Philharmonic Spring Concert “South of the Border” April 22
April 21, 2016 by
The UMW Philharmonic hosts renowned Argentine conductor Lucia Zicos as they perform music from South America and Latin America.
Local Business Owner Receives Philharmonic’s Citizen Salute
April 30, 2015 by
Local business owner Jerry Ulman received the Citizen Salute Award, presented by the University of Mary Washington Philharmonic Orchestra at its April concert.
First awarded in 1980, the Citizen Salute Award is given by the board of directors of the Friends of the Philharmonic. Each year the award recognizes an individual who demonstrates support of and involvement with the music community of the area and makes a positive difference by his or her involvement in the community.
“Jerry exemplifies perfectly the intent of the award,” said Kevin Bartram, director of the Philharmonic. “The award honors individuals who selflessly give their talents and time for the betterment of the community in which they live. Jerry is a quiet, humble man, but most deserving of this honor.”
An owner and operator of several businesses in downtown Fredericksburg, Ulman has supported local charities and civic endeavors including the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center and Mental Health America in Fredericksburg. In the past, he has been a member of the Fredericksburg Kiwanis Club, the Fredericksburg Architectural Review Board and a Life Member of the Fredericksburg Rescue Squad.
Currently, Ulman is a member of the Economic Restructuring Committee of Fredericksburg Virginia Main Street, Inc. Ulman’s jewelry store is marking its 87th anniversary this month.
For more information, visit http://philharmonic.umw.edu/ or call (540) 654-1324.
First awarded in 1980, the Citizen Salute Award is given by the board of directors of the Friends of the Philharmonic. Each year the award recognizes an individual who demonstrates support of and involvement with the music community of the area and makes a positive difference by his or her involvement in the community.
“Jerry exemplifies perfectly the intent of the award,” said Kevin Bartram, director of the Philharmonic. “The award honors individuals who selflessly give their talents and time for the betterment of the community in which they live. Jerry is a quiet, humble man, but most deserving of this honor.”
An owner and operator of several businesses in downtown Fredericksburg, Ulman has supported local charities and civic endeavors including the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center and Mental Health America in Fredericksburg. In the past, he has been a member of the Fredericksburg Kiwanis Club, the Fredericksburg Architectural Review Board and a Life Member of the Fredericksburg Rescue Squad.
Currently, Ulman is a member of the Economic Restructuring Committee of Fredericksburg Virginia Main Street, Inc. Ulman’s jewelry store is marking its 87th anniversary this month.
For more information, visit http://philharmonic.umw.edu/ or call (540) 654-1324.UMW Philharmonic Hosts Richmond Ballet
April 6, 2015 by
The University of Mary Washington Philharmonic will host the Richmond Ballet for the conclusion of its 2014-15 season on Friday, April 24.
The joint concert, titled “Classical Dance Party,” is the first collaboration between the two organizations and is possible through a $2,850 grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Features within the program include the ballet’s performance of “Ancient Airs and Dances,” by Respighi and Peter Tchaikovsky’s stunning masterpiece “Symphony No. 5 in E Minor.” The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. in George Washington Hall’s Dodd Auditorium on the Fredericksburg campus.
“We are excited to be collaborating with the Philharmonic,” said Brett Bonda, managing director of the ballet. “I recall dancing with the ballet in Dodd Auditorium in the early 90’s. It will be great to be back because I know that Fredericksburg is a terrific arts town.”
In 1984, Richmond Ballet became the first professional ballet company in Virginia and was designated the State Ballet of Virginia in 1990, by then Gov. Douglas Wilder. The UMW Philharmonic, in its 44th season, is comprised of both UMW students as well as talented community musicians. The orchestra, under the direction of Kevin Bartram, achieved national acclaim in 2009 with the American Prize, an award given to the top nine collegiate orchestras in the nation.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit philharmonic.umw.edu or call (540) 654-1324.
The joint concert, titled “Classical Dance Party,” is the first collaboration between the two organizations and is possible through a $2,850 grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Features within the program include the ballet’s performance of “Ancient Airs and Dances,” by Respighi and Peter Tchaikovsky’s stunning masterpiece “Symphony No. 5 in E Minor.” The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. in George Washington Hall’s Dodd Auditorium on the Fredericksburg campus.
“We are excited to be collaborating with the Philharmonic,” said Brett Bonda, managing director of the ballet. “I recall dancing with the ballet in Dodd Auditorium in the early 90’s. It will be great to be back because I know that Fredericksburg is a terrific arts town.”
In 1984, Richmond Ballet became the first professional ballet company in Virginia and was designated the State Ballet of Virginia in 1990, by then Gov. Douglas Wilder. The UMW Philharmonic, in its 44th season, is comprised of both UMW students as well as talented community musicians. The orchestra, under the direction of Kevin Bartram, achieved national acclaim in 2009 with the American Prize, an award given to the top nine collegiate orchestras in the nation.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit philharmonic.umw.edu or call (540) 654-1324.UMW Receives $1.25 Million Gift for Amphitheater Restoration
March 30, 2015 by
A $1.25 million pledge from a University of Mary Washington alumna has moved the university closer to its $3-million fundraising goal to restore its historic amphitheater.
