UMW Philharmonic Director Dr. Kevin Bartram has just returned from Argentina where he conducted a prestigious music festival. The festival, held in Isla Verde, Argentina, attracted top student and professional musicians from South America.

There were four ensembles in the festival, and Bartram directed the top group and also directed the ensemble composed of the festival professors. This was the 10^th anniversary of the festival, and it received special attention and drew large local crowds.

Students, ranging from college to professional musicians, took classes each morning on their instrument, and participated in large ensemble rehearsals during the afternoon. Concerts were held each evening. “The quality of players was very high,” Bartram said. “They worked tremendously hard, and seemed to appreciate my efforts. Everyone was very friendly and dedicated to learning. Audiences for each concert demanded encores. They were so enthusiastic!”

The professional ensemble that Bartram led was composed of the festival professors who hailed from some of the top orchestras in Europe and the U.S., including the Chicago Symphony and orchestras from Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Hungary, England and more. “What an outstanding group. I was honored to lead them,” said Bartram.

Bartram’s appearance in Argentina was part of a cultural exchange program titled Ibermusicas, which brings American conductors to South America and South American conductors to the U.S. The program is organized through the College Orchestra Directors Association, which Bartram leads as National President. Argentine conductor Lucia Zicos will conduct the UMW Philharmonic in April as part of that podium exchange.

Media Contact: Rita Snyder, 540-654-1324, philharmonic@umw.edu