The Local Lens – Bringing World-Class Music to Incline Village
July 15, 2026 | Member Submitted
Written by Joanne Taylor, Development Director at Classical Tahoe
Joanne Taylor is the Development Director at Classical Tahoe. A native Nevadan and graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, she has spent a lifetime enjoying the beauty of Lake Tahoe—from summers on its beaches to winters in the surrounding mountains. She is proud to help bring world-class music and arts to the community she has long called home.
Each summer, Classical Tahoe presents a four-week, world-class jazz and classical music festival in an intimate outdoor pavilion nestled in the majestic pines of Incline Village, at the University of Nevada, Reno’s Lake Tahoe campus. Featured are top jazz players and principal musicians from major orchestras throughout North America, including the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Seattle Symphony, L.A. Phil, and Toronto Symphony Orchestra, just to name a few.
Bringing together the more than 100 musicians who join us over the next four weeks on stage, in classrooms, and in the community is no easy feat. We begin planning each season immediately after the current one concludes.
Strategic planning and budgeting come first, led by Classical Tahoe’s Executive Director, David Pratt, with input and participation from staff and the board. (Note that when I mention staff, I’m referring only to three full-time employees, myself included, and a handful of contractors.) Simultaneously, Artistic Director Laura Hamilton begins to put together the classical programs and hire musicians, guest artists, and conductors. David works closely with Laura to accomplish this, among many other things, including coordination with the Brubeck Jazz Summit. Festival Administrator Anna King Box begins to set up ticketing and seating for subscribers. During this time, I am focused on securing corporate and individual sponsorships, grants, and major gifts. I also work to get housing hosts for musicians (we’re always looking for new housing hosts, so contact me if you are interested!) And, all of us, along with a committee, start planning our annual gala. We’re exhausted by December!
Now celebrating its 15th season, Classical Tahoe presents more performances, reaches more students, and engages more community members than ever before. We’ve accomplished this through important partnerships with the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe, corporate sponsors and foundations (too many to name!), and other arts organizations such as the Brubeck Living Legacy and Lake Tahoe Dance Collective. And, of course, there are the hundreds of individuals who believe in our mission and support our organization through contributions and volunteerism. Add to that the commitment and generosity of our 18 board members, and you have the formula for our success.
The 2026 Classical Tahoe festival dates are July 11-Aug. 9. Click here for a complete Classical Tahoe 2026 Festival program guide. Many of the performances are sold out but there are still tickets available for the concerts below. And don’t forget—orchestra rehearsals are free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday beginning at 10:30 a.m., offering a rare opportunity to watch world-class musicians at work.
Thursday, July 16 – The Sound of Today: Contemporary Masters Sextet
Featuring Roxy Coss, Lucas Pino, Michael Rodriguez, Rachel Eckroth, Gerald Cannon & Bryan Carter. Special appearance from Chris and Dan Brubeck.
7 PM | Classical Tahoe Ricardi Pavilion
Friday, July 17 – The Future of Jazz: Brubeck Jazz Summit Rising Stars
Featuring Chris and Dan Brubeck, summit participants, and Contemporary Masters Sextet
7 PM | Classical Tahoe Ricardi Pavilion
Friday, July 31 – Brahms’ First Symphony
Daniel Stewart, conductor
Bella Hristova, violin
Classical Tahoe Orchestra
7 PM | Classical Tahoe Ricardi Pavilion
August 1 – Family Concert and Music Maker’s Faire: Kids Take the Stage
11:00 am – 2:00 pm | Classical Tahoe Ricardi Pavilion, 291 Country Club Dr., Incline Village.
This concert and day of music exploration for families, is priced to reduce the cost barrier for some to attend. Tickets are $5 for children and $10 for adults, though Classical Tahoe will happily waive the ticket price for anyone that asks.
Saturday, August 1 – Passion and Spirit
Daniel Stewart, conductor
Russell Thomas, tenor
7 PM | Classical Tahoe Ricardi Pavilion
Whether you’re attending your first concert or returning for another unforgettable season, we invite you to experience the artistry, inspiration, and sense of community that make Classical Tahoe so special. We look forward to seeing you.
