Shenandoah Conservatory proudly recognizes the generous support of donors, sponsors and foundations whose contributions are making the conservatory’s landmark 2025/26 season possible. As the conservatory celebrates Shenandoah University’s 150th anniversary, these gifts help bring world-class guest artists, innovative productions and transformative experiences to audiences in the Northern Shenandoah Valley and beyond.

Endowed Series Sponsor

The L.P. “Skip” and Anne Hughes Hill Visiting Artist Endowment continues to provide vital support for Performing Arts Live, bringing acclaimed guest artists to our stages and classrooms throughout the season. This year’s artists include Broadway powerhouse Mandy Gonzalez, fearless jazz star Lucía, the acclaimed Escher String Quartet and Actors From The London Stage presenting a production of “As You Like It.”

Endowed Performance Sponsors

• The Laura N. Dabinett & Russell B. McKelway World of the Piano Fund makes possible the Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 performance by acclaimed alumnus Silvan Negruțiu ’13 (Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance).
• The Lewis Endowed Fund for Excellence in Acting Training supports Shenandoah Conservatory’s production of Molière’s “The Miser” (Thursday, Oct. 30, through Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025), including a residency by renowned guest director Paul Mason Barnes.
• The Lewis Endowed Fund for Visiting Dance Artists underwrites “Reflections: Invited Choreographers Showcase” (Friday, Feb. 6, through Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026), featuring works by celebrated choreographers Dana Tai Soon Burgess, Brandi Coleman and Doug Varone.

Performance & Series Support

• Marjorie and John Lewis, continuing their long-standing commitment to Shenandoah Conservatory, provide support for the Symphony Orchestra and Conservatory Choir’s joint concert (Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025), which includes the commissioning of a new work by alumnus Joel Puckett ’99 (Bachelor of Music in Composition), as well as the Sunday, April 12, 2026 recital by internationally acclaimed pianist Olga Kern.
• Crescent Cities Charities, Inc. sponsors two major musical theatre productions: “On the Town” (Thursday, Oct. 9, through Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025) and “Catch Me If You Can” (Thursday, Feb. 26, through Sunday, March 1, 2026).
• The Virginia Commission for the Arts supports the residency with Actors From The London Stage, presenting a series of workshops and a production of “As You Like It” (Thursday, Feb. 12, through Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026).
• The Marion Park Lewis Foundation provides crucial support for the Performing Arts Live series, ensuring that transformative performances remain accessible to our students and the community.

Media Sponsors

• Kayak 

Donor Circles & Individual Giving 

Shenandoah Conservatory also extends its deepest gratitude to the members of the Dean’s Circle, which supports excellence in performing arts training, state-of-the-art facilities, world-class faculty and experimental and creative student projects across all conservatory divisions; and the Friends of the Conservatory, which supports unique conservatory projects such as the performance series, industry leader masterclasses, distinguished artist residencies and new works.

“Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our donors and sponsors, we can celebrate our 150th anniversary with a season that reflects the breadth, depth and vitality of the arts at Shenandoah Conservatory,” said Courtney Reilly ’18, executive director of performances and engagement. “Their support ensures that our students work alongside leading professionals and that our audiences experience the very best in live performance.”

Join our community of passionate supporters and help us continue to bring world-class arts to the Shenandoah Valley! Every gift, no matter the size, helps nurture the next generation of performing artists and enrich our community.  For more information about supporting Shenandoah Conservatory or making a gift, visit www.su.edu/performs/support or contact our Advancement Office at (540) 678-4375 to learn more about giving opportunities.

For a complete calendar of events, to purchase tickets or to learn more, visit Conservatory Performs online at www.conservatoryperforms.org. During regular box office hours (Tuesday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.), tickets and information are available in person at the Shenandoah Conservatory Box Office located in the Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre lobby and over the phone at (540) 665-4569.

Photos from left to right and top to bottom: Mandy Gonzalez; Lucía, Escher String Quartet; Actors From The London Stage; Silvan Negruțiu; Olga Kern; Paul Mason Barnes (“The Miser“); Dana Tai Soon Burgess, Brandi Coleman and Doug Varone (Reflections: Invited Choreographers Showcase); Joel Puckett, Symphony Orchestra and Conservatory Choir; “Legally Blonde: The Musical” (Fall 2024); and “Waitress” (Fall 2024).