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

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

Triad Stage Launches $500,000 Fundraising Effort and Takes Proactive Steps to Address Challenges

"Greensboro, N.C. – In advance of announcing the professional theater’s 16^th Season on Monday, February 29, Triad Stage today announced a $500,000 fundraising initiative and changes to its business model designed to address current and future challenges.  The proactive changes include moving to a seasonal model of programming, reducing operating costs by 21%, deepening partnerships and properly capitalizing the theater for the future.

“In the face of changing demographics, ticket buying practices, new media and a changing local arts landscape, we need to change the way we work, but not change the things we hold dear: our core values, a commitment to quality and our regional focus ,” said Founding Managing Director Richard Whittington. Theaters across the country have fought the ongoing and increasingly more severe challenges of producing quality live theater.  Regionally, this has resulted in the demise of Charlotte Repertory, Blowing Rock Stage Company and most recently NC Shakespeare Festival/Festival Stage. 

In 2012, Triad Stage successfully completed a $250,000 Challenge from the Joseph M. Bryan and Cemala Foundations that allowed the theater to pay off its outstanding debt, but didn’t enable the company to address ongoing operational challenges.

Triad Stage has since identified new avenues of revenue and support, including the successful expansion into Winston-Salem; providing regional box office services (Eastern Music Festival, Greensboro Opera, UNCG School of Music, Theatre & Dance); and developing strategic partnerships including the recently announced partnership with UNCG.  With the help of nationally recognized arts consultants TRG Arts, Triad Stage implemented new strategies in 2015 that resulted in a 34% increase in year over year gross ticket sales versus the same period in 2014.

“We’ve pursued innovative solutions that have positively impacted our operations, but we recognize the need to make systemic changes that strengthen our foundation,” said Whittington.

The new operating model seeks to position the theater as a leader in addressing the challenges facing regional theaters nationwide. It will also reduce Triad Stage’s current $2.8 million annual operating budget by 21% next year through a condensed producing calendar, lower occupancy costs and zero-based budgeting practices.  The most significant shift involves redesigning the theater’s season to fit within the nine month academic calendar, which will allow the organization to reduce costs over the summer.

For the 2016-2017 Season, Triad Stage will offer a 3-play Season Pass in Greensboro and/or Winston-Salem, with the option of adding each city’s annual holiday production at a discounted price. The theater will also offer a 6-play Triad Pass that includes programming in both cities at an even deeper discount.

As an independent, not-for-profit arts organization, Triad Stage relies on ticket sales and private support from individuals, corporations and foundations for 95% of its total revenue.  The remaining 5% comes from an annual gift of support from the NC Arts Council and special funding from the City of Greensboro.  Triad Stage is unique in that it independently owns and operates its 35,000 square foot downtown Greensboro performing space, The Pyrle Theater, and a 30,000 square foot production facility that account for almost 14% of the theater’s expenses.

In addition to the business model changes, Triad Stage is actively pursuing ways to secure the theater’s financial future.  To give the theater the runway it needs to implement the changes, the 36-member Board of Trustees launched a campaign to raise $500,000 in new or increased tax-deductible gifts of support made by June 30, 2016.  To date, the board has secured $227,000 or 45% of the fundraising goal.

“The steps we are taking now are about more than just making the numbers work,” said Founding Artistic Director Preston Lane. “It’s about unlocking possibilities, living up to our core values, celebrating creativity and ultimately setting ourselves up to grow in ways we are just beginning to explore.”

Triad Stage will announce the 2016-2017 Season in an event open to the public on Monday, February 29, @ 7:30pm at Triad Stage’s Pyrle Theater in downtown Greensboro. RSVP by email to justin@triadstage.org.

Tax-deductible donations may be made online at www.triadstage.org/support, by calling the Development department at (336) 274-0067 x201, or by mail or in person at 232 S. Elm Street, Greensboro, NC 27401.

ABOUT TRIAD STAGE
Triad Stage is a professional not-for-profit regional theater company based in Greensboro’s downtown historic district. All Triad Stage productions are created in the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina using the best of local and national talent. Triad Stage gratefully acknowledges the support of its Season Sponsors: Blue Zoom, the North Carolina Arts Council, Arts Greensboro and The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County.

