EMF Signs Three Year Contract Extension With Acclaimed Music Director Gerard Schwarz

Maestro’s Leadership Solidifies Festival’s International Reputation

"(GREENSBORO) – Eastern Music Festival is delighted to announce a three-year extension of Gerard Schwarz’s contract as EMF’s Music Director.

 “Securing Maestro Schwarz’s leadership through the end of this decade is one of my proudest achievements for EMF,” said Fred Starr, chairman of the board of directors for Eastern Music Festival.

“Jerry (Schwarz) brings more than 40 years of highly acclaimed accomplishments to EMF, and the renewal of his contract not only secures continuity for the Festival’s short- and long-term planning, it strengthens our international reputation to both emerging and highly celebrated artists,” explained Starr.

“Schwarz’s exemplary reputation has helped EMF attract world-renowned guest artists and composers and has certainly contributed greatly to our reputation as one of the leading classical music festivals in the country,” said EMF Executive Director Chris Williams.

Each summer the 55-year-old Eastern Music Festival draws over 200 young artists ages 14 to 23  to study at its famed program and nearly 80 professional musicians to both teach and perform during EMF’s five-week season.

Schwarz joined EMF as music advisor in 2005. In 2006 he became the Festival’s principal conductor and rose to the role of music director in 2008. The 2017 EMF season will mark his 10^th anniversary as music director.

As EMF music director, Schwarz initiated the Bonnie McElveen-Hunter Commissioning Project that has thus far commissioned four original orchestral works by John Corigliano, Richard Danielpour, Lowell Liebermann and Sir André Previn.

“My work with Eastern Music Festival is invigorating,” Schwarz said from his home in New York City. “EMF offers both an acclaimed teaching environment for emerging artists and world-class performances through our professional musicians so I have the opportunity to be immersed in both elements as music director.

“It is an honor to continue my work with EMF as we enhance the education of hundreds of EMF’s young artists and bring great music to thousands of classical music lovers,” Schwarz added. “I treasure the opportunity to continue in this role for the next three years.”

About Gerard Schwarz

Born in America to Viennese parents, Schwarz began studying music at the age of 5 and soon focused on the trumpet. A graduate of both New York City's High School of Performing Arts and The Juilliard School, he joined the New York Philharmonic in 1972 as co-principal trumpet, a position he held until 1977.

During his distinguished career, Schwarz has won five Emmy awards, received 14 Grammy nominations, six American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) awards and has been awarded seven honorary degrees including one from The Juilliard School, his alma mater, as well as numerous Stereo Review and Ovation awards.

Schwarz serves as music director of The All-Star Orchestra, an ensemble of top musicians that, in addition to airing live TV shows worldwide, provides the basis for their Khan Academy education platform already reaching over four million students. 

Schwarz’s previous positions include 26 years as music director of the Seattle Symphony, music director of New York’s Mostly Mozart Festival, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and New York Chamber Symphony. In addition he served as artistic advisor to the Tokyo Philharmonic. Schwarz also serves as music director of the All-Star Orchestra.

About Eastern Music Festival

Eastern Music Festival, which was begun in 1961 in Greensboro, stands among the nation’s premier summer music educational programs and most imaginative performance festivals. For the 2016 season, EMF presented over 65 performances in venues throughout the Triad such as Temple Emanuel, Greensboro’s First Presbyterian Church, Greensboro’s public libraries as well as concerts at Guilford College, UNC Greensboro, High Point University and Appalachian State University. EMF attracts artists, students and audiences from around the globe to Greensboro each summer during its five-week festival. Beyond the Festival, EMF produces and presents Fringe series and other programming through the year.

Planning for Eastern Music Festival’s 56^th season is well underway so mark your calendars for June 24 – July 29, 2017!

For more information about Eastern Music Festival,

visit http://www.easternmusicfestival.org/festival/calendar"

- A Press Release

EMF to Perform World Premier from 10-Time Academy Award-Winning Composer

"(GREENSBORO, NC) – The Eastern Music Festival will premier a new piece from 10-time Academy Award-winning composer, conductor and pianist  Sir André Previn, at 8 p.m., Saturday, July 23, in Guilford College’s Dana Auditorium.

Previn is famous for his film scores of Porgy & Bess, My Fair Lady and Gigi. Almost all of the world’s major orchestras have sought Previn’s work, from the Boston Symphony Orchestra to the Royal Philharmonic.

A week full of EMF events provide local listeners a chance to sample a variety of world-class music.   

