Classical music enthusiasts usually hit their stride from September through May, considered by most musical entities to be prime time for audiences.

But just because it's summer, schools are out, swimming pools are open and amusement parks are at their peak, people don't stop listening to music.

Virginia has a wealth of classical music festivals at venues ranging from schools and churches to ski resorts.

Many of the festivals are well-established and have attendees from all over the world. Frequently they provide first-class musicians from some of the greatest orchestras and musical groups.

Here is a list of summer music festivals in Virginia with phone contact information and Web sites where you can obtain all the information you need about performances:

Fredericksburg Music Festival -- (540) 374-5040 or www.fredfest.org.

Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival -- (540) 432-4582 or www.emu.edu/bach.

Wintergreen Summer Music Festival -- (434) 325-8292 or www.wintergreenperformingarts.org

Ash Lawn Opera Festival -- (434) 979-0122 or www.ashlawnopera.org.

Garth Newel Summer Chamber Music Festival -- (877) 558-1689 or www.garthnewel.org.

Shenandoah Valley Music Festival -- (540) 459-3396 or www.musicfest.org.

Staunton Music Festival -- (540) 569-0267 or www.stauntonmusicfestival.com.

. . .

The Richmond area also has summer musical events, including:

Centenary Classics -- Centenary United Methodist Church, 411 E. Grace St., (804) 648-8319.

August Musicales -- Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1627 Monument Ave., (804) 359-2463.

Richmond Chamber Players Interlude 2008 -- Bon Air Presbyterian Church, 9201 Huguenot Road, (804) 272-7514. -- Walt Amacker