All Triad Stage productions feature the bold acting and breathtaking design that have been nationally recognized by The Wall Street Journal and by the American Theatre Wing, founder of the Tony Awards^®, which named Triad Stage one of the top ten most promising theatres in the country as a recipient of the 2010 National Theatre Company Grant. Triad Stage has also earned accolades including “Best North Carolina Production of 2010” for The Glass Menagerie by Triangle Arts & Entertainment magazine; “One of the Best Regional Theatres in America”, New York’s Drama League; “Best Live Theater” (nine years running), Go Triad/News & Record and The Rhinoceros Times; and “Professional Theater of the Year” (2003, 2011), North Carolina Theatre Conference. "

- 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 Their Final Week of Concerts

Eastern Music Festival presents the final week of concerts, July 21st - July 26th. 

For tickets contact the EMF Box Office at Triad Stage at 336.272.0160

Saturday, July 26th^:

Joseph M. Bryan, Jr. Festival Orchestra Series

James Ehnes, violin
8pm, Dana Auditorium, Guilford College
Tickets: General Admission $30, Reserved Seating $40

Known for his virtuosity and probing musicianship, violinist James Ehnes has performed in over 30 countries on five continents, appearing regularly in the world's great concert halls with many of the most celebrated orchestras and conductors.

Monday, July 21st:
Monday Chamber Series 
Featuring Jon Kimura Parker, piano and Keith Spencer, baritone
8pm, UNCG School of Music Recital Hall
Tickets: General Admission $20

EMF Faculty along with guest artists Jon Kimura Parker and Keith Spencer perform chamber works including Brahms Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor, op.25 and the World Premiere of Bright Sheng's piece titled Deep Red.


Tuesday, July 22nd:
Tuesday Chamber Series 
Featuring EMF Faculty
8pm, Christ United Methodist Church
Tickets: General Admission $20

EMF Faculty perform chamber works including Schumann's Piano Quintet in E-flat major, op.44.
 

Wednesday, July 23rd: 
Friends & Great Performers Series
The Organ & Choral Music of Fauré and Langlais
8pm, Temple Emanuel
Tickets: $20

Featuring conductor, Gerard Schwarz, choral conductor, Carole Ott, guest artist André Lash, organ, and the Festival Chorus.


Thursday, July 24th:   
Tannenbaum-Sternberger Young Artists Orchestra Series
8pm, Dana Auditorium, Guilford College
Tickets: General Admission $15

EMF’s gifted student orchestra, led by associate conductors, José-Luis Novo and Grant Cooper, will perform pieces by Ravel as well as a special performance by the EMF Concerto Competition Winners.

Friday, July 25th: 
Tannenbaum-Sternberger Young Artists Orchestra Series
8pm, Dana Auditorium, Guilford College
Tickets: General Admission $15

EMF’s gifted student orchestra, led by associate conductors, José-Luis Novo and Grant Cooper, will perform pieces by Debussy as well as a special performance by the EMF Concerto Competition Winners.

_____________________________ FREE & SPECIAL EVENTS

Monday, July 21st:
Student Chamber Music Recital
1:30pm, 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.
 

Tuesday, July 22nd:
Student Chamber Music Recital
1:30pm, 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.

Wednesday, July 23rd:
Percussion Ensemble
4pm, Dana Auditorium - Guilford College
Tickets: $10.00

One of the most innovative and exciting concerts of the summer, featuring the percussion section.

Wednesday, July 23rd:
Pianopalooza
8pm, Dana Auditorium - Guilford College
Tickets: $15.00

This country's best young pianists perform a variety of classics for two hands, four hands, eight hands, who knows?


Friday, July 25th:
EMF Piano Sale
9am - Noon, Dana Auditorium - Guilford College
By appointment only.

Though new to the U.S., Seiler pianos have been handcrafted in Germany since 1849 and can be found in many of the finest venues in Europe and Asia. Don't miss this unique opportunity to own one of the renowned instruments for yourself. All Seiler pianos played at the Eastern Music Festival are available for purchase at specially discounted prices.

Pianos may be pre-selected for purchase during the festival, or purchased as part of the EMF Piano Sale Weekend. This is an exclusive limited time special offering.

Call (800) 203-4548 to arrange your appointment or for more information.


Friday, July 25th: 
Master Class with Jeffrey Multer, 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 25th:
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 26th:
EMF Piano Sale
9am - Noon, Dana Auditorium - Guilford College
By appointment only.

