Tippet Rise adds fall concerts, play, biking, hiking to world famous venue

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

THE CARPE DIEM KIDS

Members of the acclaimed string quartet, Brooklyn Rider, performed in a formal concert to end the official Tippet Rise season, then encored for a casual concert of Beethoven in an informal setting at the venue's library.

HIKERS, FRENCH HORNISTS, bikers, bassoonists, backpacks, and million-dollar artwork converge in one of the world's most unique performing arts venues.

Tippet Rise Art Center near Fishtail, Montana, is a haven for famous artists and musicians, offering an unusual place where the arts and nature merge. Its founders, Cathy and Peter Halstead have artfully  honored their dream that music, art, architecture and landscape could harmonize, intertwine and inspire for the benefit of humanity.

In its 10th season, the center wrapped its official concert season Sept. 14 with a standing room only crowd to hear Brooklyn Rider perform Haydn and newer work. While they played, bikers and hikers enjoyed outdoor sculpture created by artists from Spain, Poland and other venues, all top ranked. in their craft. 

Guests stroll from the Olivier Barn at the formal season's close, enroute to the Library to enjoy an impromptu concert by Brooklyn Rider. The acclaimed string quartet received standing ovations. 

A SPRING DRAWING awards $10 tickets to the prestigious Tippet Rise season.  They are highly prized and coveted by music lovers. In small venues -- the outdoor Domo and Geode, and in the acoustically perfect Olivier Concert Barn, audiences enjoy acclaimed musicians -- soloists, quartets, ensembles. This year's season capped Sept. 14, but thanks to enterprising programming and popular demand, the season has been extended. While two of the three performance events sold out in a couple days, one is still open. Montana's award winning Shakespeare in the Schools offers its adaptation of "Richard III" Oct. 18, at 3 p.m. in the Olivier Music Barn. Registration is at: tippetrise.org

Bicyclers head up the road to view sculpture while elsewhere on Tippet Rise campus, visitors stroll to enjoy a cafe lunch or if they have tickets, a concert.

And for three more days, guests may enjoy hiking and biking tours to view the impressive Tippet Rise art collection of large sculptural works. The art center extended its public opening through this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3, 4, 5, so guests may enjoy early fall color and crisp mountain air while viewing the 20-plus sculptures including two works by Alexander Calder. Advance registration is required, and reservations are free.

This Saturday's Montana Youth Symphony concert with Brahms and Beethoven works, and Sunday's Claire Chase pop-up flute concert sold out quickly after posting. 

Concert goers often stroll the campus before or after a performance, here Xylem Pavilion.

The Center continues to be enjoyed by guests from around the world as well as many U.S. states. We saw license plates from Vermont, Oregon, Colorado, Florida, California and New York last weekend.

 Click here to register for hiking, biking tours

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"The Carpe Diem Kids," -- Bruce Keller and Christene

"Cookie" Meyers enjoy a day on Vancouver's Big Bus.