Performs

CONTEMPO Ensemble
2027-04-14 20:00 (America/New_York) | Bright Box Theater, 15 N Loudoun Street, Winchester, VA, 22601
Well-Being Concert: Karlyn Viña, percussion

Bright Box Theater

The Spring Playlist

Golder O’Neill, CONTEMPO Ensemble Director

Shenandoah Conservatory’s CONTEMPO Ensemble present an unforgettable evening of music curated and performed by a dynamic group of vocalists and instrumentalists. Rooted in diverse musical traditions, the ensemble presents a vibrant mix of pop, indie, soul, rock and original songs written by its members. Experience heartfelt performances, bold creativity and music that moves and connects.

Jon Nakamatsu
2027-04-11 14:30 | Armstrong Concert Hall, 702 University Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
Well-Being Concert: Karlyn Viña, percussion

Armstrong Concert Hall

Acclaimed pianist Jon Nakamatsu brings more than three decades of international artistry to the Shenandoah stage in a recital showcasing the elegance, intensity and musical insight that have made him one of America’s most distinguished pianists. Catapulted to worldwide recognition as the Gold Medalist of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition — the only American to earn that distinction since 1981 — Nakamatsu has built an extraordinary career as a soloist, chamber musician, recording artist and educator. Praised for his electrifying performances and expressive depth, he continues to captivate audiences across the globe.

A frequent guest with more than 150 orchestras worldwide, Nakamatsu has appeared with leading ensembles in Berlin, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Tokyo and beyond, collaborating with many of the most respected conductors of our time. As a recitalist, he has performed at renowned venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, while his acclaimed recordings have earned widespread critical praise. His distinguished career has also included performances at the White House, service on the juries of both the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and the United States Chopin Piano Competition, and appointments to the faculties of San Francisco Conservatory of Music and Stanford University.

The afternoon’s program explores the imaginative and transformative power of fantasy in music. It opens with Bach’s timeless chorale preludes in Ferruccio Busoni’s celebrated piano transcriptions, followed by Beethoven’s paired “Quasi una fantasia” sonatas, including the beloved “Moonlight” Sonata. Contemporary works by Elena Ruehr and Vivian Fung — both written for Nakamatsu — offer a striking contrast, highlighting his commitment to championing new music and collaborating with living composers.

The recital concludes with a trio of masterworks by Frédéric Chopin, including the expansive Polonaise-Fantaisie, the dramatic Fantasy in F Minor and the dazzling Andante spianato et grande polonaise brillante. Spanning more than two centuries of musical expression, this thoughtfully curated program showcases the artistry, versatility and interpretive mastery that have made Nakamatsu a beloved performer on stages around the world.

This performance is made possible by Bettie McGowin Miller and the Betty R. McGowin Charitable Trust.

Program

Johann Sebastian Bach(tr. Ferruccio Busoni)Two Chorale PreludesLudwig van BeethovenSonata No. 13 in E-flat Major, op. 27, no. 1 “Quasi unaFantasia”Ludwig van BeethovenSonata No. 14 in C-sharp Minor, op. 27, no. 2 “Quasi unafantasia” (“Moonlight”)Elena RuehrThe CurrentsVivian FungNocturne in B Major, op. 62, no. 1Frédéric ChopinPolonaise-fantaisie in A-flat Major, op. 61Frédéric ChopinFantasy in F Minor, op. 49Frédéric ChopinAndante spianato et grande polonaise brillante, op. 22

Pre-concert Talk

Sunday, April 11 at 1:30PM | Armstrong Concert Hall

Join us on the Sunday of each World of the Piano performance at 1:30PM in Armstrong Concert Hall for a Pre-Concert Talk! Learn about the artist’s program from Shenandoah Conservatory faculty and special guests.

Piano Masterclass

Monday, April 12 at 10AM | Armstrong Concert Hall

Observe the guest artists as they work with Shenandoah Conservatory piano students. Masterclasses are typically held on the Monday following each World of the Piano performance from 10AM to noon in Armstrong Concert Hall. Limited seating is open to the public for quiet observation. Please arrive by 9:45AM.

Join the Piano Society

Join Friends of the Conservatory at the Ally level or above and designate your gift to World of the Piano to become a member of our Piano Society! In addition to being listed in each World of the Piano program, members receive all Ally benefits plus access to exclusive Piano Society events.

