From my Inbox to you:

Jeff Midkiff

Adelaide Muir Trombetta

David Stewart Wiley

Baroque, Bluegrass and Blue Jeans

This is the title of the up-coming event on Friday, September 7, 2012 at 7:30 pm at The Jacksonville Center for the Arts (the Jax) in Floyd, VA.

Baroque music by Handel and Vivaldi mixed with Bluegrass and opera? “Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it” chuckles Linda Fallon, President of Board of Directors and co-sponsor of the concert series with husband Ed Fallon.

This concert will explore the deep connection between Baroque, Classical and Bluegrass styles. From the classic mandolin concerto by Antonio Vivaldi to modern Bluegrass masterpieces, the music will bridge the gap between traditional and original compositions with innovative and fun combinations. Selections include Ms. Trombetta singing Samuel Barber’s “Knoxville, Summer of 1915” and Schubert’s “The Shepherd on the Rock” accompanied by Maestro David Stewart Wiley at the piano and Jeff Midkiff on the mandolin and clarinet. “This crossover musical event is the perfect combination for Floyd, as we celebrate the music of Virginia’s Blue Ridge,” said Maestro David Wiley.  “There is also a contest for the coolest jeans, so get creative and join us for an inspiring evening of great music.”

David Stewart Wiley is the Music Director and Conductor of both New York’s Long Island Philharmonic and Virginia’s Roanoke Symphony Orchestra.  He is a pianist, guest conductor, arranger and composer.  He is active with schools and numerous arts organizations throughout the region with innovative events like “RSO Rocks”: which introduces symphony music to new audiences.  Wiley has also appeared as a jazz pianist in Boston’s Symphony Hall and has traveled worldwide in recital appearances  in China, Russia, Germany and other European cities.

Jeff Midkiff, a musician of many instruments, plays the mandolin and fiddle as well as the clarinet.  He has a degree from Virginia Tech in music education and performance.  Jeff was raised on Bluegrass, but feels comfortable in more than one setting.  Says Jeff, “I feel at home in the Blue Ridge Mountains playing fiddle tunes, but then again I feel at home in a professional orchestra as well.” After a varied musical career including a Master’s  Degree  in clarinet from Northern Illinois University, Jeff moved back to Roanoke in 2006 and is orchestra director in the Roanoke City Schools.

Soprano, Adelaide Muir Trombetta, who is accomplished in the world of opera, musical theater and sacred oratorio, is the third member of the trio performing at this event.  She has a Bachelor’s  Degree in music from the University of Illinois as well as an Artist Diploma and a Master’s Degree in music from Yale University.  After performing professionally in leading operatic roles in Switzerland, Italy and New York, she joined the faculty of Liberty University where she teaches classes in voice, Vocal Diction, Opera Workshop as well as giving private vocal instruction.

The Jax is also hosting the Kandinsky Trio in concert on Saturday, October 6, 2012 at 7:30 pm.  A Meet the Artist Champagne Reception will follow each event.  “Come and be a part of these exciting events, BUT get your tickets early, because they are sure to sell out,” a smiling Fallon warns.

Tickets are $45.00 per person for the series, $25.00 per person in advance, or $30.00 per person at the door.  Tickets can be purchased at The Jacksonville Center at 220 Parkway Lane in Floyd, by calling (540) 745-2784, or online at jacksonvillecenter.org.