Festivals!
For the past several years, my summers have been exceedingly musical. Although the city near my rural home is small (population 25,000), it hosts two world-class classical music festivals in July and August. I am a regular attendee at both.
First up is the Heifetz International Music Institute Festival of Concerts. The Heifetz Institute is a six-week program for gifted young string players from around the world who come here to study with great teachers from some of the best conservatories in the country. Founded by violinist Daniel Heifetz (not to be confused with world-renowned Jascha Heifetz, who is a distant cousin) almost three decades ago, the Institute relocated to Staunton, Virginia in 2012, housed on the campus of Mary Baldwin University.
Over the course of the six weeks, the Institute produces a mind-boggling number of concerts, somehow averaging more than one a day. These range from evenings featuring students in the senior division (ages 14 and up) performing solo works, to the same students collaborating in chamber ensembles, to performances by students in the junior division (ages ranging from 7 to 14). Use of the term “student” is deceptive, if accurate, because many of these young performers are spectacular talents well on their way to careers as professional musicians.
In addition to the student performances, one night per week is devoted to concerts presented by faculty members. At a recent concert, for example, we heard two piano quintets, one by Shostakovich and one by Elgar. The ten faculty members in the two ensembles (including fabulous pianists) represented Juilliard, Peabody Institute, Yale University, New England Conservatory, and others.
Perhaps because I am such a fixture at the concerts, I was invited to join the Institute’s Board of Directors and recently attended my first Board meeting.
The Staunton Music Festival is a different animal, occupying just ten days in August. Instead of an educational focus, SMF produces about thirty events (sometimes three concerts in one day) featuring eighty professional musicians from around the world. Whereas at a Heifetz concert you’ll hear only string instruments and piano, in an SMF concert there are few instruments you won’t hear. I love the brass and woodwinds, both modern and baroque, plus dazzling percussion performances, not to mention amazing vocalists. This year’s festival will kick off with a staged performance of Handel’s Messiah and will conclude with a concert version of Mozart’s The Magic Flute.
Despite having a limited background in classical music, I love these concerts and learn something new at each one. It’s also fun to mix with a crowd of regulars at the two festivals, mingling at intermissions or associated social events.
Writing Update
Speaking of music, I am making progress on my new novel. Whereas my last book drew its primary inspiration from art, this one is more dependent on music, although there is an inspiring painting behind it, too. I recently finished a first (rough) draft and have now begun a second draft. For the first time in years, I have been working with a critique group, receiving feedback as I go, which has been enormously helpful. We meet by Zoom, having shared our chapters in advance, and discuss. I don’t have a contract for this book, so I can’t say when it might appear, but I’m hoping to be done by the end of this year.
Reading and Interviews
I continue to maintain my reading journal on my website. If you’re interested in what I’ve been reading, take a look: Reading Journal for June 2025. I only finished three books in June, but they were great.
A few years ago, I started a series of short interviews on my website. I’ve added several of those lately. To learn more about some talented writers with new-ish books, check out: I’ve Got Questions.