Join the Piano Society

Wind Ensemble
2027-04-10 19:30 | Armstrong Concert Hall, 702 University Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
Well-Being Concert: Karlyn Viña, percussion

Armstrong Concert Hall

Timothy J. Robblee, Artistic Director & Conductor

Rhapsody in Blue

Join the Wind Ensemble for an evening of warmth, color and musical storytelling. The program features Rhapsody in Blue, George Gershwin’s iconic fusion of jazz and classical traditions, performed with acclaimed pianist Marika Bournaki. Bursting with energy, lyricism and unmistakable American spirit, this beloved masterpiece remains one of the most celebrated works of the twentieth century. Complementing Gershwin’s classic is Apricity by guest composer-in-residence Hilary Purrington, a luminous contemporary work inspired by the warmth of sunlight during winter. Additional popular favorites round out the program, bringing familiar melodies, infectious rhythms and audience favorites to the stage. Together, these works create an engaging musical journey that celebrates both beloved classics and vibrant contemporary voices.

Machinal
2027-04-08 00:00 - 2027-04-11 23:59 | Glaize Studio Theatre, 620 Millwood Avenue, Winchester, VA, 22601
Well-Being Concert: Karlyn Viña, percussion

Glaize Studio Theatre

Thursday, April 8 at 7:30PMFriday, April 9 at 7:30PMSaturday, April 10 at 2:30PMSaturday, April 10 at 7:30PMSunday, April 11 at 2:30PM

by Sophie Treadwell

Directed by Carolyn CoulsonSet design by Kristina BracewellLighting design by Terry JorgensenCostume design by Samantha Hicks

Step into the haunting and expressionistic world of Machinal, Sophie Treadwell’s groundbreaking 1928 drama inspired by the real-life trial of Ruth Snyder. Told through a series of episodic, emotionally charged scenes, Machinal follows a young woman trapped within the relentless machinery of societal expectations as she struggles against marriage, motherhood and a world that denies her autonomy and voice.

Fearlessly innovative and strikingly contemporary, Machinal blends poetic language, stylized movement and expressionistic storytelling to create a powerful portrait of isolation, longing and rebellion. Nearly a century after its debut, Treadwell’s tour de force remains a gripping and deeply resonant exploration of womanhood, identity and the human cost of conformity.

Suggested Show Rating: PG-13

Well-Being Concert: Karlyn Viña, percussion
2027-04-07 12:00 | Goodson Chapel – Recital Hall, 1400 L.P. Hill Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
Well-Being Concert: Karlyn Viña, percussion

Goodson Chapel – Recital Hall

Well-Being Concert Series

Created in partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute

Jessica Bertin, host

Music has the power to calm, restore, inspire and connect. Created in partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute, Shenandoah Conservatory’s Well-Being Concert Series reimagines the traditional concert experience as a space for reflection, mindfulness and human connection.

These intimate, hour-long events blend live music with guided mindfulness practices, creating a welcoming environment designed to invite audiences to slow down, listen deeply and engage with music in a meaningful way. Rooted in growing research on the relationship between music and well-being, the series creates space for participants to experience music not simply as entertainment, but as a source of renewal, resilience and shared understanding.

Join us after each Well-Being Concert for light refreshments in the lobby.

Reservations are recommended. A suggested contribution of $10 helps support the series, but you are welcome to reserve your seat at whatever amount is right for you. Everyone is welcome.

This project was supported, in part, by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly.

Camerata RCO
2027-04-06 19:30 | Armstrong Concert Hall, 702 University Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
Well-Being Concert: Karlyn Viña, percussion

Armstrong Concert Hall

Musicians of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra

When musicians from one of the world’s great orchestras gather as chamber artists, something extraordinary happens. Comprised of musicians from Amsterdam’s legendary Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra — “a fixture on shortlists of the world’s great orchestras” (The Washington Post) — Camerata RCO brings intimacy, virtuosity and remarkable musical connection to the chamber stage. Drawn together by a shared passion for chamber music, these acclaimed artists create performances filled with warmth, precision and exceptional artistry. This program showcases beloved works by Mozart and Beethoven, including Mozart’s Quintet in E-flat Major, reimagined for expanded chamber forces, and Beethoven’s celebrated Septet in E-flat Major — a cornerstone of the chamber repertoire renowned for its elegance, vitality and vibrant interplay between winds and strings. Refined, expressive and deeply collaborative, Camerata RCO offers an unforgettable evening of chamber music performed at the highest level.

