Performs

Jonathan Newman, composer
2027-02-15 19:30 (America/New_York) | Goodson Chapel – Recital Hall, 1400 L.P. Hill Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
EDGE Ensemble

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.

Evelyn Simpson-Curenton, composer
2027-02-19 19:30 | Goodson Chapel – Recital Hall, 1400 L.P. Hill Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
EDGE Ensemble

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.

Wind Ensemble
2027-02-20 19:30 | Armstrong Concert Hall, 702 University Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
EDGE Ensemble

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.

Clayton Stephenson
2027-02-21 14:30 | Armstrong Concert Hall, 702 University Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
EDGE Ensemble

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

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
EDGE Ensemble

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.

Conservatory Choir
2027-02-27 19:30 | Armstrong Concert Hall, 702 University Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
EDGE Ensemble

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.

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
EDGE Ensemble

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.

Symphonic Band
2027-03-02 19:30 | Armstrong Concert Hall, 702 University Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
EDGE Ensemble

Armstrong Concert Hall

Shaun Evans, Conductor

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

Collaborative Arts: Voice & Piano
2027-03-02 19:30 | Goodson Chapel – Recital Hall, 1400 L.P. Hill Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
EDGE Ensemble

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.

Rachel Short, voice, piano, guitar
2027-03-05 19:30 | Goodson Chapel – Recital Hall, 1400 L.P. Hill Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
EDGE Ensemble

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.

EDGE Ensemble
2027-03-09 20:00 | Bright Box Theater, 15 N Loudoun Street, Winchester, VA, 22601
EDGE Ensemble

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.

Lark, Roman & Meyer
2027-03-11 19:30 | Armstrong Concert Hall, 702 University Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
EDGE Ensemble

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

9 Horses
2027-03-24 20:00 | Bright Box Theater, 15 N Loudoun Street, Winchester, VA, 22601
EDGE Ensemble

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.

Dancin’ Out
2027-04-02 00:00 - 2027-04-04 23:59 | Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre, 620 Millwood Avenue, Winchester, VA, 22601
EDGE Ensemble

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.

Symphony Orchestra
2027-04-03 19:30 | Armstrong Concert Hall, 702 University Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
EDGE Ensemble

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”)

Big Band Workshop
2027-04-04 14:30 | Armstrong Concert Hall, 702 University Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
EDGE Ensemble

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.

Camerata RCO
2027-04-06 19:30 | Armstrong Concert Hall, 702 University Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
EDGE Ensemble

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

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

Machinal
2027-04-08 00:00 - 2027-04-11 23:59 | Glaize Studio Theatre, 620 Millwood Avenue, Winchester, VA, 22601
EDGE Ensemble

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

Wind Ensemble
2027-04-10 19:30 | Armstrong Concert Hall, 702 University Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
EDGE Ensemble

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.

Jon Nakamatsu
2027-04-11 14:30 | Armstrong Concert Hall, 702 University Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
EDGE Ensemble

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

CONTEMPO Ensemble
2027-04-14 20:00 | Bright Box Theater, 15 N Loudoun Street, Winchester, VA, 22601
EDGE Ensemble

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.

Commercial Rock Ensemble
2027-04-16 19:30 | Armstrong Concert Hall, 702 University Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
EDGE Ensemble

Armstrong Concert Hall

Jazz & Commercial Music

The Commercial Rock Ensemble (Matthew Niess, director) takes the stage for an electrifying evening of music spanning the many sounds of rock and commercial music. Featuring everything from classic rock and pop to funk, soul, R&B, blues, alternative, progressive rock and today’s biggest hits, the program showcases the versatility and energy of contemporary popular music. Powerful vocals, driving rhythms, soaring guitar solos and dynamic ensemble performances combine for an unforgettable night of live music.

Choral Ensembles
2027-04-17 19:30 | Armstrong Concert Hall, 702 University Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
EDGE Ensemble

Armstrong Concert Hall

Sing into Spring

Mark Helms, Conservatory Choir directorJeffrey Marlatt, Shenandoah Voices directorHillary Ridgley, Shenandoah Chorus director

Celebrate the arrival of spring with the Shenandoah Conservatory choral ensembles. This showcase blends timeless choral traditions with fresh, contemporary works, capturing the spirit of a world in bloom. Experience an evening of music that honors the transformative power of song.

Symphonic Band
2027-04-18 14:30 | Armstrong Concert Hall, 702 University Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
EDGE Ensemble

Armstrong Concert Hall

Shaun Evans, Conductor

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

Angels in America, Part One: Millennium Approaches
2027-04-22 00:00 - 2027-04-25 23:59 | Glaize Studio Theatre, 620 Millwood Avenue, Winchester, VA, 22601
EDGE Ensemble

Glaize Studio Theatre

Thursday, April 22 at 7:30PMFriday, April 23 at 7:30PMSaturday, April 24 at 2:30PMSaturday, April 24 at 7:30PMSunday, April 25 at 2:30PM

Written by Tony Kushner

Directed by Amanda Brooke Lerner

Tony Kushner’s Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning Angels in America, Part One: Millennium Approaches is a landmark of contemporary theatre that blends epic storytelling, biting humor and profound humanity. Set in 1980s America amid the AIDS crisis, the play follows a group of interconnected characters as they grapple with love, illness, identity, faith and change in a rapidly shifting world. As personal struggles collide with political realities, ordinary lives become the stage for extraordinary questions about community, responsibility and hope.

