As a guitarist born without arms, Tony Melendez has touched countless lives with his of resilience, faith, and triumph over adversity. The internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter has played the guitar鈥攚ith his feet鈥攆or Pope John Paul II, at the 1989 World Series, and on numerous TV talk shows. He鈥檒l be performing his guitar music and sharing his incredible life story at 91短视频鈥檚 annual gala concert on Friday, Nov. 7.

The concert will be held at 7 p.m. at 91短视频鈥檚 Lehman Auditorium. It will also be available to watch online through a livestream on the .

The annual gala concert has not only become one of the most popular arts events on campus each year, but also one of the most exciting and unique concerts held in the Valley, said David Berry, music program director at 91短视频.

鈥淭his year鈥檚 gala, themed Shared Stories, will be a spectacular evening of warmth, brilliant music making, and joy celebrating the beauty of our unique and collective stories,鈥� Berry said. 鈥淭he concert will feature electrifying world music, a host of exciting guest artists, beautiful choral singing, orchestra, wind band, and more.鈥�

In addition to Melendez鈥檚 music, the event will showcase the world premiere of Our Story, an innovative and eclectic new work that brings together folk and world musicians from a range of styles, including Appalachian music trio After Jack, Ukrainian bandurist and electric guitarist Alex Lagoda, African soul artist Makinto, gospel singer Tabatha Parrott, and The Harrisonburg Kurdish/American String Ensemble. 91短视频 Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon Dycus will be the narrator for the piece.

Other highlights will include Elaine Hagenburg鈥檚 choral masterwork 鈥淚lluminare鈥� by the University Choir and Chamber Orchestra, along with performances by the Chamber Singers, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Ensemble.

鈥楾oo good not to share鈥�

Guest artist After Jack will perform programs for more than 1,000 K-8 students throughout Harrisonburg and Rockingham County schools in conjunction with , a nonprofit dedicated to making the arts accessible to students throughout the region. 

鈥淭his is sure to be an unforgettable night of beauty, exhilaration, community, peace, and joy,鈥� Berry said. 鈥淎 concert this special is too good not to share with as many people as possible.鈥�

Thanks to lead sponsor Everence Financial for supporting this event.

91短视频鈥檚 Lehman Auditorium has surely seen its share of historic firsts over the years, though last week might have marked the first time a memorandum of understanding has ever been signed on its stage. 

Representatives from 91短视频 and the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival (SVBF) advisory board, along with supporters of the festival, gathered on the auditorium stage on Thursday, Aug. 14, to celebrate the SVBF鈥檚 status as an independent 501(c)(3) organization. The event included a ceremonial signing of documents and drew more than two-dozen people.聽

91短视频 financially sustained the annual summer festival since its start in 1993 until last year. The agreement signed last week outlines the transfer of ownership from the university to Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival Inc., which was granted tax-exempt nonprofit status in January 2025 and officially became independent from 91短视频 on July 1. Signers included Dr. Tynisha Willingham, provost and vice president of academic affairs at 91短视频, and members of the SVBF executive committee: Christine Fairfield, chair; Angela Showalter, vice chair; Cara Modisett, secretary; and Fred Kniss, treasurer.聽

Thursday鈥檚 ceremony provided an opportunity for donors, staff, and stakeholders to mark the momentous occasion and reflect on the history of the 33-year-old festival.

Following a piano performance of Bach鈥檚 Prelude in E major, BWV 854, from The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1, from Dr. David Berry, director of the music program at 91短视频 and artistic director of the SVBF, Professor Emeritus Dr. Kenneth J. Nafziger offered a historical perspective on the founding of the festival. 

Nafziger, a member of 91短视频鈥檚 music faculty for 39 years before he retired in 2017 and founding conductor and artistic director of the SVBF, shared stories from the festival鈥檚 earliest days.

In 1992, near the start of the fall semester, he was having a dinner with several 91短视频 friends when they began asking him about his experiences conducting the Lake Chelan Bach Fest in north-central Washington that summer. 鈥淚 noticed that Joe (former 91短视频 President Joseph Lapp) was taking notes,鈥� Nafziger shared. 鈥淲hen the note-taking stopped, he said, 鈥榃hat would it take to get something like that going here?鈥� We took him at his word鈥nd in January of 1993, we were given the go-ahead to do a festival in June. With expert help from Helen (Nafziger), Scott Hosfeld, and Marcia Kauffman, we made the first one happen, and it included vanilla ice cream and hot raspberry sauce at intermission.鈥�

鈥淭he beginnings of rehearsals from the second season forward resembled a family reunion,鈥� he continued. 鈥淟ocal orchestral players, including JMU friends, local singers and relatives from east of the Mississippi and Canada, we grew.鈥�

Willingham spoke about the relationship between 91短视频 and the SVBF. 鈥淵ou are still a part of the 91短视频 family and the fabric of 91短视频,鈥� she said. 鈥�91短视频 has three core values鈥攁cademic excellence, peace and justice, and active faith鈥攁nd the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival exemplifies those core values.鈥�

鈥淲e know that in our public schools, the arts have been the first things that have been cut,鈥� she said, crediting the festival鈥檚 鈥減ay-what-you-can鈥� ticket pricing with allowing everyone to experience music, regardless of economic status. 鈥淭he Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival is a gift. It鈥檚 been a gift to 91短视频 for over 30 years, it鈥檚 been a gift to our community for over 30 years, and it鈥檚 been a gift to everyone who has stood on this stage.鈥� 

Included in the memorandum of understanding is an agreement that Lehman Auditorium and Martin Chapel will continue to serve as venues for SVBF performances for at least the next three years, said Les Helmuth, interim executive director of the festival.

鈥淲hat I discovered in this past year of talking with donors, businesses, and people behind the festival is that the breadth and depth of support is this wide,鈥� he said, stretching out his arms. 鈥淚t comes from all walks of life, and it鈥檚 fabulous. It really is. It鈥檚 a great community treasure, and we desperately need to keep it going.鈥�

The Rev. Dr. Sarah Ann Bixler, dean for the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences at 91短视频, delivered the blessing for the event. Other 91短视频 representatives in attendance included Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus and Kirk Shisler, vice president for advancement.

The 34th annual Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival will be held from June 8-13, 2026. Find out more at .

The Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) award will support general operations of the 34th annual Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival, which will be held in June 2026.

Les Helmuth, interim manager of the SVBF, said this marks the first time the festival has received an NEA grant. 鈥淚t鈥檚 amazing to be recognized by the NEA for the quality of the artists and other key individuals involved in creating great music for the Shenandoah Valley,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 truly an honor to be the recipient of an NEA grant.鈥�

Bach Festival Artistic Director and 91短视频 Music Program Director David Berry noted that receiving support from the NEA has long been a prestigious mark of distinction for any arts organization. “We’re grateful the NEA has chosen to support the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival as we celebrate our 34th year next June,” he said. “This honor speaks to how special the festival truly is and its great legacy of beautiful music-making.”

Amanda Gookin, previous executive director of the SVBF, wrote and applied for the GAP grant. It is one of more than 1,100 GAP awards nationwide, totaling more than $31.8 million, announced by the NEA on Tuesday.

鈥淭he NEA is proud to continue our nearly 60 years of supporting the efforts of organizations and artists that help to shape our country鈥檚 vibrant arts sector and communities of all types across our nation,鈥� said NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD. 鈥淚t is inspiring to see the wide range of creative projects taking place, including 91短视频鈥檚 Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival.鈥�

91短视频 the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival

The annual weeklong summer festival presents vibrant performances on the 91短视频 campus and in Downtown Harrisonburg, Virginia, by Bach Festival Musicians and guest artists, the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival Orchestra, Baroque Academy Faculty, and Festival Choir. Learn more at:

91短视频 the National Endowment for the Arts

Established by Congress in 1965, the NEA is an independent federal agency that is the largest funder of the arts and arts education in communities nationwide and a catalyst of public and private support for the arts. Its Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) provides expansive funding opportunities to strengthen the nation鈥檚 arts and cultural ecosystem, including opportunities for public engagement with the arts and arts education, for the integration of the arts with strategies promoting the health and well-being of people and communities, and for the improvement of overall capacity and capabilities within the arts sector.

Works center around the festival theme of 鈥淯nity鈥� and range from J.S. Bach鈥檚 Wedding Cantata to Richard Strauss鈥櫬�Four Last Songs聽to聽Valerie Coleman鈥檚聽Umoja: Anthem of Unity聽and Ernst von Dohn谩nyi鈥檚聽Sextet in C Major, Op. 37,聽said Bach Festival Artistic Director and 91短视频 Music Program Director David Berry, a prominent pianist who will perform in the latter work in Festival Concert I.

