ACMF 2023 Places That Inspire

Join ACMF on a musical journey toPlaces That Inspire- both near and far! Save the date for our 2023 Festival, scheduled for August 14 - 27. The festival will include a series of 12 chamber music concerts presented in ten different venues throughout the region. Locations include Harpers Ferry, Charles Town, and Shepherdstown, WV, and Berryville, Winchester, and Purcellville, VA.ACMF's programming contains something for everyone! Concerts include works from classical composers including Beethoven, Dvo?ák, Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky, Schubert, as well as contemporary composers and world premiere works exploring sounds in several different musical traditions including bluegrass, folk, traditional music, and more! Musicians include strings players, a pianist, a classical banjoist, woodwind and brass. What sets ACMF apart is the lively and fun way our musicians bring music to life! Our musicians are passionate about what they do, and this summer they will take audiences along for the ride to discover....Places That Inspire!

Pre-Festival Events:

Thursday July 20, 2023

7 PM: Howay The Lasses at The Levitt AMP Shenandoah Junction Music Series

Free Public Event

The AMP at Sam Michaels Park, 235 Sam Michaels Lane, Shenandoah Junction, WV 25442

The Levitt AMP Shenandoah Junction Music Series is supported in part by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, which partners with towns and cities across America to activate underused public spaces through the power of free live music, creating welcoming, inclusive destinations. Presenting a broad array of music genres and cultural programming, Levitt venues and concert sites are community anchors where families, friends and neighbors of all ages and backgrounds come together. Jefferson County Parks and Recreation is thrilled to be one of 33 Levitt AMP venues in the United States.  Learn more at levitt.org.

Friday, July 21, 2023

2 PM: Live Music: Howay The Lasses

Free Public Event

Charles Town Public Library, 200 E. Washington St., Charles Town, WV 25414

5 PM: Live Music: Howay The Lasses

Free Public Event

The Gazebo at Harpers Ferry Public Square, 575 Washington Street, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

Sunday, July 23, 2023

3 PM: Live Music: Howay The Lasses

Free Public Event

Brambleton Library, 22850 Brambleton Plaza, Brambleton, VA 20148

7 PM: Live Music: Howay The Lasses at The Barn of Harpers Ferry

Tickets: $10 advance / $15 at door

The Barn of Harpers Ferry, 1062 W. Washington St. , Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

5 PM: MoonStrike with ACMF talktuesdays / talktheater event

Partner Presentation with the Contemporary American Theater Festival

Free Public Event, RSVP Required

Frank Center Stage, 260 University Drive, Shepherdstown, WV 25443

Strings Chamber Music Camp: August 14 - 18, 2023

Monday - Friday: 10am - 2:30pm

Bring packed lunch, concert with pizza party on Friday!

Ages 12 - 18  |  All levels  
For violin, viola, cello, and bass
Tuition: $195 (need-based scholarships available)

Applications Due June 15

Each day, students will spend time with the all-camp chamber ensemble and their small assigned chamber music groups. Guest musicians will stop by throughout the week for learning sessions, and students will have the opportunity to sit in on an ACMF rehearsal.

The week will conclude with an invited concert featuring the different groups who prepared music throughout the week.

Students will receive their small group assignments and music to begin rehearsing in early July ahead of the first day of camp.

Location: ACMF at Old Stone School, 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro, VA 20132

Strings Camp Flier

Adult Intensive Chamber Music Seminar: August 21 - 23, 2023

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 2 - 6pm

Open for all strings players, limited space for winds and brass

All levels welcome

Tuition: $150 (need-based scholarships available)

Applications Due July 1

ACMF at Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 W German Street, Shepherdstown, WV 25443

Have a group? If you have a pre-formed group, sign up to participate together!

Need a group? Sign up as an individual, we'll match you with partners based on applications received.

Each day, musicians will spend time with their ensemble receiving coaching from our professional ACMF musicians. Activities may also include individual one-on-one work with a coach, group work to develop and refine skills needed by small ensemble musicians, and more!

The week will conclude with an invited concert featuring the different groups who prepared music throughout the week.