On Wednesday, July 20 at 8:00 p.m. in Sternberger Auditorium at Guilford College, Grammy-winning guitarist Jason Vieaux will teach a master class that is free and open to the public. Audiences will have a unique opportunity to hear Vieaux, who NPR describes as “perhaps the most precise and soulful classical guitarist of his generation,” as he works with students from the EMF’s Guitar Program, which is now in its second year. No tickets or reservations are needed. (is that right?)

Sunday afternoon, EMF hosts a free Open House at Guilford College featuring the talents of its 227 Young Artists and 80 plus Faculty Artists (is that correct since the festival orchestra is performing?). Performances include:

1:00 p.m.        Percussion Ensemble, Dana Auditorium

2:15 p.m.        Guitar Program Recital, Carnegie Room

3:00 p.m.        Pianopalooza, Sternberger Auditorium

4:00 p.m.        Conducting Fellows Showcase with Eastern Festival Orchestra, Dana Auditorium

On Sunday, July 24 at 6:30 p.m., New Orleans-based Tuba Skinny and local guests the Swamp Nots will play a mix of New Orleans jazz and old-time string band music. This free concert is part of the EMF Fringe and MUSEP series, which annually draws crowds of several hundred to the Founders’ Lawn at Guilford College. (I sort of beefed up the numbers as a self-fulfilling prophecy)

Between a world premier from an international star, a master class with a Grammy-winning guitarist and a family-friendly Sunday evening show, be sure to experience EMF in the festival’s second-to-last week.

About Eastern Music Festival:

Eastern Music Festival stands among the country's premier summer music educational programs and most imaginative performance festivals. With a 55-year history of both artistic and educational excellence, EMF attracts artists, students and audiences from around the globe to Greensboro each summer during its five-week festival. EMF’s 2016 performances began June 27 and continues through Saturday, July 30. Concerts are presented at Guilford College, UNCG, High Point University, Appalachian State University and in venues throughout the community such as Temple Emanuel, Greensboro’s First Presbyterian Church and in public libraries. Over 65 performances, workshops, seminars and master classes will be presented.

Beyond the Festival, EMF produces and presents Fringe series and other programming throughout the year.

For more information about Eastern Chamber Players and the 2016 EMF season,

visit http://www.easternmusicfestival.org/festival/calendar

To purchase tickets or for ticket information visit our website

or call Triad Stage at 336-272-0160."

- A Press Release

Acclaimed performer Salerno-Sonnenberg plays recital on Thursday, June 30

VIOLINIST NADJA SALERNO-SONNENBERG SERENADES EMF

"(GREENSBORO, NC) – Internationally acclaimed violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg will perform a recital on Thursday, June 30 at 8 p.m. in Guilford College’s Dana Auditorium as a part of the opening week of the Eastern Music Festival. Salerno-Sonnenberg, accompanied by pianist Marika Bournaki and the EMF String Fellows, presents a program of Pärt, Fauré, Elgar, Grieg and Schnittke.

“Salerno-Sonnenberg is a rock star of classical music,” says EMF Executive Director Chris Williams. “We’re thrilled that she’s coming to share her passion and talent with EMF students and audiences.”

The recital is part of Salerno-Sonnenberg’s residency with the Festival made possible in part through the generosity of the Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation. She will give a master class on July 1 and a second performance at UNCG’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance Recital Hall on July 3 at 3 p.m. as part of the 2016 Eastern Chamber Players series.

Salerno-Sonnenberg is widely recognized for her work on the concert stage, in the recording studio, and as music director of the San Francisco-based New Century Chamber Orchestra. She receives consistent praise for her compelling, emotional performances at music festivals and in solo and chamber performances around the globe. Salerno-Sonnenberg continues to expand the offerings of her own record label, NSS Music, where she collaborates with world-class artists. In August 2015, she began a multi-year engagement as a resident artist with Loyola University New Orleans and will be working with string orchestras through guest residency programs in several American universities.

“We’re fortunate to have such a dedicated performer and educator sharing her experiences, time and knowledge with our faculty and students,” Chris Williams adds. “It’s a wonderful sign for the future of musical education and excellence at EMF.”

About Eastern Music Festival:

Eastern Music Festival stands among the country's premier summer music educational programs and most imaginative performance festivals. With a 55-year history of both artistic and educational excellence, EMF attracts artists, students and audiences from around the globe to Greensboro each summer during its five-week festival. EMF’s 2016 performances begin on Monday, June 27 and continue through Saturday, July 30. Concerts are presented at Guilford College, UNCG, High Point University, Appalachian State University and in venues throughout the community such as Temple Emanuel, Greensboro’s First Presbyterian Church and in public libraries. Over 65 performances, workshops, seminars and master classes will be presented.

Beyond the Festival, EMF produces and presents Fringe series and other programming throughout the year.

