Vail Music Festival’s Artistic Director Announces Departure

The Bravo! Vail Music Festival has announced that Anne-Marie McDermott will be stepping down as the Festival’s Artistic Director at the conclusion of the 2026 season. McDermott, a renowned concert pianist and artistic director, has held the position since 2011 and has played a significant role in the growth and impact of the festival as an internationally recognized hub for classical music.

During McDermott’s tenure, the festival has made great strides, including the introduction of an international chamber orchestra residency, doubling the number of performances, launching Bravo! Vail’s Symphonic Commissioning Project, establishing the Piano Fellows Program, and creating new series such as Classically Uncorked and Immersive Experiences. Additionally, the festival collaborated with orchestral partners to present innovative projects, including its first opera staging in 2019.

In a statement, McDermott expressed gratitude for the support and spirit of the Bravo! Vail community, stating, “I can honestly say that so many of the dreams I had for the festival upon my appointment as Artistic Director in 2011 have not only been realized but have had an impact beyond what I could have imagined. Thanks to the amazing spirit of the entire Bravo! Vail community and the outstanding generosity of its supporters, classical music is flourishing in the Rocky Mountains. I am profoundly grateful and very excited for what lies ahead.”

McDermott’s departure marks the end of an era for the festival, but also signals a new chapter as they prepare for the future.