Support Performing Arts Live

Performing Arts Live (PAL) is supported in part by the L.P. “Skip” and Anne Hughes Hill Visiting Artist Endowment, honoring the legacy of L.P. “Skip” Hill and Anne Hughes Hill. Making a donation to the Hill Visiting Artist Endowment grows support for Performing Arts Live.

Learn More & Give Now

Big Band Workshop
2027-04-04 14:30 | Armstrong Concert Hall, 702 University Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
Well-Being Concert: Karlyn Viña, percussion

Armstrong Concert Hall

Jazz & Commercial Music

Swing into spring as the Big Band Workshop (Alphonso Young, Jr., director) welcomes the season with a lively concert celebrating big band music across the decades! From classic swing to contemporary jazz, this performance highlights the energy, elegance and timeless appeal of America’s big band tradition.

Symphony Orchestra
2027-04-03 19:30 | Armstrong Concert Hall, 702 University Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
Well-Being Concert: Karlyn Viña, percussion

Armstrong Concert Hall

Emanuele Andrizzi, Artistic Director & Conductor

A Tribute to the Emperor

Join the Symphony Orchestra for a powerful evening celebrating innovation, heroism and musical brilliance. The program opens with Aureole by Augusta Read Thomas, a radiant and energetic work whose shimmering textures and vibrant colors create a compelling contemporary introduction to the concert.

The orchestra is then joined by Shenandoah Conservatory faculty member John O’Conor, widely regarded as one of the foremost interpreters of Beethoven’s music, for Beethoven’s majestic Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat Major, known as the “Emperor” Concerto. One of the most beloved works in the piano repertoire, the concerto combines grandeur, lyric beauty and virtuosic brilliance in a masterful showcase for soloist and orchestra alike.

The evening concludes with Beethoven’s revolutionary Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, the “Eroica” Symphony, a landmark work that transformed the symphonic tradition with its emotional depth, dramatic scope and heroic spirit. Together, these extraordinary works offer an inspiring journey through some of the most powerful and enduring music ever written.

Program

Augusta Read ThomasAureoleLudwig van BeethovenPiano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat Major, op. 73 (“Emperor”)Ludwig van BeethovenSymphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, op. 55 (“Eroica”)

Dancin’ Out
2027-04-02 00:00 - 2027-04-04 23:59 | Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre, 620 Millwood Avenue, Winchester, VA, 22601
Well-Being Concert: Karlyn Viña, percussion

Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre

Friday, April 2 at 7:30PMSaturday, April 3 at 7:30PMSunday, April 4 at 2:30PM

Celebrate the vibrant range of movement styles as the Dance Ensemble takes the stage with a dynamic collection of original works that blend contemporary and traditional dance styles. Featuring innovative choreography by faculty members Lindsay Browning, Tiffanie Carson, Brianna Freeman, Ashanté Green and Demetia Hopkins, as well as a special guest, this electrifying performance showcases the versatility, artistry and passion of Shenandoah’s dancers through works that challenge, inspire and entertain.

Pre- and Post-Performance Discussions

Enhance your experience through pre- and post-performance discussions with the choreographers and special guests. Details about these engagement opportunities will be shared as they become available.

9 Horses
2027-03-24 20:00 | Bright Box Theater, 15 N Loudoun Street, Winchester, VA, 22601
Well-Being Concert: Karlyn Viña, percussion

Bright Box Theater

Shenandoah New Music

9 Horses is an award-winning improvising chamber ensemble featuring original compositions and the incendiary, genre-hopping virtuosity of all three members. Strings Magazine called their 2021 double LP, Omegah, “a restless shapeshifting amalgam of jazz, rock, pop, improvisation, melody, and variegated acoustic and electronic textures…” 9 Horses represents their vision of a musical future with no barrier between ‘folk art’ and ‘fine art,’ and as an ensemble are capable of communicating this idea through musical canvases both great and small.

