EMU/Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival Gala Concert
Date: Friday, Nov. 7
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Lehman Auditorium (1191 Park Road, Harrisonburg, VA)
Cost: Free, with suggested donation of $10-$20
Livestream: EMU鈥檚 Facebook page ()
As a guitarist born without arms, Tony Melendez has touched countless lives with his of resilience, faith, and triumph over adversity. The internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter has played the guitar鈥攚ith his feet鈥攆or Pope John Paul II, at the 1989 World Series, and on numerous TV talk shows. He鈥檒l be performing his guitar music and sharing his incredible life story at EMU鈥檚 annual gala concert on Friday, Nov. 7.
The concert will be held at 7 p.m. at EMU鈥檚 Lehman Auditorium. It will also be available to watch online through a livestream on the .
The annual gala concert has not only become one of the most popular arts events on campus each year, but also one of the most exciting and unique concerts held in the Valley, said David Berry, music program director at EMU.
鈥淭his year鈥檚 gala, themed Shared Stories, will be a spectacular evening of warmth, brilliant music making, and joy celebrating the beauty of our unique and collective stories,鈥� Berry said. 鈥淭he concert will feature electrifying world music, a host of exciting guest artists, beautiful choral singing, orchestra, wind band, and more.鈥�
In addition to Melendez鈥檚 music, the event will showcase the world premiere of Our Story, an innovative and eclectic new work that brings together folk and world musicians from a range of styles, including Appalachian music trio After Jack, Ukrainian bandurist and electric guitarist Alex Lagoda, African soul artist Makinto, gospel singer Tabatha Parrott, and The Harrisonburg Kurdish/American String Ensemble. EMU Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon Dycus will be the narrator for the piece.
Other highlights will include Elaine Hagenburg鈥檚 choral masterwork 鈥淚lluminare鈥� by the University Choir and Chamber Orchestra, along with performances by the Chamber Singers, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Ensemble.
鈥楾oo good not to share鈥�
Guest artist After Jack will perform programs for more than 1,000 K-8 students throughout Harrisonburg and Rockingham County schools in conjunction with , a nonprofit dedicated to making the arts accessible to students throughout the region.
鈥淭his is sure to be an unforgettable night of beauty, exhilaration, community, peace, and joy,鈥� Berry said. 鈥淎 concert this special is too good not to share with as many people as possible.鈥�
Thanks to lead sponsor Everence Financial for supporting this event.
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