The Aspen Music Festival and School is one of the most prestigious classical music events in the United States, held annually each summer in the mountain resort town of Aspen, Colorado. Founded in 1949, the festival has grown into a nine-week celebration of classical music featuring over 400 events — including orchestral concerts, chamber music performances, opera productions, and solo recitals — all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.
The school component of the festival brings together approximately 500 young artists from around the world, who study alongside more than 100 artist-faculty — some of the most distinguished performers and teachers in the classical music world. Approximately 85% of students receive financial assistance, reflecting the festival's commitment to nurturing talent regardless of economic background.
Among the festival's most coveted distinctions is the Polonsky Foundation Fellowship, awarded to exceptional young musicians by the Polonsky Foundation. This fellowship recognises outstanding artistic promise and provides fellows with the opportunity to develop their craft in one of the world's most inspiring musical environments, working closely with world-class faculty and performing on prestigious stages.
The Aspen Music Festival has been the launching ground for countless careers in classical music. Its alumni include some of the most celebrated performers, conductors, and teachers active today. The festival's combination of intensive study, world-class performance opportunities, and an extraordinary community of musicians makes it a transformative experience for every participant.
In 2019, Hong Kong pianist Tin-Pui Tang was selected as a Polonsky Foundation Fellow at the Aspen Music Festival and School — a distinction that placed him among the most promising young pianists of his generation. During his time at Aspen, he received guidance from world-class piano pedagogues including Arie Vardi and Anton Nel.