Lark, Roman & Meyer
2027-03-11 19:30 | Armstrong Concert Hall, 702 University Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
Well-Being Concert: Karlyn Viña, percussion

Armstrong Concert Hall

Tessa Lark, violinJoshua Roman, celloEdgar Meyer, double bass

Three visionary artists at the forefront of American music come together for an extraordinary evening of virtuosity, innovation and collaboration. Grammy-nominated violinist Tessa Lark, acclaimed cellist Joshua Roman and seven-time Grammy Award-winning bassist and composer Edgar Meyer unite in a dynamic program that blends timeless masterworks with bold contemporary voices, alongside fresh interpretations and original works written specifically for this ensemble. Equally at home in classical music, folk traditions and boundary-crossing artistic exploration, these celebrated musicians combine technical brilliance, intuitive musical chemistry and virtuosic fiddling on violin, cello and bass. Fresh, inventive and deeply expressive, Lark, Roman & Meyer offers a music experience that celebrates both tradition and artistic discovery.

Support Performing Arts Live

Performing Arts Live (PAL) is supported in part by the L.P. “Skip” and Anne Hughes Hill Visiting Artist Endowment, honoring the legacy of L.P. “Skip” Hill and Anne Hughes Hill. Making a donation to the Hill Visiting Artist Endowment grows support for Performing Arts Live.

Learn More & Give Now

EDGE Ensemble
2027-03-09 20:00 | Bright Box Theater, 15 N Loudoun Street, Winchester, VA, 22601
Well-Being Concert: Karlyn Viña, percussion

Bright Box Theater

Spotlight: Hilary Purrington

The EDGE Ensemble introduces the music of guest composer Hilary Purrington. Described as “…a young composer with boundless energy and an ear for beauty and emotional substance” (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution), Purrington’s music tells compelling stories through expressive lyricism and vibrant orchestration. Join the EDGE Ensemble in exploring Purrington’s unique voice and the musical world in which it was formed.

Rachel Short, voice, piano, guitar
2027-03-05 19:30 | Goodson Chapel – Recital Hall, 1400 L.P. Hill Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
Well-Being Concert: Karlyn Viña, percussion

Goodson Chapel – Recital Hall

Faculty Recital

Join Rachel Short, known as “The Singing Siren,” for an eclectic evening of music spanning Broadway, jazz, pop, rock and folk tunes. Showcasing her versatility as a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, Short presents a personal and engaging program featuring a variety of musical styles and special guest collaborators. Blending sparkling artistry, storytelling and musical connection, this faculty recital promises an intimate and memorable performance experience.

Collaborative Arts: Voice & Piano
2027-03-02 19:30 | Goodson Chapel – Recital Hall, 1400 L.P. Hill Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
Well-Being Concert: Karlyn Viña, percussion

Goodson Chapel – Recital Hall

Devony Smith, mezzo-sopranoDanny Zelibor, piano

Experience the vibrant brilliance of American song with an extraordinary collaborative performance featuring distinguished guest artists Devony Smith (mezzo-soprano) and Danny Zelibor (piano). Curated by the duo, this special concert showcases their remarkable artistry and seamless synergy through a program dedicated entirely to the depth and diversity of American music.

This performance serves as the grand finale to a two-day residency, where Smith and Zelibor will also lead masterclasses and panel discussions exploring the vital collaborative relationship between vocalist and pianist. The culminating concert brings this exploration to life, featuring our guest artists performing alongside Shenandoah’s own talented voices and pianists.

Symphonic Band
2027-03-02 19:30 | Armstrong Concert Hall, 702 University Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
Well-Being Concert: Karlyn Viña, percussion

Armstrong Concert Hall

Shaun Evans, Conductor

The Symphonic Band presents an evening of works for symphonic winds under the direction of Shaun Evans.

Well-Being Concert: Devony Smith, mezzo-soprano & Danny Zelibor, piano
2027-03-02 12:00 | Goodson Chapel – Recital Hall, 1400 L.P. Hill Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601

Conservatory Choir
2027-02-27 19:30 | Armstrong Concert Hall, 702 University Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
Well-Being Concert: Karlyn Viña, percussion

Armstrong Concert Hall

Echoes of Reflection

Mark Helms, Conservatory Choir director

As the winter season deepens, join the Conservatory Choir for an evening of evocative storytelling through song. Known for their powerful and moving performances, the ensemble explores themes of resilience and transformation, drawing from a wide variety of world cultures and diverse composers.

Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812
2027-02-25 00:00 - 2027-02-28 23:59 | Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre, 620 Millwood Avenue, Winchester, VA, 22601
Well-Being Concert: Karlyn Viña, percussion

Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre

Thursday, February 25 at 7:30PMFriday, February 26 at 7:30PMSaturday, February 27 at 2:30PMSaturday, February 27 at 7:30PMSunday, February 28 at 2:30PM

by Dave MalloyAdapted from War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

Directed and choreographed by Reed LuplauMusic direction by T. A. ShonkwilerSet design by Helena Gryder (R. Eric Stone)Lighting design by Zoe AndersonCostume design by Eleanor Hawkins

From the celebrated and award-winning composer Dave Malloy comes Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, an electrifying electropop opera inspired by a scandalous slice of Leo Tolstoy’s War & Peace. Young and impulsive, Natasha Rostova arrives to await the return of her fiancé from the front lines. When she falls under the spell of the roguish Anatole, a chain of choices sets lives on a collision course, leaving Pierre — a searching soul caught in an existential crisis — to help make sense of the wreckage.

Guest directed and choreographed by Reed Luplau of the original Broadway cast, this bold new production reimagines the musical not as a story set in imperial Russia, but within the fractured psyche of a civilization being erased in real time. Against a sterile, modern landscape, the characters’ inner lives erupt into view as hidden desires, fears and obsessions literally stain the world around them with the raw energy and rebellious spirit of 1980s punk culture. Blurring the boundaries between memory, fantasy and reality, this visually striking interpretation transforms Malloy’s acclaimed musical into a thrilling exploration of identity, longing and human connection.

Following a critically acclaimed journey from Ars Nova to Broadway, Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 remains one of the most daring and innovative musicals of the twenty-first century, celebrated for its immersive storytelling, genre-defying score and emotional intensity.

Suggested Show Rating: PG-13

This performance is sponsored by Crescent Cities Charities, providing educational assistance to promising students with financial need, and supporting charities and community organizations. Learn more at cccharities.org.

Clayton Stephenson
2027-02-21 14:30 | Armstrong Concert Hall, 702 University Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
Well-Being Concert: Karlyn Viña, percussion

Armstrong Concert Hall

With his joyous stage presence, expressive artistry and remarkable virtuosity, Clayton Stephenson has become one of classical music’s brightest rising stars. Shenandoah audiences will welcome his return for an afternoon of inspiring performances that reflect the depth, imagination and musical insight that have earned him international acclaim. Praised by Gramophone for his “extraordinary narrative and poetic gifts” and interpretations that are “fresh, incisive and characterfully alive,” he brings a rare combination of technical command, expressive depth and magnetic stage presence to every performance.

His recent accomplishments include concerto appearances with the Houston, North Carolina and Cincinnati Symphonies; recitals at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Carnegie Hall and Fondation Louis Vuitton; and an appointment as artist-in-residence with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. Stephenson is the recipient of a 2024 Avery Fisher Career Grant, winner of the inaugural Nina Simone Piano Competition and a 2025 Sphinx Medal of Excellence honoree. In 2022, he also made history as the first Black finalist at the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.

Stephenson’s remarkable journey began in New York City, where community music programs helped nurture his talent and foster a lifelong love of music. A student of The Juilliard School’s Music Advancement Program and later its prestigious Pre-College program, he rose from practicing on a discarded upright piano to performing on some of the world’s most celebrated stages. Today, he is recognized not only for his extraordinary musicianship but also for his commitment to expanding access to music and inspiring the next generation of artists.

Reflecting the breadth of his artistry, Stephenson’s program spans a remarkable range of musical styles and traditions. Audiences will experience the shimmering colors of Maurice Ravel’s Jeux d’eau and Sonatine, the poetic intensity of Robert Schumann’s Kreisleriana and the timeless message of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s You’ll Never Walk Alone as reimagined by Nina Simone. The recital also features Bill Evans’ meditative Peace Piece before culminating in Sergei Prokofiev’s electrifying Piano Sonata No. 7, a landmark twentieth-century work celebrated for its virtuosity, drama and emotional power.

