As we all look forward to the opening of a new performing arts center located on the campus of Garrett College, the Program Committee for GLAF will keep up the anticipation for the future with fantastic performances today. The 2020 Season is entitled A Tale of Two Cities because it begins with performers from Annapolis, MD and ends with a group from Baltimore.
GLAF will open their season with the return of Clipper City Brass Quintet coming to us from Annapolis, MD on April 25th at Garrett College Auditorium. Says a spokesperson for the organization, “The individual members of this ensemble are extraordinary performers in their own right. Together they form a chamber ensemble with a golden, rich sonority, capable of both the most velvety lyricism, and the most riveting and thrilling virtuosity. If ever you have a chance to hear the Clipper City Brass Quintet, you will be rewarded with hearing some of the finest and most spectacular music-making anywhere!”
The Education Committee for GLAF will also provide an education outreach for the Garrett County Public School Students as well as master’s Classes for both area high school band students.
On May 30th the GLAF audience will see the return of Conductor Lawrence Loh and The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra to the GLAF stage at Wisp Resort. Celebrating their 80th anniversary, Music Director Lawrence Loh will lead the WVSO through a wonderful music story featuring Mozart Clarinet Concerto and Dvorak, Symphony No. 8
“We are so excited about our 80th anniversary season,” said WVSO President Joe Tackett. “We are not only featuring some of the great music from our first season, but we are also launching our 80-for-80 club and have published a book that explores the people and the music that helped to sow a rich tradition of classical music in the heart of Appalachia.”
The United States Naval Academy Band will ALSO return in the 2020 season to present their patriotic concert at Wisp Resort on June 6th. This concert will be a free concert for all audience members.
The United States Naval Academy Band, “The Navy’s Oldest and Finest,” has been providing music for the Brigade of Midshipmen and surrounding community since 1852. Located at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, the band is comprised of professional Navy musicians, who have studied at some of the best music schools and conservatories in the country, and who have extensive resumes in performance and teaching. The Naval Academy Band takes pride in representing the Naval Academy’s deep heritage of excellence. Performing at the highest professional standard for the Navy, the Naval Academy, and the citizens of this great country remains their ultimate goal.
In July the ever-popular Chautauqua Festival by Maryland Humanities will return home to the campus of Garrett College and will be presenting Raising Their Voices and features four historical figures who fought for suffrage: Margaret Brent, Alice Paul, Mary Church Terrell, and Fannie Lou Hamer. Our own former Miss Maryland JoAnna Guy and her mom Liz Cannon will be portraying Alice Paul in this all-time favorite Chautauqua presentation. July 5-6-7 will be the dates with each evening performance beginning at 7:00 and all performances are free and accessible to all.
July will continue to be a ‘return’ engagement as the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) Soloists will return to the GLAF stage at Wisp Resort. They will be showcasing the exciting virtuosity of one of classical music’s greatest hits – Antonio Vivaldi’s four violin concertos which never cease to thrill and amaze audiences! The magic of nature comes to life as music paints the babbling brooks, summer storms, hunting parties and cozy winter fires. Then they will take us on a journey south to experience the intensely erotic tango-tinged Four Seasons in Buenos Aires by Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla.
The evening features two masters composers, two different eras, virtuoso musicians, one unforgettable evening! PSO Soloists is an acclaimed group of Pittsburgh Symphony musicians performing repertoire ranging from beloved classical masterpieces to neglected gems and newly commissioned American works.
The GLAF season will continue on August 2 with Stephanie Bettman and Luke Halpin playing original Folk/ Americana. Their concerts combine high-energy upbeat bluegrass/roots inspired compositions, beautiful ballads with soaring vocals and heartfelt lyrics, and groovy feel-good songs that audiences will be singing in their heads for weeks thereafter.
The season concludes on October 23rd with Charm City Junction from Baltimore, MD. From dance-inducing Old Time rhythms and foot-stomping Irish melodies to hard-driving Bluegrass, Baltimore-based acoustic roots quartet Charm City Junction creates a fresh soundscape that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats wondering where they’ll go next. The band is comprised of four of the most talented and promising young musicians in the country: Patrick McAvinue on fiddle, Brad Kolodner on clawhammer banjo, Sean McComiskey on button accordion and Alex Lacquement on upright bass.
GLAF programming is made possible in part by grant funding from Garrett County Arts Council, Maryland State Arts Council and our Season Donors: FirstEnergy Foundation, Garrett College, Wisp Resort, Lake Pointe Inn, Total Biz Fulfillment. For more information about tickets contact the GLAF Office at 301.387.3082 or visit our website artsandentertainment.org