Britt Music & Art Festival

Britt Music & Arts Festival is the Pacific Northwest’s premier outdoor summer performing arts festival and runs three weekends every summer starting in late July. Located in the historic 1850s gold rush town of Jacksonville, Oregon, Britt presents dozens of summer concerts. World-class artists in classical music, jazz, blues, folk, bluegrass, world, pop and country music round out a full program.

The Britt Orchestra is composed of 90 professional musicians who come from all over the United States. Internationally renowned guest artists such as the following, join the orchestra to present a series of extraordinary concerts under a canopy of stars.

Britt started in 1963 as a summer classical festival. There was only a temporary stage and blankets on the hillside. Over time it has grown with a permanent pavilion, bench seats and concessions. But it still retains a casual atmosphere that facilitates an intimate exchange between performers and audience.

Britt’s performance venue is a naturally formed amphitheater set among majestic ponderosa pines and native madrones. It is on the beautiful hillside estate of 19th century photographer Peter Britt. Here, tens of thousands of music lovers travel from all over the West to enjoy Britt’s world-class performances, spectacular scenery and casual, relaxing atmosphere.

Teddy Abrams is Britt Orchestra’s Music Director and Conductor and he is bringing a renewed vitality to the festival. Abrams was chosen after an extensive search that drew 130 applicants from across the U.S. and Europe. He has developed an exciting program with incredible soloists. Abrams is also the Music Director of the Louisville Orchestra, as of October 2013.

Prior to each concert, you can enjoy informal pre-concert conversations. These programs are for those who want to learn a little more about the music and composers, or the guest performers. The talks are hosted by Jefferson Public Radio, and often feature conversations with the conductor or guest artists, giving the listener a little added insight for in the concert.

Come See A Concert
If you haven’t been to a Britt concert before, the season is announced in February. The full schedule is announced in stages starting in February and running through early April. Start planning today!

And be sure to get answers about parking, seating options, what you can bring into the park, etc. You can arrive early and bring in picnics and enjoy some people watching. And at many concerts you are allowed to bring in your own wine or beer.