Classical Holiday Music Celebration
Virginia’s Blue Ridge Music Festival recently gave a Holiday Party to thank donors and sponsors of the Floyd-based festival, which brings classical music mentors and academy students together for ensemble and symphony performances each spring.
Hosted in the mountaintop home of Lorrie and Doug Mann, the celebration included a spread of holiday refreshments, drinks and classical music performances in a festive setting.
Board member Randall Wells gave a report to the guests in song, and was accompanied by the whistling of renowned classical whistler Zachary Groff, who also accompanied other performers, playing on the Mann’s rare red Steinway piano. Wells sang the regrets of the festival artistic director, Maestro David Wiley, and board president, Jay Durner, who were not present because they were busy conducting concerts.
The festival’s new executive director, Ursula Ceballos (pictured on the right with board member/secretary Mary Wiley) was introduced at the party. She was described by one board member to be “diligently working with the board to raise funds to support the professional musician mentors who will be working side-by-side with festival fellows.”
VBRMF Vice President Barbara von Claparede presented a certificate of appreciation to David Wiley Sr. in gratitude for his work with the festival. The recognition was in the form of a scholarship for an academy fellow in Wiley’s name. Wiley Sr. was not in attendance due to illness.
The 2015 Music Festival is scheduled for May 27 through June 7 and will include major symphonic works, chamber music, and informal events throughout the community – presented by a full symphony of professional musicians and highly talented pre-professional fellows.
The above first appeared in The Floyd Press on December 18, 2014. Read about and see photos VBRMF’s 2013 inaugural 12 day festival HERE. And HERE is a story on last year’s weekend festival.
Note: For more information about VBRMF visit virginiasblueridgemusicfestival.org, or email ursula.ceballos.vbrmf@gmail.com.
