The artists and faculty of Eastern Music Festival (EMF) continue to celebrate its 60th season this summer with renowned works both old and new. Greensboro Opera and EMF reunite this week to bring stunning operatic works to life in an experience not to be missed. It will be a week to remember for guests and artists alike as EMF moves into the second half of the festival.
The Eastern Chamber Players kick off the week on Tuesday, July 13, at 8 p.m. with a variety of celebrated music works. Evening will feature Francis Poulenc’s Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano and Jessie Montgomery’s contemporary piece, Strum. This bold and colorful work will be led by EMF principal second violinist Randy Weiss. The show ends on a majestic note with Robert Schumann’s Adagio and Allegro for cello, op.70.
The first free EMF Young Artists Chamber Recital is at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 14, in the Carnegie Room at Hege Library. These chamber recitals are a great way to experience up close the talents of these young musicians. Seating is limited and reservations are encouraged but not mandatory.
Greensboro Opera and EMF are back together at Temple Emanuel for two SRO concerts on Wednesday, July 14.The 8 p.m. show is currently sold out, but a second show at 6 p.m. has been just added! Enjoy a sneak peek of Greensboro Opera’s upcoming production of Porgy & Bess, as well as classic song favorites by Cole Porter, the Gershwins, and more. Featured artists include Angela Renée Simpson, soprano; Robert Anthony Mack, tenor; Richard Hodges, baritone; Ben Blozan, piano; and a special performance by EMF’s own Awadagin Pratt, piano.
Experience the next generation of emerging talent at this week’s Young Artist Showcase on Thursday, July 15, at 8 p.m. This concert is a special treat for EMF to feature its young musicians in stellar singular moments. Program details to be announced.
Free Musically Speaking pre-concert seminars will take place this week in the Moon Room at Dana Auditorium at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
EMF’s Young Artist Orchestra will take the stage on Friday, July 16, at 8 p.m. showcasing artistic excellence and bold repertoire. Dvořák’s masterpiece Symphony No. 7 in D minor, op.70, B.141, will be led by resident conductor Grant Cooper. Shakespeare’s tragedy then takes musical form when resident conductor José-Luis Novo leads Prokofiev’s Selections from Romeo and Juliet, op.64.
The third week of EMF concludes on Saturday, July 17, at 8 p.m. with the acclaimed Eastern Festival Orchestra led by music director Gerard Schwarz. Barber’s triumphant wartime work, Capricorn Concerto, opens the concert. This work will be feature EMF principal faculty, including Les Roettges (flute), Randall Ellis (oboe), and Chris Gekker (trumpet). This will be followed by Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony (Symphony No. 1) op.25 closing the first half of the show. The concert ends with Beethoven’s landmark romantic Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, op.55, “Eroica.”
Concerts and recitals will be performed in compliance with current local, state, and federal health guidelines, including fewer performers on the stage, social distancing, and unvaccinated patrons required to wear masks in campus buildings. Most performances will be at 8:00 p.m. in Dana Auditorium on the Guilford College campus and limited to 500 socially distanced seats per show, in accordance with current venue capacity restrictions. To note: programs and available seating may change in response to any updated guidelines from the State of North Carolina.
As varied as these season highlights appear, the EMF Experience each summer is so much more than the performance. EMF is an unforgettable learning experience for dedicated young artists from across the nation, an enriching and entertaining social encounter for our patrons, and a celebration of incredible artistry.
Individual tickets available online at easternmusicfestival.org/tickets. All tickets will be reserved-in-advance touchless/paperless to ensure the safety of patrons and staff. EMF Box Office hours are Wed. – Fri., Noon – 4:00 p.m. (336-333-7450 x222). For additional program details, featured soloists and more information, visit easternmusicfestival.org/calendar.