piano.

Their program included:

-Sonata for viola da gamba, Wq88 – Bach

-Sonata for viola and piano – Mikhail Glinka

-Rondo for viola and piano – Jean Sibelius

Lachrymae, Op. 48 – Benjamin Britten

Suite – Michael Mclean

It was an ambitious program, and the artists pulled it with flair and beauty. It was one of the most marvelous experiences Herman and I have enjoyed since moving to Palm Springs three years ago.

For anyone living or visiting in Palm Springs, I encourage you to check out Idyllwild. It is an artist’s community, and there is much to see and do there. I see something new every time I go there.