Location: ACMF at Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 W German Street, Shepherdstown, WV 25443

Adult Seminar Flier

Festival Schedule: August 14 - 27, 2023

Thursday, Aug 17, 2023

7:30 PM: Opening Night 2023: Places That Inspire

Location: Zion Episcopal Church, 301 East Congress Street, Charles Town, WV, USA

ACMF's 2023 opening night event will treat audiences to the world premieres of Steven Snowden and Noam Faingold and performances by special artists, John Bullard, classical banjo and Efi Hackmey, piano.

Join us for the opening night of our 2023 season in the heart of historic downtown Charles Town, WV.  We start our 2023 journey with a collection of exciting works for strings, piano and banjo that evoke a sense of place through folklore, our environment, and the effervescent energy of musical roots in slavic folk tunes. Featuring world premieres of Steve Snowden and Noam Faingold and special artists, John Bullard, banjo and Efi Hackmey, piano.

Program:

Voodoo Dolls (2008): Jessie Montgomery (b. 1981)
Murder Ballads (world premiere): Steven Snowden (b. 1981)
 In the Pines
 Two Sisters
 Banks of the Ohio
Sonata for Viola da Gamba in D Major, BWV 1028: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
~ intermission~
Elevation for Solo Violin and Strings (2022): Paul Frost
The Air is on Fire for Cello and Piano* (world premiere): Noam Faingold (b. 1984)
String Quintet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 77: Antonín Dvo?ák (1841-1904)
 Allegro con fuoco
 Scherzo. Allegro vivace
 Poco andante
 Finale. Allegro assai

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Friday, Aug 18, 2023

7:30 PM: Behind Every Great Woman...

Location: Camp Hill-Wesley United Methodist Church, Washington Street, Harpers Ferry, WV, USA

A celebration of women composers with fascinating stories to tell.

We’ve all heard the saying “Behind every great man is a great woman” but we are now in a time where we can flip this, and explore works by incredible women in the past 100 years, who were all no doubt inspired as all classical musicians are by the music of Mozart.

In this enchanting program, we feature works mostly written by women around the world in the past 100 years, with fascinating stories to tell. This program journeys from Azerbaijan across Europe and the British Isles before finishing in Washington D.C. with Caroline Shaw’s captivating “Plan and Elevation” inspired by the historic Dumbarton Oaks home in Georgetown.

Program:

R?qs (Dance) (2015): Franghiz Ali-Zadeh  (b. 1947)

Clarinet Quintet in A Major, KV 581:  Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
 Allegro  
 Larghetto
 Menuetto
 Allegretto con variazioni
-Intermission-
Poem: Adagio for String Quartet (1926):  Rebecca Clarke (1886-1979)
Plan & Elevation: The Grounds of Dumbarton Oaks (2015): Caroline Shaw (1886-1979)
 The Ellipse
 The Cutting Garden
 The Herbaceous Border
 The Orangery
 The Beech Tree

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Saturday, Aug 19, 2023

11:00 AM: Duo Delights and More!

Location: Station At Shepherdstown, Audrey Egle Drive, Shepherdstown, WV, USA

The first of two Coffee Concerts - join festival musicians for a one hour concert featuring works for two players with ACMF winds and string musicians.

Back by popular demand in 2023 is our first of two coffee concerts this season!  Come join us for a one-hour late morning concert filled with delectable miniature works for two players. This concert will feature the coming together of our talented wind and string players in works by Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, Villa-Lobos and traditional Irish tunes and music by our very own ACMF artists. Featuring Irish musicians Sinead Frost and Sinead Farrell. Not to be missed!

(Different program from "Let's Duet" on Aug 26.)

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7:30 PM: ELEVATION

Location: Goodson Chapel – Recital Hall, L P Hill Drive, Winchester, VA, USA

Inspired by lofty places, we invite you to join us for a view from above featuring a powerful program including compositions from award-winning Caroline Shaw, Igor Stravinsky's "Dumbarton Oaks", and an American premiere from Paul Frost. This concert will include strings, flute, clarinet, bassoon, and French horn.

