When Edward McCrady launched the Sewanee Summer Music Center, as it was called when it began in 1957, he never could have foreseen what a prestigious chamber music training program and performance series his summer camp would become.
The Sewanee Summer Music Festival, as it is now known, opens its season on Saturday, June 23, at the University of the South on Monteagle Mountain. From then until the festival's conclusion on July 22, a series of concerts has been scheduled for the community.
Student musicians from across the country will learn from 33 faculty members drawn from leading orchestras, chamber ensembles, conservatories and universities.
In conjunction with opening day, a Gala Concert in the Faculty Artist Series will be performed on Saturday, June 23, from 7:30-9 p.m. CDT in Guerry Auditorium, 735 University Ave. Tickets are $20.
The concert program includes "Bisesi Go," Balmages' Brass Quintet, Dvorak's "Terzetto," Malcolm Arnold's "Three Shanties for Wind Quintet" and Rossini's Sonata No. 1.
This summer, SSMF celebrates the music of Leonard Bernstein, and at least one of his pieces will be included in almost every concert.
In addition to a Fourth of July concert, the festival will offer Friday evening concerts showcasing student chamber ensembles and Saturday morning concerts in Guerry Garth, which are free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch while enjoying the Saturday outdoor concerts.
A full concert schedule as well as ticket information can be found on the festival website: http://ssmf.sewanee.edu.