Greetings,

I’m delighted to introduce you to our fourth season of Shenandoah Performs, the Shenandoah Conservatory Performing Arts Festival, which will take place between July 8 and July 22, 2007. The festival offers enriching musical opportunities in which to study, develop creative abilities and perform. This year the Performing Arts Camp will attract middle school and high school age students to study privately and perform in a variety of ensembles, both large and small. The Pre-Professional Division will consist of college/conservatory age students who will participate in the festival orchestra, each section of which will be led by a professional guest artist or a Shenandoah Conservatory faculty member. Students in this division will also have the opportunity to participate in chamber ensembles and receive private instruction.

We are thrilled to be able to feature two outstanding artists-in-residence this summer: violinist Anne Akiko Meyers and trumpeter Jens Lindemann.

Anne Akiko Meyers is recognized as one of today’s most inspiring and sought after violinists for her impassioned performances and mastery of a wide-ranging selection of music. Hailed by critics, media, conductors and audiences worldwide, she has continually sold out performances of classical standards and new music. Her passionate and enchanting communication to audiences of all ages has inspired composers to specifically write works for her.

 

Jens Lindemann is hailed as one of the most celebrated soloists in his instrument's history. Jens has played in every major concert venue in the world; from the Philharmonics of New York, Los Angeles, London, Manchester, Munich, Hamburg, Lucerne and Berlin to Tokyo's Suntory Hall and even the Great Wall of China. His career has ranged from appearing internationally as an orchestral soloist, recording with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, being heralded as an official trumpeter for the N.H.L. Stanley Cup finals to playing lead trumpet with the renowned Canadian Brass.

Students in both division will have the opportunity to interact with these two exceptional artists and observe them in master classes and in performance.

In addition, each week of the festival will culminate in a series of exciting performances by the festival orchestra and exceptional performances by faculty and student chamber ensembles. Repertoire highlights for the festival orchestra include Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5 and Mahler's Symphony No.5. 

Audubon Quartet

Shenandoah Performs brings the world to historic Winchester, Va. It attracts artists from all over the United States, Venezuela, Korea, Cuba, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Columbia, Poland and China. Participants have raved about the overall commitment to quality performances and were inspired by their experiences in chamber groups and the opportunity to perform with professionals.

Nestled in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah Conservatory is the home of Shenandoah Performs. Founded in 1875, the Conservatory is the oldest of Shenandoah University’s six schools, and it is committed to quality education and the highest level of performance in the arts.

I invite you to review our Web site. I’m confident you will discover many performances and activities that will be of interest to you.

I look forward to welcoming you this summer!

With best wishes,

Jan Wagner, Artistic Director