A graduate of the Harvard–New England Conservatory dual-degree program, Stephenson continues to captivate audiences around the world with performances that combine joy, virtuosity and profound musical insight. Don’t miss the return of this extraordinary artist as he once again brings his unique voice and inspiring artistry to the Shenandoah stage.

Program

Maurice RavelJeux d’eauRodgers & Hammerstein(arr. Nina Simone)You’ll Never Walk AloneRobert SchumannKreisleriana, op. 16Maurice RavelSonatine, M. 40Bill EvansPeace PieceSergei ProkofievPiano Sonata No. 7, op. 83

Pre-concert Talk

Sunday, February 21 at 1:30PM | Armstrong Concert Hall

Join us on the Sunday of each World of the Piano performance at 1:30PM in Armstrong Concert Hall for a Pre-Concert Talk! Learn about the artist’s program from Shenandoah Conservatory faculty and special guests.

Piano Masterclass

Monday, February 22 at 10AM | Armstrong Concert Hall

Observe the guest artists as they work with Shenandoah Conservatory piano students. Masterclasses are typically held on the Monday following each World of the Piano performance from 10AM to noon in Armstrong Concert Hall. Limited seating is open to the public for quiet observation. Please arrive by 9:45AM.

Join the Piano Society

Join Friends of the Conservatory at the Ally level or above and designate your gift to World of the Piano to become a member of our Piano Society! In addition to being listed in each World of the Piano program, members receive all Ally benefits plus access to exclusive Piano Society events.

Join the Piano Society

Wind Ensemble
2027-02-20 19:30 | Armstrong Concert Hall, 702 University Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
Well-Being Concert: Karlyn Viña, percussion

Armstrong Concert Hall

Timothy J. Robblee, Artistic Director & Conductor

From Shenandoah to the National Stage

Fresh from its selection to perform at the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) National Conference, one of the nation’s most prestigious gatherings of wind band musicians and educators, the Wind Ensemble presents a vibrant program showcasing contemporary voices in wind band music. Featuring Jonathan Newman’s evocative Piʻilani and Koʻolau, the performance explores themes of joy, storytelling and place through colorful orchestration and dynamic musical expression. The program also includes an encore presentation of Adolphus Hailstork’s Celebration! Experience the artistry and energy that earned the ensemble national recognition in a program celebrating the creativity and vitality of today’s wind repertoire.

Evelyn Simpson-Curenton, composer
2027-02-19 19:30 | Goodson Chapel – Recital Hall, 1400 L.P. Hill Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
Well-Being Concert: Karlyn Viña, percussion

Goodson Chapel – Recital Hall

Guest Artist Recital

Celebrate the music of acclaimed composer Evelyn Simpson-Curenton in a special guest artist recital honoring her distinctive voice and lasting contributions to contemporary concert music. Blending influences of classical, sacred and African American musical traditions, Simpson-Curenton’s works are celebrated for their lyrical beauty, emotional depth and rich harmonic language.

Featuring performances by distinguished guests, this inspiring program showcases a selection of Simpson-Curenton’s music, highlighting her remarkable ability to craft works that are both deeply expressive and profoundly uplifting. Through compelling melodies, vibrant textures and heartfelt storytelling, the recital offers audiences an opportunity to experience the artistry of one of today’s most respected composers.

Widely performed throughout the United States and internationally, Simpson-Curenton’s music continues to inspire performers and audiences alike. Don’t miss this engaging celebration of a composer whose works speak with grace, power and enduring humanity.

Jonathan Newman, composer
2027-02-15 19:30 | Goodson Chapel – Recital Hall, 1400 L.P. Hill Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
Well-Being Concert: Karlyn Viña, percussion

Goodson Chapel – Recital Hall

Faculty Recital

Director of Composition and Coordinator of New Music Jonathan Newman hosts an evening of original compositions performed by Shenandoah Conservatory faculty and special guests. The program features Newman’s piano trio Nostalgia for the Kingdom, alongside the premiere of a new set of songs for soprano, piano and string quartet, and additional original works.

