Enjoy classical music for three nights this Thursday through Saturday (Aug. 25-28)  at what may be the oldest performing arts festival in Missouri, the Missouri River Festival of the Arts, held since 1976 in Boonville at Thespian Hall at 522 Main Street. Artistic Director David Halen, the Concertmaster of the Saint Louis Symphony, has arranged for classically trained artists from around this region as well as nationally recognized solo artists to perform.

Thursday, August 25th presents “A Musical Feast” with the music of Kreisler, Dvorak, and Shostakovich. Michael Hawk and Sylvia D’Eramo will take the stage in the second half with a stellar selection of Broadway tunes.

Friday, August 26th is devoted to “Magical and Classical,” an evening of musical masterpieces. The Brahms Eb Major Trio featuring Roger Kasa, Horn, Xiaoxa Quang, violin; and Mia Hynes, piano; is both a pastoral and majestic work. The Beethoven Septet, Op. 20 is one of his most popular works. It features clarinet, horn, bassoon, violin, viola, cello, and double bass in a dramatic display of chamber ensemble technique. 

Saturday, August 27th concludes with “The Missouri River Festival Orchestra Presents,” Mozart’s “Marriage of Figaro,” and a Mozart Violin Concerto, featuring Festival Artistic Director David Halen. The concert will close with Symphony No. 7 by Beethoven. The orchestra will be led by Ms. Stephanie Childress, Assistant Conductor of the St. Louis Symphony. Ms. Childress has conducted orchestras in France; Hungary; Poland; the Netherlands; and other cities across Europe and the United States. You can call either 660-882-7977 or 660-882-3452 to buy tickets or purchase them at the door.

Another part of the festival is an art show featuring the artwork of local Columbia artist and Boonville native, Shannon Webster, held at the historic Hain House at 412 Fourth Street. Reception is open to the public on Wednesday, August 24th from 6-8 p.m., and the show is open additionally for viewing Thursday and Friday, August 25-26th, from 6:30-7:15 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 7:15 p.m. 

You can learn more about the Missouri River Festival of the Arts by visiting Boonville Tourism or clicking here.

Explore more amazing events in Missouri here.