For more information about Eastern Chamber Players and the 2016 EMF season,

visit http://www.easternmusicfestival.org/festival/calendar

To purchase tickets or for ticket information visit our website or call Triad Stage at 336-272-0160."

- A Press Release

Eastern Music Festival faculty artists kick off 2016 chamber series on June 27

EMF EASTERN CHAMBER PLAYERS

"(GREENSBORO, NC) – Eastern Music Festival’s faculty artists kick off the 2016 Eastern Chamber Players series on Mon., June 27 at the UNC Greensboro School of Music, Theatre and Dance Recital Hall at 8 p.m. The program, containing works by Mozart, Debussy and Dvořák, highlights the core of the series: an opportunity to present masterful classical repertoire composed for small ensembles.

The Eastern Chamber Players are made up of EMF’s dedicated and talented faculty teaching-artists and friends. During this season’s series, EMF’s faculty will be joined by notable performing artists such as pianist Marika Bournaki, violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg and New York Philharmonic principal violist Cynthia Phelps.

EMF concertmaster and 20-year veteran of the Festival Jeffrey Multer and EMF principal flutist Les Roettges curate the 10-concert run. Highlights of the series include performances of J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 (July 5), Nos. 4 and 6 (July 12), and No. 5 (July 19); the Fauré Piano Quartet in C minor with guest artist Cynthia Phelps, viola (July 18); Suite for Saxophone and Guitar by Alan Hovhaness (July 19); and the Brahms Piano Quintet in F minor featuring Awadagin Pratt, piano (July 25).

Concerts are scheduled for four Monday performances in UNCG’s Recital Hall (June 27, July 11, July 18, July 25) and five Tuesday performances at Guilford College’s Dana Auditorium (June 28, July 5, July 12, July 19, July 26). In lieu of a Monday night performance on July 4, there will be a special Sunday matinee on July 3.

About Eastern Music Festival:

Eastern Music Festival stands among the country's premier summer music educational programs and most imaginative performance festivals. With a 55-year history of both artistic and educational excellence, EMF attracts artists, students and audiences from around the globe to Greensboro each summer during its five week festival. EMF’s 2016 performances begin on Monday, June 27 and continue through Saturday, July 30. Concerts are presented at Guilford College, UNCG, High Point University, Appalachian State University and in venues throughout the community such as Temple Emanuel, Greensboro’s First Presbyterian Church and in public libraries. Over 65 performances, workshops, seminars and master classes will be presented.

Beyond the Festival, EMF produces and presents Fringe series and other programming throughout the year.

For more information about Eastern Chamber Players and the 2016 EMF season,

visit http://www.easternmusicfestival.org/festival/calendar

To purchase tickets or for ticket information visit our website

or call Triad Stage at 336-272-0160."

- A Press Release

Eastern Music Festival announces 2016 Tannenbaum-Sternberger Distinguished Teaching Artists

Acclaimed Violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg and New York Philharmonic Principal Violist Cynthia Phelps to be the first EMF guest artists so honored.

Three year, grant funded initiative builds on 55 years of artistic and educational excellence.

"Eastern Music Festival Executive Director Chris Williams announced today that the festival has received generous grant support from the Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation for 2016-2018.  The Foundation’s support will allow the festival to expand and focus its educational initiatives significantly through the development of a “Distinguished Teaching Artist” residency program.  2016’s “Tannenbaum-Sternberger Distinguished Teaching Artists” will be acclaimed violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg and violist Cynthia Phelps.

“This grant allows the festival to provide extra layers of educational depth and intensity,” Williams says.  “Our festival’s artists and faculty are extraordinary performers and teachers and our young artists receive tremendous educational support from them each summer.  This new program will allow us to build an even more enriching environment, adding new facets to our curriculum.”

  

“Normally, a guest artist spends two or three days on campus when they come to perform as a soloist with one of our orchestras,” says Williams. “The new Tannenbaum-Sternberger Distinguished Teaching Artist positions are designed to bring master teachers for eight to ten days – not quite the whole five weeks that our artist/ faculty spend on campus and not the traditional three-day guest artist stopover. They’ll be on the ground long enough to teach, to perform, to lead master classes and workshops, and to share their deep knowledge and passion with our students.  We believe that this new interaction will spur our young artists on to higher levels of achievement.”    

Speaking on behalf of the Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation, board member Jeanne Tannenbaum adds “We’re excited to be working with the EMF artist and educational teams as they address the needs of their students.  We’re fortunate to have such an outstanding institution in our community and we’re committed to seeing it grow and prosper.”

Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg's professional career began in 1981 when she won the Walter W. Naumburg International Violin Competition. In 1983 she was recognized with an Avery Fisher Career Grant, and in 1988 was Ovations Debut Recording Artist of the Year. In 1999, Nadja was honored with the prestigious Avery Fisher Prize, awarded to instrumentalists who have demonstrated "outstanding achievement and excellence in music." An American citizen, Ms. Salerno-Sonnenberg was born in Rome and immigrated to the United States at the age of eight to study at The Curtis Institute of Music. She later studied with Dorothy DeLay at The Juilliard School.  Dedicated to her craft, Nadja is committed to sharing her experience and knowledge.

This season, in addition to performances with orchestras and recital concerts, Ms. Salerno-Sonnenberg will begin a multiyear engagement as "Resident Artist" with Loyola University New Orleans. She will also be working with string orchestras in specially designed "Guest Residencies" at several Universities throughout the country.

Cynthia Phelps has been the Principal Violist of the New York Philharmonic since 1992. She is a former faculty member of the Manhattan School of Music and is currently a faculty member at The Juilliard School. She has appeared as a soloist with numerous orchestras throughout the world including the Minnesota Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, San Diego Symphony, Orquesta Sinfonica de Bilbao, and Hong Kong Philharmonic. As a chamber musician, Ms. Phelps performs regularly with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Bargemusic, the Boston Chamber Music Society, Seattle Chamber Music Society, and the Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival. Phelps has performed with some of the world’s greatest musicians including Isaac Stern, Itzhak Perlman, Pinchas Zukerman, Yo-Yo Ma, Lynn Harrell and Yefim Bronfman, among many others.

Ms. Salerno-Sonnenberg will be in residence during parts of EMF’s first and second weeks.  She will perform a recital/chamber orchestra program with our young artists on Thursday, June 30, lead a public Q & A session and a public master class, teach, and perform as a guest on the faculty chamber music series. 

Ms. Phelps will be in residency during parts of EMF’s third and fourth weeks.  She will provide private instruction to viola students, lead one public master class, perform as a guest on the faculty chamber music series, and world premiere a Viola Concerto by American composer Julia Adolphe on Saturday, July 16 with the Eastern Festival Orchestra.

For more information about Eastern Music Festival  

visit www.easternmusicfestival.org

For up to date information about upcoming performances,

visit easternmusicfestival.org/festival/calendar

To purchase tickets or for ticket information

visit our website or call Triad Stage: 336-272-0160"

- A Press Release

  

Eastern Music Festival Announces New Executive Director

CHRIS WILLIAMS

"After an intensive search, Eastern Music Festival has appointed a new executive director. The EMF board, staff, faculty and music director all participated in the recruiting and interviewing process. “We attracted applicants from all around the U.S. and three other countries. Out of this impressive pool of candidates, we’ve selected Chris Williams,” said Mary Magrinat who led the board’s search committee.

“We are excited about Chris’ vision for Eastern Music Festival and his dedication to the non-profit sector. His skill set includes all of the necessary attributes of an executive director and a remarkable passion for education, classical music and building community support,” said Fred Starr, EMF Board Chair.

Maestro Gerard Schwarz, EMF’s music director, warmly anticipates the arrival of Mr. Williams, “I am very pleased to welcome Chris to Greensboro and our EMF family. I strongly believe that he will help guide us in our continuing great tradition of artistic and educational excellence and with his broad knowledge of music and festival administration help us move forward in new and wonderful ways.”

Chris Williams will be the bridge into a new era for Eastern Music Festival. At the foundation of his leadership qualities are his natural ability to teach and his love of sharing knowledge with audiences. “Everything EMF does is about education whether in the classroom, the concert hall, or a pre-concert lecture. It takes adaptability and creativity to engage patrons and excite the community. We are always looking for new ways to tell our story,” said Williams.

A skilled grant writer and fundraiser, Chris also understands the nuts and bolts of producing festivals. For 22 years, he has been actively engaged in the presentation of the arts and music through festivals, media and community. Williams holds a BA in Music Education from the University of Georgia and a MA in American Civilization from George Washington University. Currently, he serves as the executive director at Garth Newel Music Center, a non-profit offering classical chamber music, jazz and blues performances, as well as a student fellowship program for instrumentalists ages 18-26. Prior to his assignment with Garth Newel, Williams was the Cultural Heritage programs manager at Arlington Cultural Affairs in Arlington, Virginia and program director at the National Council for the Traditional Arts in Silver Springs, Maryland.

One of Chris’ intriguing connections to Greensboro is his prior work for the National Council for the Traditional Arts where he programmed festivals like the National Folk Festival, which begins a three-year residency next September in downtown Greensboro.

Chris Williams begins full-time with Eastern Music Festival, January 1, 2015."

- A Press Release