The Valley of the Moon Music Festival in Sonoma California is so unique that it is hard to know where to begin. Ditto regarding the president of its Board of Directors Kimberly Blattner who was not raised with classical music but whose passion for it now has guided much of what she does. She says that although money was limited her life was endlessly privileged.
Born and bred in Oregon, she came to California to attend Stanford University where she received a BA in Political Science and she was as Kimberly tells it with a slight smile, captain of the women’s varsity swim-team. She taught high school and was chair of the English Department at Sonoma Valley High School and found time to serve on boards of Presidio Hill School, a baroque orchestra, SFMOMA Docent Council and more. Much more.
The music festival itself is about grand works on an intimate scale and classical music performed on period instruments. How do the musicians get those period instruments? Good question. Fascinating answer. Bonus #1: there is an annual free concert day for children. Bonus #2: The Blattner Lecture Series
To see her talk about her parents, her sisters, her upbringing and the wealth of haunting music she did have as a child is a journey down a road of total appreciation. The glow in her eyes just a reflection of the glow in her heart when it comes to the Valley of the Moon Music Festival.
She asked about writing to people who are deceased. By all means!! And mail them! Her love letter is as unique as she is and, like classical music, with generational ramifications.