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

World-Class Musicians Perform Fan Favorites at EMF

Awadagin Pratt to Perform Brahms This Saturday

Awadagin Pratt 

"GREENSBORO, NC – Prize-winning pianist Awadagin Pratt will perform Johannes’ Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1 on Saturday, July 2 at 8 p.m. in Guilford College’s Dana Auditorium. Pratt is one of many world-class musicians performing fan-favorite pieces during EMF’s 55^th season.

“I’m very much looking forward to Saturday night,” says Pratt. “The Brahms’ first piano concerto is a monumental piece of work, sort of an all-encompassing tribute to the human spirit.”

Two of Tchaikovsky’s most popular pieces, Symphony No. 5 in E Minor and the instantly recognizable Romeo and Juliet Fantasy-Overture, will bookend the evening.  

Friday night’s ‘Magic of Mozart’ Gala, also at 8 p.m. in Dana Auditorium, looks to be just as much of a crowd-pleaser. Maestro Gerard Schwarz will open the orchestral season with an all-Mozart program, starting with the famous overture from The Marriage of Figaro.

‘Viva Vivaldi,’ taking place on Wednesday July 6 at 8 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, will focus exclusively on another beloved composer, Antonio Vivaldi. Featured performers include EMF principal flutist Les Roettges and principal cellist Neal Cary.

Vivaldi’s concertos spill into the Eastern Festival Orchestra’s fourth appearance on Saturday July 9 at 8 p.m., an evening which will showcase fresh talent performing classic repertoire. Marco Núñez, recent winner of the Rosen-Schaffel Competition for Young and Emerging Artists, features on Vivaldi’s Flute Concerto in G Minor, while Julian Schwarz, frequently praised as one of the leading cellists of his generation, will perform Dvořák’s Cello Concerto in B Minor, considered one of the greatest cello pieces of all time.

“EMF brings together young artists that want to fill the world with beauty,” says Núñez. “I feel honored to be invited to play on the same stage as some of the world's leading figures in the classical music world.”

 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 on Monday, 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 RECEIVES LINCOLN FINANCIAL FOUNDATION GRANT

"Greensboro, North Carolina, May 14, 2015– Eastern Music Festival has received a $12,500 grant from the Lincoln Financial Foundation in support of EMF Encircling the City. Developed by Dr. Diane Phoenix-Neal, EMF Faculty and former board member, the program now in its fifth year, is an educational performance and service-learning project designed in collaboration with the Greensboro Public Library. During the summer, EMF String Scholar quartets travel to branches of the library to offer a short program of major works from classical literature highlighting living composers. Hailed as a successful program by the library and the families they serve, EMF Encircling the City and the EMF String Scholars engage children and invite their imagination and desire to learn—a shared mission with the Public Library’s Summer Reading Program.

Learn more: http://easternmusicfestival.org/community/outreach"

