In collaboration with Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning
Classical music has thrived for centuries and is one of the most powerful, moving, and enriching genres. But many say classical music is now facing its biggest challenges of all time. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on its place in history and in today’s world. With Philip Setzer and the hosts of Vermont Public Classical Helen Lyons and James Stewart. We’ll also hear from pre-professional musicians of MMF’s renowned Young Artists Program.
Philip Setzer is a versatile musician with innovative vision and dedication to keep the art form of classical music alive. He was recently appointed as Artistic Director of Manchester Music Festival and he will usher in a new era as MMF celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024. In addition to being a founding member of the world-renowned Emerson String Quartet, Philip serves as Distinguished Professor of Violin and Chamber Music at SUNY-Stony Brook, Visiting Professor of Violin and Artistic Director of Strings Chamber Music at the Cleveland Institute of Music, and Director of the Shouse Institute of the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival. He has also been a regular faculty member of the Isaac Stern Chamber Music Workshops at Carnegie Hall and the Jerusalem Music Center.
Helen Lyons serves as the Music Manager and host of Vermont Public Classical’s Monday-Saturday morning program. She grew up in Williston, Vermont, and holds a BA in Music from Wellesley College and Artist Diplomas from the Royal Academy of Music in London, and College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. She has enjoyed an international singing career spanning three continents, performing in Europe, China, The Philippines, and the USA.
James Stewart is Vermont Public Classical's afternoon host. As a composer, he is interested in many different genres of music; writing for rock bands, symphony orchestras and everything in between. James received a Bachelor of Science in Music with an emphasis in Composition from Toccoa Falls College in Northeast Georgia in 2001. In 2007, James earned his Master's of Music in Composition from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. There he also made connections with the Open Dream Ensemble, an outreach arm of UNCSA and the Kenan Institute for the Arts.