Though new to the U.S., Seiler pianos have been handcrafted in Germany since 1849 and can be found in many of the finest venues in Europe and Asia. Don't miss this unique opportunity to own one of the renowned instruments for yourself. All Seiler pianos played at the Eastern Music Festival are available for purchase at specially discounted prices.

Pianos may be pre-selected for purchase during the festival, or purchased as part of the EMF Piano Sale Weekend. This is an exclusive limited time special offering.

Call (800) 203-4548 to arrange your appointment or for more information.
 

Saturday, July 26th:
Student Chamber Music Recital
1:30pm, 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.

Saturday, July 26th:
EMF String Scholar Recital
Featuring EMF String Scholars and guest artists Julian Schwarz, cello and Marika Bournaki, piano.
4pm, Carnegie Room of Hege Library - Guilford College
Free and open to the public.


Saturday, July 26th:
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. 


Saturday, July 26th:
EMF Piano Sale
9am - Noon, Dana Auditorium - Guilford College
Free and open to the public.

Though new to the U.S., Seiler pianos have been handcrafted in Germany since 1849 and can be found in many of the finest venues in Europe and Asia. Don't miss this unique opportunity to own one of the renowned instruments for yourself. All Seiler pianos played at the Eastern Music Festival are available for purchase at specially discounted prices.

Pianos may be pre-selected for purchase during the festival, or purchased as part of the EMF Piano Sale Weekend. This is an exclusive limited time special offering.

Call (800) 203-4548 to arrange your appointment or for more information.
 

_____________________________ SAVE THE DATE

Friday, August 1st:
Fringe Series
Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line
8pm, Triad Stage
Tickets: $17.00

Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line are a traveling Carnival of acoustic Americana. The high energy, Nashville based quintet perform Struthers' original story-songs with tight, three-part harmonies, fiddle, claw-hammer banjo, acoustic guitar, bass, and drums. Struthers was catapulted into the spotlight when she lead her band to a blue ribbon at the prestigious 2010 Telluride Bluegrass Festival band competition (previous winners include Nickel Creek and The Dixie Chicks) and now her group is touring heavily in support of their latest release, Carnival. Struthers' songs are as steeped in American history, and as well crafted, as the beautiful vintage dresses she wears on stage.
 

Saturday, August 2nd:
Fringe Series
The Defibulators
8pm, Triad Stage
Tickets: $22.00

"With their new album, 'Debt'll Get Em', the band lives will beyond the promise of their first album and the critics praise, delivering a blistering, let's-get-down-to-the-truth, eclectic mix of musical styles that push and stretch the boundaries of country music by blending genre-bending guitars, fiddles, and banjo with the often haunting vocals of Erin Bru and the won't-let-you-stop-thinking lyrics of Bug Jennings... a drunken square dance on speed." -Popmatters
 

Friday, August 8th:
Fringe Series
Phil Cook & The Guitarheels
8pm, Triad Stage
Tickets: $22.00

Phil Cook is an American banjoist, pianist and singer. A Wisconsin transplant, now living in Raleigh, NC, Phil cites diverse influences including Bill Evans, Bruce Hornsby, Keith Jarrett, Jerry Douglas, Ry Cooder, Greg Leisz and Bill Frisell. Phil was a founding member of Megafaun, a freak-folk trio. His new project, the Guitarheels, pays tribute to his adopted state and provides a full backdrop to his tender and patient compositions that celebrate the traditions of the past by redefining them for the future. Cook joins an exciting class of modern musicians who are carrying the torch of authentic folk music.

Opening for The Guitarheels will be Molly McGinn performing her song series "Postcards from the Swamp".


Saturday, August 9th:
Fringe Series
Jonathan Byrd and The Pickup Cowboys
8pm, Triad Stage
Tickets: $17.00

Jonathan Byrd is a preacher’s son. A Gulf War veteran, and a Kerrville New Folk award winner from seven generations of North Carolinians. A Jonathan Byrd show is musical theater, bringing together the Texas songwriting tradition with southern storytelling and hot guitar picking in the line of North Carolina greats Doc Watson and Tony Rice. A stalwart of modern folk music, Byrd has released five solo albums with a surprising variety of musical directions, and an acoustic collaboration with fellow songwriter Diana Jones.

A Press Release