- 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

Eastern Music Festival Celebrates the Third Week of Concerts

"Eastern Music Festival presents the third week of concerts, July 7th - July 13th.  For tickets contact the EMF Box Office at Triad Stage at 336.272.0160 Saturday, July 12th: Joseph M. Bryan, Jr. Festival Orchestra Series Elmar Oliveira, violin 8pm, Dana Auditorium, Guilford College Tickets: General Admission $30, Reserved Seating $40 Unsurpassed in his combination of elegance and impeccable artistry, Elmar Oliveira is one of the most distinguished violinists in the world today and remains the only American violinist to win the Gold Medal at Moscow's prestigious Tchaikovsky International Competition.   Wednesday, July 9th:  Friends & Great Performers Series “Sing to Love” EMF / Greensboro Opera Collaboration 8pm, Temple Emanuel Tickets: $40 Join us and "Sing to Love" at Temple Emanuel for the delightful champagne-filled Act 2 of Johann Strauss' Die Fledermaus, followed by a second half of great musical theater love songs from shows such as West Side Story, Kismet, Guys and Dolls and others. Thursday, July 10th:    Tannenbaum-Sternberger Young Artists Orchestra Series José-Luis Novo, conductor 8pm, Dana Auditorium, Guilford College Tickets: General Admission $15 EMF’s gifted student orchestra, led by conductor, José-Luis Novo, will perform pieces by Elgar, Sibelius, and Franck. Friday, July 11th:  Tannenbaum-Sternberger Young Artists Orchestra Series Featuring Grant Cooper, conductor 8pm, Dana Auditorium, Guilford College Tickets: General Admission $15 The outstanding pre-professional student orchestra of EMF led by conductor, Grant Cooper, will perform Mussorgsky's Night On Bald Mountain, Matthew Jackfert's “On the Shores of Qingdao”, and Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5 in D Minor.  _____________________________ FREE & SPECIAL EVENTS Monday, July 7: Encircling the City 2:30pm, Central Library. Free and open to the public. Classical music fun with a visiting string quartet. All ages are welcome for an afternoon of music just right for kids! To view a full calendar of Encircling the City events visit: www.easternmusicfestival.org/community/outreach Tuesday, July 8: Encircling the City 3pm, Kathleen Clay Edwards Library. Free and open to the public. Hear beautiful classical music from a visiting string quartet. To view a full calendar of Encircling the City events visit: www.easternmusicfestival.org/community/outreach Wednesday, July 9: Student Chamber Music Recital 7pm, Sternberger Auditorium - Founders Hall on the campus of Guilford College. Free and open to the public. Take a break and join EMF's Young Artists as they perform classical favorites in chamber ensembles. Friday, July 11: Master Class with Elmar Oliveira, violin 4pm, Sternberger Auditorium - Founders Hall on the campus of Guilford College. Tickets: $10.00 Witness the world's finest performers and pedagogues in one-on-one coaching sessions with EMF Young Artists.   Friday, July 11: Musically Speaking 7pm, Dana Auditorium - Moon Room. Free and open to the public. Maestro Peter Perret explores the history behind the evening's composers and repertoire in a casual, conversational atmosphere during EMF's summer season.   Saturday, July 12: Musically Speaking 7pm, Dana Auditorium - Moon Room, Free and open to the public. Musicologist Dr. Greg Carroll explores the history behind the evening's composers and repertoire in a casual, conversational atmosphere during EMF's summer season.   Sunday, July 13: EMF Fun Run 9am, Guilford College - North South Haworth Field Come dressed as your favorite character from Star Wars and run or walk to raise money for a 2015 EMF student scholarship! To register visit: www.easternmusicfestival.org/funrun Sunday, July 13: Young Artists Piano Recital 3pm, Guilford College - Dana Auditorium. Tickets: $10.00 Enjoy a relaxed Sunday afternoon every week during the Festival as our incredible Young Artists showcase their talent. Sunday, July 13: Young Artists Orchestras POPS / MUSEP Concert Demondrae Thurman, guest conductor 6:30pm, Guilford College - Founders Lawn. Free and open to the public.   _____________________________ SAVE THE DATE Eastern Music Festival Piano Sale: July 25 - 27 Seiler pianos used by EMF are available for sale at a fraction of their true value. For best selection, please schedule a preview appointment today: (800) 203-4548" A Press Release

