The 2024 Eastern Music Festival (EMF) season was an incredible success, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the support and participation of our community! Over five weeks, EMF welcomed music lovers from near and far to experience world-class performances by our esteemed faculty, emerging young musicians, and renowned guest soloists.

The season kicked off with spectacular performances like William Wolfram’s electrifying piano recital and “Welcome Bach,” an evening dedicated to the timeless works of Johann Sebastian Bach. The EMF orchestras filled Dana Auditorium with the rich sounds of Dvořák in “EMF Celebrates: Dvořák’s America” and later dazzled audiences with a wide variety of musical styles, from classical masterworks to contemporary selections.

We also had the honor of welcoming special guest artists, including banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck, violinist Jeffrey Multer, and pianist Santiago Rodriguez, all of whom brought their unique artistry to the stage as part of our Joseph M. Bryan, Jr. Festival Orchestra Series. The season’s diverse programming continued with chamber recitals, tuba-euphonium ensemble concerts, and free performances by the US Air Force Heritage Winds Quintet, making each week a musical adventure.

Highlights such as KALEIDOSCOPE, showcasing our talented Orchestral Fellows, and OVERTURES, spotlighting the EMF 2024 Conducting Scholars, displayed the extraordinary growth and promise of the next generation of classical musicians. These moments were a testament to the power of music education and the bright futures ahead for these rising stars.

In addition to our performances at Guilford College, we took EMF on the road with a special concert at Appalachian State University, further broadening our reach and bringing classical music to new audiences.

As we reflect on this remarkable summer, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us, from our devoted patrons and first-time attendees to the parents and supporters of our young artists. Your enthusiasm and support make each season possible, and we look forward to welcoming you back in 2025 for another unforgettable summer of music!

Be sure to stay tuned for next year’s exciting lineup and mark your calendars for even more exceptional performances.

Until then, thank you for being a part of the Eastern Music Festival family!