Guest directed by Amanda Brooke Lerner, this powerful production brings new life to Kushner’s visionary masterpiece. Moving seamlessly between realism and fantasy, intimate relationships and cosmic revelations, Millennium Approaches remains as urgent, moving and relevant today as when it first premiered.

Widely regarded as one of the most important plays of the twentieth century, Angels in America challenges audiences to confront the complexities of the human experience while celebrating resilience, compassion and the enduring search for connection in uncertain times.

Suggested Show Rating: R

Amanda Brooke Lerner’s residency at Shenandoah Conservatory is made possible by the Lewis Endowment for Visiting Artists in Theatre.

Actors’ Collective

Presented by the Actors’ Collective, this production from Shenandoah Conservatory’s acting program highlights the power of collaboration within its ensemble. Designed, sourced and built by the cast, the production reflects a model inspired by membership-driven theatre companies where performers take on all aspects of bringing a play to life. With a focus on text, character and shared creative effort, the storytelling centers on the actor’s craft and the collective vision behind it.

Suor Angelica & L'enfant et les sortilèges
2027-04-23 19:30 - 21:30, 2027-04-25 14:30 - 16:30 | Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre, 620 Millwood Avenue, Winchester, VA, 22601
EDGE Ensemble

Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre

Friday, April 23 at 7:30PMSunday, April 25 at 2:30PM

Main Stage Opera with Symphony Orchestra

Suor AngelicaMusic by Giacomo PucciniLibretto by Giovacchino Forzano

L’enfant et les sortilèges (The Child and the Spells)Music by Maurice RavelLibretto by Colette

Prepare for an evening of sweeping emotion and fantastical wonder as Main Stage Opera presents a captivating early twentieth-century double bill, directed by Kit Wilder: Giacomo Puccini’s deeply moving Suor Angelica paired with Maurice Ravel’s whimsical L’enfant et les sortilèges (The Child and the Spells).

Premiering just six years apart (1919 and 1925), these two operatic masterpieces offer two brilliantly contrasting lenses into the music of the era. Under Wilder’s direction, audiences will first be swept away by the devastating lyrical beauty and profound tragedy of Puccini’s cloistered tale of maternal love, loss and redemption, followed by the playful charm and dazzling orchestration of Ravel’s enchanted world, where a mischievous child’s bedroom comes colorfully to life.

Sung in Italian and French with English surtitles

Directed by Kit WilderConducted by Emanuele AndrizziMusical preparation by Maja TremiszewskaSet design by R. Eric StoneLighting design by Andrew CarsonCostume design by Shelbi WilkinSound design by Peyton Foranoce

Suggested Show Rating: PG-13

Pre-Show Lecture

Friday, April 23 at 6:30PMSunday, April 25 at 1:30PM

Enhance your experience by joining us for a pre-show lecture beginning one hour before each Main Stage Opera with Symphony Orchestra performance.

Essentially Ellington
2027-04-29 19:30 | Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre, 620 Millwood Avenue, Winchester, VA, 22601
EDGE Ensemble

Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre

Jazz & Commercial Music

The Shenandoah Conservatory Studio Big Band, under the direction of Matthew Niess, joins forces with guest artists from Jazz at Lincoln Center and Shenandoah University jazz faculty for a grand concert celebrating the timeless music of Duke Ellington. This inspiring finale caps an all-day event of performances, masterclasses and workshops, bringing together high school jazz bands from across the region to honor the legacy of one of America’s greatest composers. Don’t miss this vibrant celebration of swing, sophistication and jazz mastery.

ShenCoLAB
2027-05-08 00:00 - 23:59 | Shenandoah Conservatory, 1460 University Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601
EDGE Ensemble

Various Venues

Tickets for this event will go on sale later this season. Please check back for updates and additional information.

Festival of Arts, Ideas & Exploration

Shenandoah Conservatory turns over the programming and facilities to its students for a week of unbridled exploration, collaboration and creativity. Students work across disciplines on self-directed, time-limited projects fueled by their own passion, drive and curiosity. The week culminates with a day-long Festival of Arts, Ideas & Exploration featuring a wide variety of exciting, innovative and provocative performances, presentations, roundtable discussions and other special events.

A complete festival schedule will be released in April.

Festival Wristbands

Festival Wristband: $10 suggested donation

Festival wristbands provide access to the entire day of events (seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis; capacity is limited).

All proceeds support the imaginative work of our students during ShenCoLAB.