Eastern Music Festival Announces 2014 Season with over 100 music related events

"Celebrate 53 Years of The Best Music with Eastern Music Festival!  Join EMF and Music Director, Gerard Schwarz for five weeks filled with more than 100 music-related events. Enjoy great music every night of the week during June 23 – July 26, 2014!  Approximately 200 young artists and 80 faculty musicians return to Eastern Music Festival (EMF) to study, enjoy and share classical music with the community.  “Our 53rd season continues with the broad focus of our festival: great music from the 18th Century to the present, a superb faculty orchestra, and some of the world's greatest guest artists,” states Music Director Gerard Schwarz. “Many of our Festival Orchestra concerts begin with an American work, and we combine the greatest standards of the repertoire such as the Barber Violin Concerto and the Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini with lesser known works, such as the Ibert Concertino da camera. Our chamber concerts on Mondays and Tuesdays combine the forces of our distinguished faculty and guest artists playing a wide range of chamber music, and our special events include performances of Faure’s Requiem and a concert of concertos by Vivaldi, whichever  brings our festival out into the entire community.” Exceptional guest artists joining EMF this season include cellist Lynn Harrell, flutist Sir James Galway, violinists Elmar Oliveira and James Ehnes, as well as pianist Jon Kimura Parker. Other season highlights will include the Fifth Annual Piano Competition and  performance at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, the EMFkids camps Family Concert,  a collaboration with Greensboro Ballet performing George Balanchine’s® Serenade set to Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings, op.48, the inaugural EMF Fun Run to raise money for a 2015 student scholarship, and this year we are featuring guest artist CD sales and signings; also Gerard Schwarz will be signing DVDs of the Emmy Award winning All-Star Orchestra! To purchase tickets to any EMF event, visit our website at www.EasternMusicFestival.org or contact the Eastern Music Festival Box Office at Triad Stage by calling 866.579.TIXX or 336.274.0160.     The Joseph M. Bryan, Jr. Festival Orchestra Series The Eastern Music Festival Board has honored one of its longtime stellar members by naming its signature Saturday evening series for Joseph M. Bryan, Jr. Stephanie Cordick, Executive Director notes, “Joe has been an intricate part of the life of Eastern Music Festival for many seasons as he has served on its Board of Directors off and on for the past 30 years. He served as President of the Board from 1981-1984 and again from 2000-2005. At the Board’s request, Joe stepped in to serve as unpaid Executive Director for EMF, at one point. The outstanding leadership and valuable fiscal director that Joe provided during that time in no small way helped ensure EMF’s celebration of its 50th Anniversary Season in 2011.”  The popular Saturday evening series, sponsored by Lincoln Financial, opens on June 28th with guest artist Lynn Harrell, cello. Sir James Galway, flutist (July 5) and Elmar Oliveira, violinist (July 21), Jon Kimura Parker, pianist (July 19), and James Ehnes, violinist (July 26). Repertoire highlights include Bloch: Schelomo; Hebraic Rhapsody; the World Premiere of Corigliano: Lullaby performed by Jeffrey Multer, violin (made possible through ten years of commissions provided by Bonnie McElveen Hunter); and Dvořák Symphony No. 8. All Festival Orchestra Series performances are on Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm, in Dana Auditorium, on the campus of Guilford College. Be sure to come early for our Concert Preludes on the Dana Lawn at 7:15 pm each week! For guest artists’ biographies, as well as more information concerning each evening’s performances, please visit our website at www.EasternMusicFestival.org.  Monday and Tuesday Night Chamber Series The Monday evening UNCG Chamber Series presents thoughtfully selected repertoire performed by our talented professional musicians and faculty members. Join us each week when the EMF faculty performs chamber selections alongside our outstanding guest artists including Lynn Harrell, cello, William Wolfram, piano, Elmar Oliveira, violin, Robert Vernon, viola, Jon Kimura Parker, piano, and Keith Spencer, baritone. Elmar Oliveira will be signing CDs following the Monday Night Chamber Series performance on July 14. Concert dates are June 23, June 30, July 7, July 14, and July 21 at 8pm in the UNCG School of Music Recital Hall. For even more chamber music, join EMF each Tuesday at Christ United Methodist Church     (410 North Holden Road) at 8pm for our EMF Chamber Series at Christ United Methodist Church. Concert dates are June 24, July1, July 8, July 15, and July 22. Our talented faculty members perform “the music of friends” in this intimate setting. Wednesday Friends & Great Performers Series From pianos and organs to concertos and operas, the Friends & Great Performers Series showcases a range of diverse events in distinctive settings. Kicking off the series is the annual EMF Piano Gala on June 25, at 8:00 pm at Dana Auditorium, Guilford College featuring pianists, Gideon Rubin and William Wolfram. Join us July 2, at 7pm at Carolina Theatre for a collaboration between EMF and Greensboro Ballet presenting George Balanchine’s® Serenade set to Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings, op.48. “Sing To Love”, an EMF and Greensboro Opera collaboration on July 9, 8pm and The Music of Antonio Vivaldi featuring EMF musicians on July 16, 8pm, at Temple Emanuel (1129 Jefferson Road). Rounding out the Friends & Great Performers series on July 23 is The Organ and Choral Music of Fauré & Langlais featuring Gerard Schwarz, conductor, Carole Ott, guest conductor, Kathryn Mueller, soprano, Keith Spencer, baritone, and Andre Lash, organ, 8pm, at Christ United Methodist Church.  