鈥淭his year鈥檚 festival includes works that explore themes we can all relate to in our humanity, composers that are underrepresented and we don鈥檛 get a chance to hear, and pieces that bring together various different elements to create something entirely new like Anton铆n聽顿惫辞艡谩办鈥檚 Symphony No. 9 鈥楩rom the New World,鈥欌�� shared Berry. 鈥淚鈥檓 thrilled to welcome audiences to experience this year鈥檚 festival featuring an absolutely stellar lineup of musicians from around the world, including artists from 91短视频, JMU, Shenandoah Conservatory, and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, as well as rising star performers from the Shenandoah Valley.鈥�

Featured artists include guest conductor Deanna Tham, associate conductor of the Oregon Symphony and music director of the Union Symphony Orchestra, who will conduct Festival Concerts II and III; Benjamin Bergey, assistant professor of music at 91短视频 and conductor of 91短视频鈥檚 Orchestra, Chamber Singers, and University Choir; Berlin-based soprano Sara Duchovnay, a 鈥渄ynamic and expressive鈥� vocalist who sings with 鈥渨armth and luster鈥� (OperaWire); Penelope Shumate, who sings soprano solos with 鈥渁ppealing bell-like clarity and surpassing sweetness鈥� (The New York Times); and Mexican American violinist Alejandra Switala, a top prize winner at the 2023 Sphinx Competition in Detroit, Michigan.

Other highlights include Open Mic Night at Pale Fire, which offers listeners the opportunity to hear鈥攁nd mingle with鈥攆estival performers in a casual setting, and a free talk titled 鈥淗arry T. Burleigh, Anton铆n Dvo艡谩k, and the Symphony from the New World鈥� by music historian, author and 91短视频 alumna Jean Snyder 鈥�63 on Thursday, June 13 at 4 p.m. at Massanutten Regional Library.

At the intersection of harmony, humanity and nature, the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival gathers internationally-recognized artists and inquisitive audiences to celebrate the life and joy of great music. We like to say 鈥淏ach is just the beginning鈥� to share our deep appreciation of the breadth of work influenced by the musical inventions of Bach. The festival began under the artistic direction of Ken J. Nafziger, professor emeritus of 91短视频 Music, in 1993.

For tickets to the Bach Festival, visit . Tickets to Festival Concerts I, II and III at 91短视频鈥檚 Lehman Auditorium and to the Baroque Faculty Concert at Asbury United Methodist Church are pay what you can from $10-40 and free to college students; tickets to Festival Concerts I, II and III include pre-concert talks. Noon concerts at Asbury United Methodist Church and other on- and off-campus concerts are free for all.

He will be succeeded in his role as artistic director by 91短视频 professor and music program director David Berry. Berry is an accomplished pianist who has performed in the festival since 2017 and brings artistic leadership experience from 91短视频 as well as other organizations. A part of Berry’s role as artistic director will be to lead the search for the conductor of the festival for the 2023 summer festival.

“The Bach Festival is grateful to Ken for his many years of vision and inspiration,鈥� said Amanda Gookin, executive director. 鈥淗e is one of the most special leaders I know and it has been a deeply meaningful experience working together. I look forward to celebrating Ken to the fullest in our 30th season. I am absolutely thrilled the artistic leadership will pass on to David Berry whose artistic excellence and innovative voice will carry forth the legacy of the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival.”聽

Nafziger expressed support for Berry in his new role and the festival鈥檚 strong future. 鈥淲ith David in place as the new artistic director, the festival is in a good place for its development. He is a well-known musical presence here in the Shenandoah Valley, and an active supporter of and performer in the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival. David has all the right qualifications, imagination, enthusiasm, a field of wide musical acquaintances who can grace this festival, all the right stuff for a position like this. I stand ready to be of support and assistance as he finds his way and leads this festival with competence in the years ahead.鈥�

Nafziger will contribute his final time as the artistic director and conductor for the 30th anniversary celebration June 12-19, 2022, on the campus of 91短视频 and in area venues in Harrisonburg. 

Audience members can expect 鈥渨orld-class performances,鈥� Gookin said, with works by Johannes Brahms, Florence Price, contemporary composer Leo Brouwer, and the great B Minor Mass by Johann Sebastian Bach among others.聽

The celebration will be poignant for Nafziger, who has long said the furious pace of the summer festival was one of his favorite times of every year.

“The Bach Festival at 30 is a myriad of wonderful memories: the community that came to be around the festival, working intensely with local musicians and many from farther away, so many great musical moments, soloists from near and far, appreciative audiences, and the fatigue of doing nothing but what one would most like to do for ten days every June,鈥� he said. 鈥淭o everyone who listened, who played, who sang, who supported, who encouraged, you are owed many and heartfelt thanks.鈥�

Berry, who has participated in the festival since joining the faculty of 91短视频, praised Nafziger and festival leadership. 