The pledge, made by Josephine McPherson Heslep’56 and her husband, Donald, of Richmond, Va., helps provide a total of $2.5 million toward the only capital project in the Mary Washington First Campaign. The amount raised includes a $1 million pledge from Robert and Alice Andrews Jepson ’64 of Savannah, Ga., and more than $250,000 in gifts and pledges from other alumni and friends,
“We still need to raise another half a million for the project,” says UMW President Richard V. Hurley, “but with the tremendous amount of nostalgia and pride our alumni feel for the amphitheater, we’re confident we will reach the final goal soon.”
For more than a century, the open air amphitheater has been an integral part of the Mary Washington experience. Located in the grove behind Lee and Trinkle halls, it was the venue of choice for commencements, May Day celebrations, plays, concerts and even weddings. With age and recent storm damage, however, the site has been declared a safety hazard.
“I remember the amphitheater from my time as a student,” says Josephine Heslep. “We’re happy to offer our help so that once again it will be a great gathering place and performance venue.”
In past years, the Hesleps have provided significant support to the UMW Philharmonic. They also are members of the UMW President’s Council, Washington Society and Heritage Society.
When complete, the $3-million restoration will return the amphitheater to its 1952-1953 appearance by repairing and reconstructing damaged and missing pieces, and returning the surrounding woodlands to pristine condition. It also will provide seating for approximately 600 people on weather-resilient benches and chairs.
The amphitheater is one of seven priorities of the $50-million Mary Washington First Campaign. The comprehensive fundraising initiative began July 1, 2011, went public April 26, 2014, and is expected to conclude June 30, 2016. For more information, go to marywashingtonfirst.umw.edu or call 540-654-1024.
The pledge, made by Josephine McPherson Heslep’56 and her husband, Donald, of Richmond, Va., helps provide a total of $2.5 million toward the only capital project in the Mary Washington First Campaign. The amount raised includes a $1 million pledge from Robert and Alice Andrews Jepson ’64 of Savannah, Ga., and more than $250,000 in gifts and pledges from other alumni and friends,
“We still need to raise another half a million for the project,” says UMW President Richard V. Hurley, “but with the tremendous amount of nostalgia and pride our alumni feel for the amphitheater, we’re confident we will reach the final goal soon.”
For more than a century, the open air amphitheater has been an integral part of the Mary Washington experience. Located in the grove behind Lee and Trinkle halls, it was the venue of choice for commencements, May Day celebrations, plays, concerts and even weddings. With age and recent storm damage, however, the site has been declared a safety hazard.
“I remember the amphitheater from my time as a student,” says Josephine Heslep. “We’re happy to offer our help so that once again it will be a great gathering place and performance venue.”
In past years, the Hesleps have provided significant support to the UMW Philharmonic. They also are members of the UMW President’s Council, Washington Society and Heritage Society.
When complete, the $3-million restoration will return the amphitheater to its 1952-1953 appearance by repairing and reconstructing damaged and missing pieces, and returning the surrounding woodlands to pristine condition. It also will provide seating for approximately 600 people on weather-resilient benches and chairs.
The amphitheater is one of seven priorities of the $50-million Mary Washington First Campaign. The comprehensive fundraising initiative began July 1, 2011, went public April 26, 2014, and is expected to conclude June 30, 2016. For more information, go to marywashingtonfirst.umw.edu or call 540-654-1024.UMW to Host Pianist Michael Feinstein, March 14
February 23, 2015 by
Legendary crooner and pianist Michael Feinstein will perform for the University of Mary Washington Philharmonic’s annual Celebrity Concert Series on Saturday, March 14 in George Washington Hall’s Dodd Auditorium. Tickets are still on sale.
A multiplatinum-selling, two-time Emmy and five-time Grammy Award-nominated entertainer, Feinstein is one of the premier interpreters of American standards. Performing more than 200 shows a year, his most notable concerts have included Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House and Buckingham Palace.
The Celebrity Series was established in 2002 as a vehicle for attracting major artists to UMW to perform with the orchestra. Past artists in the series have included Marvin Hamlisch, Kenny Rogers, Sir James Galway, and Itzhak Perlman.
The Philharmonic will celebrate Frank Sinatra’s 100th birthday with Feinstein by performing a Sinatra show.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit philharmonic.umw.edu or call 540-654-1324.
A multiplatinum-selling, two-time Emmy and five-time Grammy Award-nominated entertainer, Feinstein is one of the premier interpreters of American standards. Performing more than 200 shows a year, his most notable concerts have included Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House and Buckingham Palace.
The Celebrity Series was established in 2002 as a vehicle for attracting major artists to UMW to perform with the orchestra. Past artists in the series have included Marvin Hamlisch, Kenny Rogers, Sir James Galway, and Itzhak Perlman.
The Philharmonic will celebrate Frank Sinatra’s 100th birthday with Feinstein by performing a Sinatra show.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit philharmonic.umw.edu or call 540-654-1324.