Baroque, Bluegrass and Blue Jeans is Friday, Sept. 7 at The Jax
David Stewart Wiley
Baroque, Bluegrass and Blue Jeans will be held Friday, Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at The Jacksonville Center for the Arts in Floyd.
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 Soprano, Adelaide Muir 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.”
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 such as “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
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. Midkiff was raised on bluegrass, but feels comfortable in more than one setting.
“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,” Midkiff said.
After a varied musical career including a master’s degree in clarinet from Northern Illinois University, Midkiff moved back to Roanoke in 2006 and is orchestra director for Roanoke City Public Schools.
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.
Adelaide Muir Trombetta
The Jax is also hosting the Kandinsky Trio in concert on Saturday, Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. A Meet the Artist Champagne Reception will follow each event.
Tickets are $45 per person for the series, $25 per person in advance, or $30 per person at the door. Tickets can be purchased at The Jacksonville Center at 220 Parkway Lane in Floyd, by calling 745-2784, or online at jacksonvillecenter.org.
– Submitted by Brandi Gray, The Jacksonville Center for the Arts
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