Symphony Orchestra
2027-02-13 19:30 | Armstrong Concert Hall, 702 University Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
Well-Being Concert: Karlyn Viña, percussion

Armstrong Concert Hall

Emanuele Andrizzi, Artistic Director & Conductor

Boléro

Join the Symphony Orchestra for an evening of orchestral power, color and drama featuring two beloved masterpieces of the repertoire. The program opens with Symphony No. 2 by Aleksandr Borodin, a sweeping work celebrated for its heroic energy, rich melodies and distinctly Russian character. From its commanding opening to its triumphant finale, the symphony showcases Borodin’s gift for blending lyricism with bold orchestral grandeur.

The concert concludes with Maurice Ravel’s iconic Boléro, one of the most recognizable and mesmerizing works in classical music. Built upon a single hypnotic melody and an unrelenting rhythmic pulse, Boléro unfolds through a dazzling display of orchestral color, gradually building to one of the most thrilling climaxes in the repertoire.

Together, these masterworks celebrate the expressive possibilities of the orchestra, offering audiences an unforgettable journey through passion, imagination and sonic brilliance.

Program

Aleksandr BorodinSymphony No. 2Maurice RavelBoléro

Karlyn Viña, percussion
2027-02-12 19:30 | Armstrong Concert Hall, 702 University Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
Well-Being Concert: Karlyn Viña, percussion

Armstrong Concert Hall

Faculty Recital

Join percussionist Karlyn Viña for an engaging faculty recital showcasing the artistry, versatility and expressive possibilities of percussion. Featuring a dynamic program that spans a range of styles, sounds and instruments, Viña brings virtuosic energy and musical imagination to the stage. From rhythmic brilliance to moments of striking lyricism, this recital offers audiences a captivating exploration of percussion as both a powerful and nuanced art form.

The Legendary Ingramettes
2027-02-07 14:30 | Armstrong Concert Hall, 702 University Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
Well-Being Concert: Karlyn Viña, percussion

Armstrong Concert Hall

For more than six decades, The Legendary Ingramettes have carried forward one of Virginia’s great musical traditions, preserving and reimagining the rich legacy of African American gospel music through roof-raising harmonies, extraordinary vocal power and an unmistakable spirit of joy. Founded by matriarch Maggie Ingram and now led by her daughter Almeta Ingram-Miller, this Richmond-based ensemble draws inspiration from the Black gospel quartets of the 1940s and 1950s while celebrating the deep musical roots that connect gospel, folk, blues and Appalachian traditions across the Commonwealth. Produced in partnership with the Virginia Folklife Program, the group’s music bridges generations and honors enduring cultural traditions while delivering an electrifying live performance experience. Powerful, uplifting and deeply rooted in Virginia’s musical heritage, The Legendary Ingramettes offer an unforgettable celebration of artistry, history and community.

This special Black History Month program is co-sponsored by the Mosaic Center for Diversity.

Support Performing Arts Live

Performing Arts Live (PAL) is supported in part by the L.P. “Skip” and Anne Hughes Hill Visiting Artist Endowment, honoring the legacy of L.P. “Skip” Hill and Anne Hughes Hill. Making a donation to the Hill Visiting Artist Endowment grows support for Performing Arts Live.

Learn More & Give Now

Studio Big Band
2027-02-06 19:30 | Armstrong Concert Hall, 702 University Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
Well-Being Concert: Karlyn Viña, percussion

Armstrong Concert Hall

Jazz & Commercial Music

100 Years of Jazz: Historic Recordings & Legendary Artists

The Studio Big Band (Matthew Niess, director) presents a journey through more than 100 years of jazz, celebrating the historic recordings and artists that shaped America’s great art form. From early New Orleans jazz and Louis Armstrong to Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and John Coltrane, this concert traces the evolution of jazz into the modern era with Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Pat Metheny, Maria Schneider, Wynton Marsalis and today’s contemporary composers and arrangers.

Colin Davin, guitar
2027-01-30 19:30 | Goodson Chapel – Recital Hall, 1400 L.P. Hill Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
Well-Being Concert: Karlyn Viña, percussion

Goodson Chapel – Recital Hall

Faculty Recital

Colin Davin & Friends: The Guitar in Italy

Join acclaimed guitarist Colin Davin and an exceptional lineup of collaborative artists for Colin Davin & Friends: The Guitar in Italy. This special faculty recital explores the guitar’s rich and evolving role in Italian musical traditions, showcasing the instrument not only as a virtuosic solo voice, but also as a vibrant partner in chamber music spanning more than two centuries.

