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Review: Weilerstein’s Dvořák cello concerto tops a juicy music festival week
By Harvey Steiman Follow at Aspen Times
· July 13, 2026
· 4 min read
Cellist Alisa Weilerstein and her husband, conductor Rafael Payare, are regular visitors to the Aspen Music Festival — Weilerstein literally since birth and Payare more recently. Sunday’s Festival Orchestra program brought them together in performance for the first time here, and the results were...
Key takeaway Sunday’s Festival Orchestra program brought them together in performance for the first time here, and the results were stunning in a gorgeous and thrilling Dvořák Cello Concerto.
Why this matters in Aspen News
The Aspen Music Festival's latest performances have once again showcased the town's unique position as a cultural hub in the Rocky Mountains. With cellist Alisa Weilerstein, a regular visitor to Aspen since birth, delivering a stunning Dvořák Cello Concerto, the festival has highlighted its ability to attract world-class talent to the mountain resort. The festival's success is a boon to the local economy, drawing visitors from around the world to experience the unique combination of natural beauty and cultural richness that Aspen has to offer. As the festival continues, it will be interesting to see how the town's infrastructure and amenities support the influx of visitors, and how the festival's programming reflects the town's character and values. With its stunning mountain backdrop and sophisticated cultural scene, Aspen is an ideal setting for a music festival of this caliber, and the festival's success is a testament to the town's enduring appeal.
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Category: local ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Cellist Alisa Weilerstein and her husband, conductor Rafael Payare, are regular visitors to the Aspen Music Festival — Weilerstein literally since birth and Payare more recently. Sunday’s Festival Orchestra program brought them together in performance for the first time here, and the results were...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Harvey Steiman 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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