“It is my absolute honor to join the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival as its next artistic director,鈥� Berry said. 鈥淜en and the leadership of the festival have done a wonderful job of creating a truly unique and beautiful festival. As we celebrate the 30th anniversary and legacy of the festival this year, I am excited to begin the work of looking toward the future and exploring the possibilities of what the next chapter may hold.”

Learn m

Berry maintains a rigorous schedule of teaching, performing, adjudication and artistic direction, including as the coordinator of chamber music and member of the artistic planning committee for the Gateways Music Festival. The festival is hosted by Berry鈥檚 undergraduate alma mater Eastman School of Music and celebrates the contributions of musicians of African descent to classical music, and features over 120 players from major American orchestras and university faculties. Berry earned his master鈥檚 and Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The Juilliard School. 

Nafziger, a professor emeritus of music at 91短视频, plans to continue other musical involvements, including as music director of the chamber choir Winchester Musica Viva in Winchester, Virginia. He has a long history of working with many of Cuba鈥檚 premier orchestra and choral ensembles, including guest conducting appearances, teaching master classes, and participating with musical colleagues in a number of joint projects. Nafziger鈥檚 work in church music is widely known across many denominations. He has edited or assisted in editing three hymnals, producing correlated teaching materials and recordings for those hymnals, and co-wrote a book on the significance of singing among Mennonites. He is a frequent guest conductor, workshop leader, and clinician across the United States and Canada.

Nafziger was honored in 2015 with the Circle of Excellence in the Arts Award for sustained contributions in the arts and his creative and superior accomplishments that have improved the cultural vitality of the Shenandoah Valley. The award is given by the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts, the Arts Council of the Valley, and the College of Visual and Performing Arts at James Madison University.

MORE ON KEN NAFZIGER 

Read a profile of Ken Nafziger on his retirement from 91短视频.

Read more about this 2015 awards presentation.

This award, the highest honor given by the organization, was conferred because of Nafziger鈥檚 work as a conductor, educator, hymnal editor and practitioner of church music, according to a press release.

In addition to a long teaching and conducting career, Nafziger has been active animating congregational singing and song leadership through workshops, writing, and hymn editing. He was music editor of Hymnal: A Worship Book (1992), editor of its accompaniment handbook and assistant to the editor of its two supplements, Sing the Journey (2005) and Sing the Story (2007). These Mennonite collections are well-known for their accessibility and celebration of music from around the world. He co-authored Singing, a Mennonite Voice with Marlene Kropf (Herald Press, 2001).

Speaking of his friend and colleague, hymnwriter Adam Tice said that his support for recent Mennonite hymnal projects 鈥渉as meant the world to us.鈥�

鈥淜en鈥檚 contributions as an educator, editor and scholar have been wide-reaching ecumenically, as well as transformational within the Mennonite Church,” said Benjamin Bergey, music editor of the upcoming Mennonite hymnal and music professor at 91短视频. “More than that, Ken鈥檚 heart for congregational song has brought so many people closer to God, and he has been one of my most important and influential mentors.鈥�

At 91短视频, Nafziger led the Chamber Singers and taught courses in conducting, world music, worship and music, and interdisciplinary humanities studies. In 2015, he earned the Circle of Excellence in the Arts Award, 鈥渇or outstanding accomplishments and sustained contributions in the arts, improving the cultural vitality of the Shenandoah Valley.鈥� The award was given by the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts, the Valley Arts Council, and the College of Visual and Performing Arts at James Madison University.

He is artistic director and conductor of Winchester Musica Viva, a chamber choir in Winchester, Virginia.

Founded in 1922, The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada is an ecumenical organization of people who are passionate about hymns and congregational song. We recognize the importance of the people鈥檚 song in worship and want to assure its vitality in the future.

The Hymn Society community, open to all, is made up of scholars, church musicians, poets, composers, choir directors, choir members, clergy, worship planners, song leaders, music publishers, music educators, and people who love to sing. We believe that the holy act of singing together shapes faith, heals brokenness, transforms lives, and renews peace. Our mission, therefore, is to encourage, promote, and enliven congregational song.

Early Music America鈥檚 mission is to develop, strengthen and celebrate early music in North America. Its members include professional and amateur performers, educators, ensembles, presenters, instrument makers and philanthropists, among others.

