Both New York Philharmonic, New York City Ballet set to return to Vail Valley this summer

East (Coast) meets (wild) West for a celebration of New York's world class music and dance in the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Vail Valley welcomes the New York Philharmonic and the New York City Ballet MOVES this July, as the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival and Vail International Dance Festival bring New York's prized cultural treasures to the unparalleled setting of the Colorado mountains over the course of one weekend.

The New York Philharmonic will return to its home away from home for the 25th anniversary season of the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival for six concerts at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, July 20-27, 2012.

For the Philharmonic's tenth year at the Festival, its concert schedule includes diverse selections that will demonstrate the range and depth of the oldest symphony orchestra in the United States. Symphony lovers will not want to miss this feast for the senses, with the panoramic natural beauty of Colorado as a setting for breathtaking musical artistry. This event, which will feature the music of some of the most beloved composers, is also a perfect introduction for those new to symphony orchestra.

Following the July 27 New York Philharmonic performance, New York continues to bring its gifts to Vail Valley with New York City Ballet MOVES opening the Vail International Dance Festival on July 29. NYCB MOVES is the touring company of the NYCB that debuted at the 2011 Vail International Dance Festival, and will present shows at the 2012 Festival from July 29-31, 2012.

Consisting of a small group of artists from NYCB's impressive roster of dancers and musicians, the company will bring three completely different programs to Vail, including masterworks from legendary founding choreographers George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins, as well as contemporary works from William Forsythe, Ulysses Dove and NYCB Master-in-Chief Peter Martins and a new work by 24-year-old NYCB corps de ballet member Justin Peck. Peck's work will be set to Four Movements for Two Pianos by composer Philip Glass.

In addition, NYCB MOVES will give a special performance on Tuesday July 31 at the Vilar Performing Arts Center. UpClose: Stravinsky by Balanchine honors the 40th anniversary of the NYCB's landmark Stravinsky Festival. This unique event celebrates the music of Igor Stravinsky and the choreography of George Balanchine, a magical combination that created some of the 20th century's most important and enduring ballets. UpClose: Stravinsky by Balanchine features rehearsal-style excerpts performed by NYCB MOVES and is hosted by Peter Martins and Damian Woetzel.

Vail's Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater is a spectacular outdoor venue that offers both covered seating and an expansive grassy hillside with a breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains. Each summer, the Amphitheater plays host to an array of cultural and entertainment offerings, ranging from internationally renowned dance and classical music presentations, to local chorale and theater presentations. Outside of attending performances by world-renowned artists at the Amphitheater, visitors can discover the Vail Valley's array of summer activities in an ideal blue-sky climate. Whether a visitor's idea of fun is active or idle, the choices are plentiful including biking, rafting, fly fishing, golfing, camping, outdoor classes, shopping, dining, and much more.

Tickets are now available for both the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival and the Vail International Dance Festival. The Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival's 25th season will run from June 25 through August 4, 2012. For more information and ticket purchase, visit VailMusic.org or call 877-812-5700.

The Vail International Dance Festival performances will take place July 29 through August 11 at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail and the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek, while community events will be held in the streets and villages throughout the Vail Valley. Under the leadership of Artistic Director and former New York City Ballet Principal Dancer Damian Woetzel, the 2012 Vail International Dance Festival will host a total of 10 not-to-be-missed performances. Tickets are priced from $12 to $90 and available online at www.vaildance.org or via phone at 888-920-ARTS(2787). Series and student pricing is also offered.