Featuring a variety of guest artists and ensemble combinations, the program highlights the expressive versatility of the guitar through evocative works for guitar and clarinet, as well as the lush, energetic textures of guitar paired with string quartet. Blending intimacy, lyricism and dynamic collaboration, the performance offers a compelling journey through Italy’s enduring musical legacy.

Reflections: Invited Choreographers Showcase
2027-01-29 00:00 - 2027-01-31 23:59 | Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre, 620 Millwood Avenue, Winchester, VA, 22601
Well-Being Concert: Karlyn Viña, percussion

Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre

Friday, January 29 at 7:30PMSaturday, January 30 at 7:30PMSunday, January 31 at 2:30PM

Three acclaimed guest choreographers join the Dance Ensemble to present a captivating program of movement, creativity and artistic exploration. This year’s performance showcases the distinctive voices of David Dorfman, Jocelyn Hrzic and Stephanie Martinez, whose work spans contemporary dance, ballet and dance theatre. Together, these visionary artists bring a diverse range of perspectives and approaches to movement, creating a program that is both thought-provoking and deeply engaging.

From Dorfman’s celebrated blend of social consciousness and physical storytelling to Hrzic’s dynamic fusion of technical precision and expressive artistry and Martinez’s bold, kinetic choreography, this inspiring performance highlights the versatility and passion of Shenandoah’s dancers. Experience an unforgettable program that celebrates innovation, collaboration and the transformative power of dance.

This performance is made possible by the Lewis Endowed Fund for Visiting Dance Artists.

Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night
2026-12-12 17:30 | Old Town Winchester Walking Mall, Winchester, VA, 22601
Well-Being Concert: Karlyn Viña, percussion

Old Town Winchester Walking Mall

Shenandoah New Music

Join us in this holiday tradition with Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night and parade through the Old Town Winchester Walking Mall with boom boxes and mobile devices as new-music carolers! Meet us at 5:30PM for special instructions and help downloading the app or accessing the music. The group will begin walking promptly at 6PM and the experience lasts approximately 45 minutes; please dress warmly for the outdoor caroling event.

How to Participate

Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night is the result of many individuals simultaneously playing Kline’s tracks on CD, mp3, or mobile devices—creating a roving swarm of music throughout the city streets. Bring a mobile device with portable speakers or boom box. We will provide CDs. Visit unsilentnight.com to learn more and download the mobile app or tracks in advance.

About Unsilent Night

Unsilent Night is an original composition by Phil Kline, written specifically to be heard outdoors in the month of December, always as a free event. It takes the form of a promenade in which the audience becomes the performer (each participant gets one of four tracks of music that they play simultaneously), walking a carefully chosen route through a city’s streets.

It started in winter 1992, when Phil had an idea for a public artwork in the form of a holiday caroling party. He composed a four-track electronic piece that was 45 minutes long (the length of one side of a cassette tape), invited some friends who gathered in Greenwich Village, gave each person a boombox with one of four tapes in it, and instructed everyone to hit PLAY at the same time. What followed was a sound unlike anything they had ever heard: an evanescence filled the air, reverberating off buildings and streets as the crowd walked a pre-determined route, creating a mobile sound sculpture different from every listener’s perspective. “In effect, we became a city-block-long stereo system,” says Phil. The piece was so popular that it became an annual tradition, and then an international phenomenon.

While technological advances and a mobile app (Android and Apple) allow the piece to now be played through a multitude of devices, Phil Kline originally designed the piece to incorporate the unreliability, playback delay, and quavering tones of cassette tapes. “Today most people use digital audio players, so I make the audio available in that format as well—but there’s something about the twinkling, hallucinatory effect of a warbling cassette tape that I enjoy,” he says.

The studio recording of Unsilent Night, which layers all the tracks, is available on Bang on a Can’s Cantaloupe Music label.

Symphonic Band
2026-12-06 14:30 | Armstrong Concert Hall, 702 University Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
Well-Being Concert: Karlyn Viña, percussion

Armstrong Concert Hall

Shaun Evans, Conductor

The Symphonic Band presents an afternoon of works for symphonic winds under the direction of Shaun Evans.
