Elderflower Arts, Medford, OR 97501, US

HistoryPortland conductor John Trudeau and his friend Sam McKinney visited southern Oregon with the dream of starting a music festival. The former hillside estate of Jacksonville pioneer Peter Britt was perfect. They noticed an amazing resonance to the hillside's acoustics. Combined with the gorgeous view of the valley in the distance, they decided it would be the perfect site for concerts. In the summer of 1963, volunteers erected a makeshift stage of plywood and strung tin-can lights above. A small chamber orchestra was assembled and the Northwest's first summer outdoor music festival was born. The first concert was Sunday, August 11, 1963. Britt offered classical music exclusively until the present pavilion was constructed in 1978. The new facility enabled expansion to the current multi-disciplinary format. Bench seats were added in 1987 and the handicapped access and restrooms were built in 1993.SpecialtiesEnjoy the Britt Experience! With a maximum capacity of 2,200, the Britt Music and Arts Festival offers a summer festival full of world-class music under the stars, from country to rock, folk and jazz, plus a three-week orchestra season. Picnickers enjoy live pre-show music while dining on their own treats or enjoying food from one of the many booths and trucks on The Hill. Come experience Britt this summer!