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Aspen Ideas Festival: What will music sound like in 250 years?
By Kimberly Nicoletti Follow at Aspen Times
· June 29, 2026
· 3 min read
Damian Woetzel, artistic director of Vail Dance Festival, spoke on a panel at Aspen Ideas festival on Monday along with Charles Yang and Caroline Shaw about music — and what it might sound like in 250 years, in alignment with Aspen Ideas’ theme: “Declarations of Independence: Past, Present and Fu...
Key takeaway ” As a way of answering what music might evolve into by the year 2276, the three artists took a look back at music.
Why this matters in Aspen News
The Aspen Ideas Festival's exploration of music's future resonates deeply in a town where the arts are woven into the fabric of daily life. Aspen's own rich cultural scene, with institutions like the Aspen Music Festival and School, provides a unique backdrop for discussions about the evolution of music. The festival's theme, "Declarations of Independence: Past, Present and Future," takes on added significance in a community that values innovation and creativity. As Caroline Shaw and Charles Yang's improvisational performance demonstrated, music has the power to bring people together and create a sense of collective joy. In a town that attracts visitors from around the world, the Aspen Ideas Festival's focus on the future of music serves as a reminder of the importance of nurturing local artistic talent and providing opportunities for creative expression. The festival's impact will likely be felt throughout the summer, as Aspen's music scene continues to thrive.
About this story
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Category: local ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Damian Woetzel, artistic director of Vail Dance Festival, spoke on a panel at Aspen Ideas festival on Monday along with Charles Yang and Caroline Shaw about music — and what it might sound like in 250 years, in alignment with Aspen Ideas’ theme: “Declarations of Independence: Past, Present and Fu...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kimberly Nicoletti Follow at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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