Tannenbaum-Sternberger Young Artists Series The Tannenbaum-Sternberger Young Artists Orchestras are comprised of EMF’s outstanding pre-professional musicians. These gifted students, aged 14-22, come from around the world to study and perform in Greensboro. Each week, you will hear them rise to the challenge of an increasingly demanding repertoire. During the final week of the festival, young artists are the featured soloists in our Concerto Competition Winners concerts. All concerts are held every Thursday and Friday at 8:00 pm in Dana Auditorium at Guilford College.  José-Luis Novo and Grant Cooper, associate conductors,  lead the students through their musical journey and performances; in additionally, they will perform under the baton of Maestro Gerard Schwarz. Repertoire highlights for the Young Artists Series include Strauss: Stravinsky: Le Sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring); Cooper: Appalachian Autumn; Beethoven: Symphony No. 2 in D major. Performing alongside our Young Artists are notable Guest Artists Neal Cary, cello (July 4) Jeffrey Multer, violin (July 11); and William Wolfram, pianist, (July 18). For a complete listing of Young Artists Orchestra Series dates and repertoire, visit our website at www.EasternMusicFestival.org.  Family Tickets - EMF Family Pack: $5 /Adults (up to 2 adults), $1 / Children (up to 4 children) **Made possible by the generous support of Dr. Samuel M. LeBauer Bonus Concerts and Special Events On Sunday July 13, come dressed as your favorite character from Star Wars and run or walk to raise money for a 2015 EMF student scholarship in the inaugural EMF Fun Run & 5K, 9am on the campus of Guilford College! Register now at www.EasternMusicFestival.org and receive a free t-shirt at packet pick-up! The Young Artists Orchestra Pops Concert will also be held on Sunday, July 13, at 6:30pm, on Founders Lawn at Guilford College featuring GUEST CONDUCTOR, in conjunction with the Music for a Sunday Evening in the Park. EMFkids camps presents the 2014 Family Concert on Saturday, July 19, 1:30pm at Dana Auditorium on the campus of Guilford College. Featuring Associate Conductor Grant Cooper’s, On the Appalachian Trail, and Strauss: Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks. EMF Family Pack: $5 /Adults (up to 2 adults), $1 / Children (up to 4 children). Pre-activities, food and fun, for families begin at 1pm. Opening the 2014 EMF Fringe Series in collaboration with Music for a Sunday Evening in the Park will be Diali Cissokho & Kaira Ba Sunday July 20, 6:30pm, on the Lawn at Dana Auditorium on the campus of Guilford College, admission is free. Eastern Music Festival Piano Sale will be held July 25-27 on the campus of Guilford College. Seiler pianos used by EMF guest artists are available for sale at a fraction of their true value.  For best selection, please schedule a preview appointment today:  (800) 203-4548. Guest artists Master Classes will be held throughout the season. For more information and a complete listing of Bonus Concerts, visit our website at www.EasternMusicFestival.org.  For the most up-to-date Festival information, be sure to follow us on Facebook (Eastern Music Festival) and Twitter (EMFGreensboro).  Tickets To purchase tickets to any EMF event, visit our website at www.EasternMusicFestival.org or contact the Eastern Music Festival Box Office at Triad Stage (232 South Elm Street) by calling 866.579.TIXX or 336.274.0160.  Season and single tickets are currently on sale. Triad Stage service fees will apply to all ticket purchases made via phone or online. For a list of detailed prices and more information on tickets, including discounted and group specials, visit www.EasternMusicFestival.org.  About Eastern Music Festival The Eastern Music Festival’s mission is to promote musical enrichment, excellence, professional collaboration, innovation and diversity through a nationally-recognized teaching program, music festival, concerts and other programs which will enhance the quality of life, health and vitality of our region. Eastern Music Festival is distinctive, set apart by our accomplished faculty, exhilarating repertoire, brilliant students, world-renowned visiting artists and extensive community outreach.  The Eastern Music Festival and School, founded in 1961 in Greensboro, North Carolina, by Sheldon Morgenstern, is an internationally-renowned classical music festival and institute for young musicians that runs for five weeks each summer. The institute accepts students ages 14 through 22 from around the country and the world. The EMF faculty consists of world-class performing artists selected from top orchestras and music schools nationally and internationally. Led by music director Gerard Schwarz, the Eastern Music Festival and School celebrates its 53rd season in 2014. The 2014 Eastern Music Festival season is made possible with support of the Lincoln Financial Foundation and the following sponsors: Lincoln Financial Advisors,  Top Jewish Foundation, Audio & Light, The Carl & Toby Sloane Family Foundation, Bluezoom, Christ United Methodist Church, DMJ, Whole Foods of Greensboro, Arts Greensboro, Guilford College, High Point University, Green Valley Grill, Greensboro Ballet, The Mebane Foundation, McMillion Capital Management, The Music Academy of North Carolina, NC Arts Council, Pennybyrn Maryfield, Piedmont Music Center, Seiler Piano, Print Works Bistro, O Henry Hotel, Wyndham Championship, Carolina Theatre, Zildjian, Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation, Summit Rotary, Temple Emanuel, News & Record, 88.5 WFDD, Hugh Hodgson School of Music, UNCG School of Music, Theatre and Dance, BB&T, Well Spring, Greensboro Rotary Club, Rice Collision Center, and GoTriad. Proximity and O.Henry hotels are the Official Hotels of the Eastern Music Festival. Major financial support for Eastern Music Festival provided by the United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro. For the most up-to-date Festival information, be sure to follow us on Facebook (EasternMusicFestival) and Twitter (EMFGreensboro)." A Press Release