About the Festival
Music in Nature: A creative vision for historic preservation and excellence in music education and performance
It's hard to determine which has a greater effect on the soul—music or nature. Now, through a collaborative effort between the University of Illinois School of Music and the University's Allerton Park & Retreat Center, music and nature will become one with the creation of a world-class music venue—set amidst the beauty of an idyllic nine-acre historic farmstead.
The natural rustic beauty of exposed timbers in this traditional two-story Dutch hay barn creates a space that is dramatic, inviting, and architecturally significant— resulting in a charming atmosphere with great acoustic sound quality for musical performances. The performance space, located on the upper level, has a sloped roof with a 30-foot rise from floor to peak that provides excellent acoustics.
Under the guidance of the School of Music and Allerton, this site is becoming a world-class retreat where acclaimed artists, upcoming musicians, and university students can exchange musical ideas, rehearse, and perform together in an inspirational environment.
"Allerton has its own magic. After a concert, standing in the cool, moist air outside the barn, there are no city lights to wash out the night sky. Several planets shine brightly, and the Milky Way splashes a faint band from tree line to tree line above the clearing around the barn. People talk quietly about the music, and the crickets continue their concert. The spell lasts longer, and the event puts down roots in your memory."
— Brian Mackey, Heartland Magazine
