This concert was originally conceived as a showcase of the exceptional soloists our school prepares for the musical world each year. However, I have come to realize that highlighting our top soloists is only part of what makes our conservatory so vibrant. Equally essential are our dedicated faculty, talented orchestral musicians and promising young conductors—each of whom contributes to the rich artistic community we foster.

This program will celebrate all of these elements, beginning with graduate conducting student Jordan Wright (Master of Music in Conducting), who will open the concert on the podium with an exhilarating work by our very own Jonathan Newman.

Continuing our tradition, we will feature two winners of our recent solo competition, performing two of the most virtuosic and emotionally compelling concertos of the early twentieth century. First, Korngold's Violin Concerto, op. 35, a lush homage to post-Romanticism infused with a cinematic, Hollywood-like sound. Then, Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3, op. 26—a thrilling battle between pianist and instrument, pushing technical prowess to its limits.

In the second half, our remarkable orchestra will take center stage. Newman's Meridian will envelop you in a mesmerizing sonic landscape, while Ginastera’s Variaciones Concertantes will spotlight the exceptional musicians of the Shenandoah Conservatory Symphony Orchestra in a series of captivating solo passages. The concert will conclude with a whirlwind of energy, bringing every section of the orchestra into the spotlight for a thrilling finale. I hope you enjoy our performance!

– Emanuele Andrizzi