鈥淚t is a great honor to be elected to the Early Music America Board of Directors,鈥� McCormick said. 鈥淚 have a strong desire to give back to this organization that has provided me with many wonderful opportunities. As a resident of Virginia, I hope to represent budding early music scenes in the Shenandoah Valley, central Virginia and the Carolinas.”

McCormick first became acquainted with EMA as a student member. The organization sponsored his appearance at the Young Performers Festival, part of the Boston Early Music Festival, and later awarded McCormick an educational outreach grant that supported a series of concerts on the music of Thomas Jefferson鈥檚 era in Charlottesville schools.

In addition to his Bach Festival involvement, McCormick is also the founding artistic director of Charlottesville-based Early Music Access Project and a co-founder of Alkemie, a medieval ensemble based in New York City. In 2017, he was honored with Shenandoah Conservatory鈥檚 Rising Stars Alumni Award.

EMA defines early music as music of the medieval, renaissance, baroque and classical eras (classical being understood as pre-mainstream classical) played on reproduction or historic instruments 鈥� though McCormick notes that the genre is also still defining itself: 鈥淚t鈥檚 growing tentacles as we speak, but accurate to say that we strive to stay true to the aesthetics of the musicians of the particular time period.鈥�

This veracity 鈥渞equires the right hardware, period instruments and vocal techniques, and the right software: performance style, improvisatory skills, understanding of traditions and conventions,鈥� according to EMA.

McCormick is in his fourth year as the festival鈥檚 executive director, which among many other events, features a week-long Virginia Baroque Performance Academy. An immersive workshop provides players of all levels with experience in technique and interpretation through masterclasses and coaching sessions.

鈥淚t is really a delight to oversee this,鈥� McCormick said, 鈥渟ince it鈥檚 exactly an event like this that really shaped my career.鈥�

McCormick earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree in music education and a master鈥檚 degree in violin performance from Shenandoah University. While there, he was encouraged to explore baroque music by a staff member in the registrar鈥檚 office who played baroque basoon. But his career stayed on a more traditional path, despite hearing the artistic promise of a favorite Bach recording performed by a baroque violinist.

McCormick first played baroque violin on a borrowed instrument at the Oberlin Baroque Performance Institute.

鈥淚 literally came home from Oberlin and bought a baroque violin,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat experience completely changed the trajectory of my career.鈥�

He finished an artist鈥檚 diploma at Shenandoah University while traveling to learn from baroque teachers in Washington D.C. and Baltimore, and also earned a master鈥檚 degree in medieval Renaissance and Baroque music from Case Western University in Cleveland, Ohio.

鈥�They thought it was funny and then tried to mimic the sounds by changing the notes and we would have a little back and forth between the two instruments,鈥� he said.

Honking鈥擟haplin鈥檚 own word choice鈥攊s an apt, animal-oriented descriptor for various sounds emitted during the second annual Instrument Petting Zoo held Feb. 1 at the Explore More Discovery Museum in Harrisonburg, though event founder certainly hopes for more sonorous prospects for the young attendees.

A music educator, professional musician and executive director of the , McCormick says the main goal is to 鈥済et kids interested in classical music and in playing instruments.鈥�

A classical string trio at the front door introduced melodious possibilities to young minds. Further inside the museum was the menagerie: violins, recorders, trombones and percussion鈥攁vailable to hold, touch, and play鈥攚ith the help of friendly volunteers.

More than 500 children and parents attended this year鈥檚 event, which was partially funded by an Arts Council of the Valley 鈥淎dvancing the Arts鈥� grant. Volunteers included faculty, staff and student musicians from 91短视频 and James Madison University. Kiwanis Club members also helped out at two instrument-building stations.

Hannah Menefee, a senior music education major currently student-teaching in Harrisonburg City Schools, interacted with enough shy children during the three hours that she came up with a strategy: hand the instrument to the adult.

And then there was the little girl who really did just want to hold the instrument and pet it.

鈥淭hese outreach events show anyone just how fun and exciting it is to play an instrument,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e an easy and fun way for the community to learn about music education outside of the school setting. Not only does it help the children but also the parents learn and engage with their children’s education.鈥�

Faculty from 91短视频鈥檚 Preparatory Music Program offered information about lessons, offered year around, and Bach Festival concerts, held each summer at 91短视频. 鈥淲e made a lot of good connections,鈥� McCormick said.

