Closer to home is the UW Summer Arts Festival (July 16-19). Headlining are the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra (Fri July 18, Meany Hall, 7:30 pm, $12-$15) and the Kronos Quartet (Sat July 19, Meany Hall, 7:30 pm, $40-$45). The jazz orchestra, an all-star group that re-creates the glory days of Big Band jazz, performs the music of the immortal Thelonious Monk, including his classics "'Round Midnight," "Evidence," and "I Mean You." Indisputably the best-known string quartet in the world, the Kronos Quartet also ranks among the most exploratory. They commissioned Terry Riley, chiefly known for the minimalist classic In C and pioneering work with tape loops, for Sun Rings. This evening-long extravaganza is scored for string quartet, chorus, "pre-recorded spacescapes," and video projections. Thanks to high-caliber musicianship and usually interesting programming, the Seattle Chamber Music Festival (July 7-Aug 1) remains the granddaddy of local classical music festivals; even I dress up for it. CHRISTOPHER DeLAURENTI
For festival locations, lineups, schedules, and prices:
Icicle Creek Chamber Music Festival: www.icicle.org
Lake Chelan Bach Fest: www.bachfest.org
Olympic Music Festival: www.olympicmusic-festival.org
Seattle Chamber Music Festival: www.scmf.org
UW Summer Arts Festival: www.summerartsfest.org