We take our inspiration for this concert from a lofty place; the view of an inspiring place from above.  The regal Beethoven horn sextet starts this program, before venturing into award-winning works by Caroline Shaw, and Igor Stravinsky’s Dumbarton Oaks, written for the historic home of the same name in Washington D.C. Featuring welsh violinist, Martin Gwilym-Jones in the American premiere of Paul Frost’s “Elevation” for string ensemble and solo violin.

Program:

Sextet for Two Horns and Strings in E-flat Major, Op. 81b:   Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
 Allegro con brio
 Adagio
 Rondo. Allegro
Plan & Elevation: The Grounds of Dumbarton Oaks (2015):  Caroline Shaw (b. 1982)
 The Ellipse  
 The Cutting Garden
 The Herbaceous Border
 The Orangery
 The Beech Tree
-Intermission-
Elevation for Solo Violin and Strings (2022):  Paul Frost

Chamber Concerto in E-flat Major (“Dumbarton Oaks”):  Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971)
 Tempo giusto
 Allegretto
 Con moto

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Sunday, Aug 20, 2023

1:00 PM: Family Concert: Travel the World Through Music!

Location: Franklin Park Performing & Visual Arts Center, Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA, USA

Bring the whole family and enjoy ACMF's first KIDS CONCERT! This less formal and relaxed one hour concert is designed for younger audience members, and we're confident this program will equally delight the young at heart.

Bring the whole family and enjoy ACMF's first KIDS CONCERT! This less formal and relaxed one hour concert is designed for younger audience members. All are welcome! Whether this is your family's first concert experience or you have students who study music - this concert will be fun and accessible.

This family-friendly kids concert is designed to engage, educate and enlighten our younger audience members, but is delightful for all ages. Join us on an hour-long journey exploring how composers from around the world express the idea of “Places that Inspire” through their music.

What to expect:

This concert will be one hour with no intermission. Wiggling and dancing in your seats is welcome! The instruments on stage will include violin, viola, cello, flute, and bassoon. Musicians will perform in a variety of groupings including quartets, duos, and a larger chamber ensemble piece with six players. House lights will be dimmed for this performance (not completely dark). Franklin Park Arts Center is a wonderful venue with a modern stadium style theater space (audiences look down onto the stage) and plenty of free parking. Learn more about the venue on their website.

Program may include:
Die Forelle: Shubert (Arr. Farrington)
Flute Quartet: Mozart
Duo Delights with Flute and Bassoon: Frost
Poem: Rebecca Clarke

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7:00 PM: Festival Favorites: Encore Concert featuring Stravinsky's "Dumbarton Oaks"

Location: Shepherdstown Opera House, West German Street, Shepherdstown, WV, USA

A best-of program featuring some of the most exciting works from our first week, with an encore of Stravinsky's "Dumbarton Oaks"!

The first weekend of our festival ends with a bang with an hour long concert featuring some of the most exciting works from our first week. Join us in the Shepherdstown Opera House for a vast array of repertoire, featuring our string and wind artists. A great way to end a weekend with a shorter performance that’s sure to pack a punch.

Program:
R?qs(Dance) (2015):  Franghiz Ali-Zadeh (b. 1947)
String Quintet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 77:   Antonín Dvo?ák (1841-1904)
 Allegro con fuoco
 Scherzo. Allegro vivace
 Poco andante
 Finale. Allegro assai
Chamber Concerto in E-flat Major (“Dumbarton Oaks”): Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971)
 Tempo giusto
 Allegretto
 Con moto

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Wednesday, Aug 23, 2023

7:30 PM: Lost in Plain Sight: Cassadó and His Lost Iberian Legacy

Location: Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education, North King Street, Shepherdstown, WV, USA

A continuation of the enlightening concert discussion from 2022 with Dr. H Rosi Song exploring 20th century Catalan cellist and composer, Gaspar Cassadó. This international humanities project is presented in collaboration with Durham University (UK) and Shepherd University.

This concert is a continuation of the enlightening concert discussion from 2022 with Dr. H Rosi Song, exploring the 20th century catalan composer, Gaspar Cassadó. We offer a juxtaposition of Cassadó’s music paired with Derrick Skye’s “American Mirrors” which draws on a rich tapestry of colors and expression of America.