Getting kids hooked on music early is important, says Chaplin, who grew up in a musical family and eventually, played clarinet at Parry McCluer High School in Buena Vista, Va., in concert, district and area honor bands. At 91短视频, he sings with the University Choir and plays in three instrumental groups, as well as in a wind trio he formed with friends.

Exploratory events like the instrument petting zoo 鈥渁llow kids of all ages to come and try real instruments and get an idea of what instrument they would like to learn,鈥� Chaplin said. 鈥淚t is never too early to start learning how to play.鈥�

This festive concert will feature soprano Sheena Ramirez, trumpet player Judith Saxton, trombonist Jay Crone, pianist David Berry, and the Bach Festival String Quartet. Artistic Director Kenneth Nafziger will lead the assembled forces in works of Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi, plus some of the season鈥檚 most famous carols.

A reception will follow the concert.

91短视频 the artists

Sheena Ramirez, described as a 鈥渓ight, perky soprano鈥� (New York Times) has been thrilling classical audiences all over the country and around the world. This summer she presented a solo voice and organ recital in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland and participated in the Opera Studio program at the American Institute of Musical Studies (AIMS) in Graz, Austria. In 2015, she won 鈥淏est Female Voice鈥� at the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival in Harrogate, England as the lead in聽Patience聽with the Blue Hill Troupe. She sang leading roles in the American premiers of聽Olivo e Pasquale聽(Isabella) and聽I Due Figaro聽(Inez) with New York City Opera company Amore Opera, as well as the roles of Pamina (Die Zauberfl枚te), Frasquita (Carmen), and Gretel (Hansel and Gretel).聽 In 2016, she began work on her Doctorate in Voice Performance, Pedagogy, and Literature at James Madison University. In her time there, she has sung the role of Cunegonde (Candide), performed solo works at the Contemporary Music Festival, all while serving as the Director of Recruitment for the College of Visual and Performing Arts.聽 Sheena is a graduate of Oberlin Conservatory (BM) and New England Conservatory (MM).

David Berry, a native of Syracuse, NY, is an active soloist and chamber musician. Berry earned his BM from the Eastman School of Music, and MM and DMA degrees in piano performance from the Juilliard School. He currently serves as Assistant Professor of Music at 91短视频.

Jay Crone, professor of music, joined the Virginia Tech faculty in 1994. Mr. Crone is currently the Principal Trombone of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, Opera Roanoke, the Wintergreen Festival Orchestra, the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival Orchestra, and also performs regularly with the Richmond Symphony (VA).

Judith Saxton is an international trumpet soloist, chamber and orchestral musician, and educator across the U.S. and recently in China, Greece, UK, Italy and Brazil. She is on the Eastern Music Festival faculty and has over 20 recordings. She is a Conn Selmer Trumpet Artist and Certified Alexander Technique Teacher.

91短视频 the festival

The Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival聽. on the campus of 91短视频, is a week-long summer music festival devoted to promoting an appreciation and understanding of the music of Bach and a featured composer, country, era or people.聽 The week includes three featured concerts with orchestra, soloists, and choir; six chamber music concerts; a Leipzig Service; and open rehearsals. Additional offerings include internships, youth programs, Road Scholar (Elderhostel), and the Virginia Baroque Performance Academy.

The Festival Orchestra, with its fine professional musicians from all over the country, produces vibrant performances. Membership in the Festival Choir, a volunteer ensemble, is open to the public and allows vocalists, both amateur and professional, to sing the most celebrated works of the orchestral-choral repertoire.

The free concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in Lehman Auditorium. Donations are welcome for the 91短视频 music student scholarship fund.

The concert program 鈥淟ove to My Liking鈥� features music of the trouv猫res of northern France, including songs of public and private adoration, and choreographies based on contemporary sources.

“I’m thrilled to bring Alkemie to 91短视频 this November,” said McCormick. “This will be a unique concert experience. We bring medieval music to life with creative arrangements, dancing, and an emphasis on improvisatory and folk styles of the period. Fans of the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival will recognize four of our members as guest artists from the 2018 Festival.”

Founded in the spring of 2013 by five friends with a zeal for medieval music, Alkemie鈥檚 mission is to share the life-affirming and alternative perspectives to be experienced in the sounds of centuries past. Alkemie specializes in medieval music for high voices and instruments, with a particular interest in exploring the porous boundaries between the 鈥渉igh鈥� and 鈥渓ow鈥� music of the period.

A June 2018 performance at the Indianapolis Early Music Festival was lauded as 鈥渆nchanting鈥� and 鈥渋ndicating [the] future health鈥� of the field of early music.