The Festival is modeled on top classical music festivals across the country–such as the famous Aspen Music Festival–but there is nothing like this anywhere in the region. And, there is no place more interesting for such an event than the Rosalie Sugarmill. Lovers of great music will come from all around to be in this special place for this amazing event.
Kermit Poling, Lin He and Paul Christopher are among the modern-day greats who will perform at the Festival along with Elizabeth O’Bannon, John De Chiaro and an 11-year-old gold medal pianist named Antonio Ajero, who is traveling in from Texas for the occasion. Douglas Bakenhus, Masahito Kuroda, Mark Thompson, Elena Bogaczova, Dennette McDermott and so many more will perform, including Alexandria’s own Young Artists Chamber Orchestra, a seven-member ensemble of local high school students who have played to national acclaim.
Like all great classical musical festivals, the Sugarmill Music Festival will have a scholarly component, too, including a master class for string players, two panel discussions, and an architectural tour of the Sugarmill. Complete program notes for every performance are being produced by local music scholar Jackson Harmeyer.
Churches, civic groups and others are encouraged to come together and erect a social tent onsite as their Festival home. Information is available at www.sugarmillmusicfestival.org and the Sugarmill Music Festival Facebook page.