An exploration of the work of Spanish Catalan cellist and composer Gaspar Cassadó (1897-1966). Regarded as one of the top cellists of the 20th century whose work continues to be played worldwide, his name and history remain mostly forgotten in Spain and abroad. An early advocate for the modern cello, he played an active role in trying to expand the repertoire for cellists, composing and collaborating with composers of his time like Luigi Dallapiccola (1904-75) who dedicated a concerto to him.  Today, his name remains connected to that of his world-famous teacher, Pablo Casals (1876-1973), and fraught by the complicated legacy of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). Cassadó’s significance in cello performance and composition deserve a new look as his works reflect important musical trends in pre-war Europe regarding the concept of a regional or national sound. As part of a research project to recover his legacy while examining of what could be identified or understood as a “Spanish sound” in 20th century classical music, the recital presents a combination of lecture and performance, where the audience is invited to learn about the life and work of Cassadó in conversation with the work of other composers.

Program format is lecture/recital with research presented by Dr. H Rosi Song between pieces.

Program opens with discussion by Dr. H Rosi Song

String Quartet No. 2:  Gaspar Cassadó (1897-1966)
 Allegro giocoso
 Canzona e pavana. Andantino cantabile
 Recitativo e Finale. Grave - Allegro assai con brio
American Mirror (2017): Derrick Skye (b. 1982)

String Quartet No. 3:   Gaspar Cassadó (1897-1966)
 Allegro, pesante ed appassionato
 Vivace e con spirito
 Andante cantabile
 Allegro con fuoco ed appassionato

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Thursday, Aug 24, 2023

7:00 PM: Places That Inspire: The Natural World

Location: Barns of Rose Hill, Chalmers Court, Berryville, VA, USA

In its third season, ACMF celebrates “Places that Inspire,” taking a special look at music that draws from places in the natural world. Join us on a thrilling journey starting in Algeria and finishing with Schubert’s celebrated piano "Trout Quintet".

ACMF is excited to return to the Barns of Rose Hill in its third season which celebrates “Places that Inspire”. This concert takes a special look at music that draws influence from places in the natural world and includes the premiere of a new piano trio by British composer Mark Boden commissioned for ACMF 2023. Join us on a thrilling journey starting in Algeria and finishing with Schubert’s celebrated piano quintet the “Trout”. An exciting evening with something for everyone to enjoy!  

Program:
Miniatures Algerienes: Salim Dada:
Linden: Mark David Boden
Murder Ballads:  Steven Snowden (b. 1981) (second performance, premiered 8/17 by ACMF)
 In the Pines
 Two Sisters
 Banks of the Ohio
-Intermission-
ACMF 2023 Comissioned Work (TBA): Mark David Boden (world premiere)*
Piano Quintet in A Major, D. 667 (“Trout”):  Franz Schubert  (1797-1828)
 Allegro vivace
 Andante
 Scherzo. Presto
 Andantino - Allegretto
 Allegro giusto

ACMF 2023 commissioned work sponsored by Marellen Aherne

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Friday, Aug 25, 2023

7:30 PM: Water and Beauty

Location: Frank Center, University Drive, Shepherdstown, WV, USA

Celebrate the beauty and inspiration water brings to our lives with a world premiere performance of Rufus Reid's "Wind and Sail" and Schubert's "Trout" piano quintet. After intermission, we reflect on the beauty of Italy with Tchaikovsky's “Souvenir de Florence”.

Two of the most celebrated works from the 19th century Europe, Schubert’s “Trout” quintet and Tchaikovsky’s “Souvenir de Florence” feature in this exhilarating program.  The Shenandoah and Potomac rivers whose confluence is in Harpers Ferry were the original inspiration for this program. The first half draws on the idea of water as a place, and in the second half provides a stunning postcard of the beautiful city of Florence. Also featuring the world premiere of “Wind and Sail” by Rufus Reid, featuring Sam Suggs, bass.

