Each summer, the Grand Teton Music Festival in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, brings together some of the finest classical musicians from around the world. Among the world-class artists performing at this year’s festival were two members of the University of Tennessee’s Natalie L. Haslam College of Music faculty: mezzo-soprano Renée Tatum, assistant professor of voice, and Jaren Atherholt, assistant professor of oboe.
For Tatum, returning to the Tetons was both a professional and personal highlight. She debuted at the festival in 2018 in West Side Story under Maestro Donald Runnicles and has since performed major works at the San Francisco Opera. This summer, she shared the stage with Atherholt for Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, an experience she described as unforgettable.
“To have such esteemed players gathered under Maestro Runnicles is a dream,” Tatum said. “Performing Beethoven’s Ninth with my UT colleague Jaren at such a high level was incredible. Jackson Hole is truly one of the most inspiring places in the world.”
Atherholt has performed with the festival for 18 summers, moving from second oboist to principal. She called the orchestra one of the best she had ever played with, made up of musicians from top orchestras and academic institutions across the country.
“This past summer was especially meaningful,” Atherholt said. “Sharing the stage with Renee for Beethoven 9 in that intimate mountain venue was profound. The orchestra and Maestro Runnicles have supported me throughout my career, and this moment felt very present and unique.”
Performing in the Tetons presents unique challenges. The high altitude affects reed-making and oboe performance, but Atherholt said the experience inspires her and energizes her teaching at UT. “Performing with musicians at the top of their craft gives me permission to focus fully on the art of music-making and encourages our students to strive for the same,” Atherholt said.
For Tatum, the festival setting offers a different kind of creative focus than the opera stage. Without costumes, sets, or staging concerns, she can concentrate entirely on musical interpretation. “The experience fuels my artistry and enhances my teaching,” she said. “Being invited to perform at such prestigious festivals allows me to continue performing at a high level while inspiring my students to reach the same standards of excellence.”
In addition to performing at Grand Teton, Tatum returned to the Teton Valley Chamber Music Festival as an artist in residence, mentoring students and leading master classes. Both she and Atherholt exemplify UT’s commitment to artistic excellence and mentorship, representing the university among the world’s leading musicians. Their work in Jackson Hole underscores the exceptional artistry and influence of UT’s faculty, both on and off Rocky Top.
To learn more about Grand Teton Music Festival visit: https://gtmf.org/
