August 10-20. The tagline of this five-years-and-climbing chamber music summit fits well: "Music with Altitude!" The 10-day festival is directed by world-renowned cellist Yehuda Hanani and offers concerts, lectures, films, and master classes by distinguished faculty artists and outstanding young international musicians. The events will take place at the Orpheum Theater in Tannersville and the Doctorow Center for the Arts in Hunter, plus additional Hudson Valley and Berkshires locations. This year's theme is the music of Italy, and as such the centerpiece concerts are "Years of Pilgrimage" (August 10), which focuses on how Italian composers inspired Mendelssohn, Byron, and other famous visitors, and features Hanani, pianist Michael Chertock, and Met mezzo-soprano Lucille Beer; the main work of the second concert, "Souvenir de Florence" (August 17), is Tchaikovsky's musical impression of the titular city. $25, $30 (student and senior rates available). Visit website for a full schedule of events and locations. (518) 392-6677; Catskillhighpeaksmusic.org.