Program:

Wind and Sail (2022, World Premiere)*:  Rufus Reid (b. 1944)
Piano Quintet in A Major, D. 667 (“Trout”):  Franz Schubert (1797-1828)

 Allegro vivace
 Andante
 Scherzo. Presto
 Andantino - Allegretto
 Allegro giusto
-Intermission-
String Sextet in D Minor, Op. 70 (“Souvenir de Florence”):   Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)
 Allegro con spirito
 Adagio cantabile e con moto
 Allegretto moderato
 Allegro con brio e vivace

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Saturday, Aug 26, 2023

11:00 AM: Duo Delights: Let's Duet Again

Location: Station At Shepherdstown, Audrey Egle Drive, Shepherdstown, WV, USA

Our duo concerts are so popular, we couldn't resist putting together a second one for 2023! Our second coffee concert features ACMF String Musicians.

Our duo delight series has been so popular that we have a second duo delights program on offer this year. Featuring our fabulous ACMF string artists, join us for a joyus romp to get your juices flowing for our final weekend full of musical activities. Coffee and donuts will be provided to all attendees.

(Different program from the Duo Delights program on Aug 19.)

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7:30 PM: Places That Inspire: Large Spaces, Area, Regions of the World

Location: Charles Washington Hall, West Washington Street, Charles Town, WV, USA

Join ACMF for the final evening performance! Enjoy some highlights of the 2023 festival that will dazzle, excite, and warm your heart.

Enjoy some of the highlights of the 2023 festival that will dazzle, excite, and warm your heart in this program that amalgamates all the ideas around our places that inspire theme, including regional music, beautiful places, large open spaces, and the entire nation of America with its rich cultural tapestry in American Mirrors.

In this final evening performance, ACMF is delighted to return to the beautiful Charles Washington Hall where we premiered our John Brown-inspired work by Ailbhe McDonagh in 2021.

Program:

Elevation for Solo Violin and Strings (2022): Paul Frost
Miniature Algeriennes: Salim Dada
American Mirror (2017): Derrick Skye (b. 1982)
~intermission~
Voodoo Dolls (2008):  Jessie Montgomery (b. 1981)
String Sextet in D Minor, Op. 70 ("Souvenir de Florence"): Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)
 Allegro con spirito
 Adagio cantabile e con moto
 Allegretto moderato
 Allegro con brio e vivache

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Sunday, Aug 27, 2023

3:00 PM: Festival Finale: Appalachia in America

Location: Stephen T. Mather Training Center, Mather Place, Harpers Ferry, WV, USA

Presented in partnership with the National Park Service's Harpers Ferry Historical National Park

Join ACMF and NPS for a fun and relaxed festival finale on the historic Storer College lawn! Featuring a special performance by old time fiddler Earl White, National Park Artist in Residence participant author Nancy Cook, and more! (Rain location is on site.)

In our finale performance, we celebrate music that both inspired the rich tradition of music in Appalachia and has also been inspired by the rich cultural and musical landscape we have here!

Program includes music by Don Redman, legendary jazz musician and West Virginia native, who studied at Storer. We also feature music by Mark O’Conor, our very own Domenic Salerni, and other festival highlights!

Please note: Tickets are NOT required for this free event. We will not check tickets at the door. That being said, we greatly appreciate your RSVPs so we know how many folks to plan for! Patrons who sign up for free tickets will receive reminders for this event and any email communications from ACMF about changes in the concert due to weather. Announcements will also be posted on our website and social media.

Opening performance by Earl White and the Earl White String Band

Nancy Cook: Harpers Ferry - A place that inspires!

Closing concert with ACMF Musicians, selections may include:
  TBA: Don Redman
  Wind and Sail (2022): Rufus Reid (b. 1944)  (second performance)
  Voodoo Dolls (2008): Jessie Montgomery (b. 1981)
  Elevation for Solo Violin and Strings (2022): Paul Frost
  Poem: Adagio for String Quartet (1926): Rebecca Clarke (1886-1979)
  Selections from Danish String Quartet
  Selections from Mark O'Connor

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Date: August 14 - 27, 2023

Location: Various Location

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