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RVS welcomes new Interim Concertmaster and Associate Concertmaster
Music Director Martin Majkut has this to say about the new additions to our orchestra:
“Carla Ecker and Kathleen Strahm are the newest top quality additions to the RVS. Carla, our new concertmaster, has an extensive performance background. In addition to the RVS, she also plays with the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra and Santa Fe Opera. She is a real musical firebrand. Kathleen, our new associate concertmaster, grew up in Rogue Valley and used to be the concertmaster of the YSSO. She just returned to the valley with a fresh doctoral degree from the Arizona State University. These two mature and intelligent musicians will make a fabulous combo in the all-important first stand of violins!”
Anne-Marie McDermott steps in for Peter Serkin
We learned over the weekend that Peter Serkin was ill and had to cancel his engagements in the Rogue Valley this week. He released this statement to go out to our audience:
“It is with real regret that due to illness I cannot come to Ashland after all to play a recital on the Tutunov Series and concerts with the Rogue Valley Symphony Orchestra. I had been very much looking forward to visiting and playing music in Ashland and environs. I am eager to play with the musicians and their Maestro Martin Majkut there.
I very much hope it might work out for me to come to play next season, or sometime soon, as well. I look forward to that.”
Peter Serkin
We are pleased to report that arrangements have already been made for Mr. Serkin to appear with the RVS during our 2018-19 season.
As for this weekend, we were so fortunate to be able to bring in Anne-Marie McDermott, another world-class pianist, on incredibly short notice! She will be performing the same Mozart concerto as originally programmed.
Here is a taste of Ms. McDermott’s exquisite playing.
CONGRATULATIONS, MARTIN!
Our treasured Music Director Martin Majkut has accepted an additional appointment as Music Director for the Queens Symphony Orchestra in
New York City.
We assure you that Martin will be continuing in his role as Music Director for the Rogue Valley Symphony. Martin says, “Working in the busy urban area will provide a great contrast to my life in the Rogue Valley. It will bring a whole new set of challenges, which is something I seek and welcome. I am eager to start my relationship with the QSO; however, the Rogue Valley remains my home base. My love for the RVS and the people of this beautiful valley is undiminished. Being able to work and make my life here is a real blessing.”
Martin Majkut on KDRV
Cultural Trust awards $2.9 million to Oregon cultural organizations, RVS
Salem, Ore. – A record 149 grants totaling $2.9 million will be awarded to Oregon’s cultural nonprofits by the Oregon Cultural Trust in fiscal year 2016-17, a 9 percent increase over last year. The increase is the direct result of another record year of fundraising.
“The uniqueness of the Cultural Trust in the national landscape is a testament to Oregonians’ dedication to supporting culture,” said Carole Morse, chair of the Cultural Trust Board. “More than 10,000 families, individuals and businesses invest in the Trust every year to ensure future generations have access to active and culturally vibrant communities.”
Rogue Valley Symphony Association, Ashland (Capacity): $17,780
Development Manager Hire: To support the hiring of a permanent, full-time development manager to increase staff capacity in the area of fundraising.
Click here for the full press release on the Oregon Cultural Trust website!
RV Symphony The Top Can’t Miss Event To Explore In Ashland!
“Move over, Shakespeare! While Ashland is best known for its annual Shakespeare Festival, fewer visitors are familiar with these lesser-known yet equally appealing cultural events in town. If you are not a traditional stage production lover, don’t strike Ashland off of your vacation destination list! Here are 10 excellent cultural experiences that Ashland has to offer.”
Daily Tidings Interviews RVS Music Director and Conductor, Martin Majkut
Martin Majkut has served as music director of the Rogue Valley Symphony Orchestra since 2010. Under his leadership, the orchestra has grown to more than 80 musicians and the Symphony’s educational offerings have significantly expanded to include four different programs. We sat down to chat after a rehearsal late one afternoon.
EH: When did you get interested in music?
MM: I started playing piano when I was just shy of 6. I had many other interests, and my parents never forced me to practice. But I did well. After eighth grade, I went to the conservatory; they took me into both piano and conducting classes.
Click here for the full article on the Ashland Daily Tidings website!