A s Manchester Music Festival ( MMF ) readies for its 50th Anniversary season , there is a palpable feeling of excitement and anticipation in the air . With Philip Setzer of the world-renowned Emerson String Quartet leading as Artistic Director for his first full season and Jenny Lin stepping into her role as the new Executive Director , MMF is poised to embark on another unforgettable musical journey . Building on half a century of stellar classical music programming and performances , MMF stands as a beacon of cultural elevation in Southern Vermont . “ The 50th Anniversary is more than a milestone – it ’ s a testament to MMF ’ s enduring commitment to the community ,” says Lin . “ The impact MMF has had goes beyond the music . We see it in connections with our lifelong patrons , as well as the young donors who have become outspoken community ambassadors .” This year , MMF is embracing the Romantic era , diving into a rich tapestry of gorgeous and captivating music . From the passionate majesty of Beethoven to the timeless lyricism and harmonies of Brahms , Barber , and Debussy , MMF ’ s exploration of Romantic repertoire will be manifested through a series of enthralling musical performances and accessible community events .
While crafting the musical narrative for MMF ’ s landmark 50th season , Setzer drew on his decades of experience as the musical programming curator and violinist of the Emerson String Quartet . “ We wanted to create a thematic journey through music , art , and literature with this summer ’ s programming that explores the depth and beauty of Romanticism ,” says Setzer . To that end , Setzer ’ s musical selections include well-known masterpieces from lauded giants of the Romantic era , as well as an event that highlights works by historically neglected composers .
The season opens with the first of MMF ’ s five Thursday night concerts at Southern
Vermont Arts Center ’ s ( SVAC ) Arkell Pavilion on July 11 : “ Lighting the Torch .” The program will feature Beethoven ’ s “ Piano Trio in B-flat , Op . 97 (‘ Archduke ’)” and Schubert ’ s “ Piano Trio No . 2 in E-flat , Op . 100 ( D . 929 ).” Setzer will perform these marvelous masterworks alongside cellist David Finckel and pianist Wu Han , the former of whom played alongside Setzer in the Emerson String Quartet for 34 years . As a husband-and-wife musical duo , Finckel and Wu Han run the Chamber Music Society at Lincoln Center . “ It ’ s always wonderful when we get to play together ,” shares Setzer . Reflecting on the program , he adds , “ These works represent a turning point in musical history , where Beethoven ’ s legacy was passed onto Schubert before their respective passings a year apart .”
Continuing the journey , the second Thursday night program on July 18 , “ Passing the Torch ,” delves into carefully-selected works by Schumann , Mendelssohn , and Tchaikovsky . It begins with Schumann ’ s “ Fantasiestücke , Op . 73 ,” played by gifted pianist Jeewon Park and her husband , Edward Arron on Cello . The program progresses into Mendelssohn ’ s “ Piano Trio No . 2 in C minor , Op . 66 ,” where Park and Arron are joined by Setzer on violin and ends with an evocative rendition of Tchaikovsky ’ s “ Souvenir de Florence , Op . 60 .” The Tchaikovsky finale will be performed by Setzer , Arron , and four of the MMF Young Artists string players . “ One of the most significant changes that I ’ ve made since coming to MMF is integrating the Young Artists into the main concerts ,” says Setzer . “ It was a conscious decision to bring them into the fold . I didn ’ t want to have a situation where the programming was completely divided . I wanted everyone at the same table .” Setzer also extended an invitation to the young artists to return for a second year at MMF . “ I ’ ve been coming up to Vermont for decades , and the time I spent at Marlboro Music Festival early on in my career played a big part in my artistic development . I built lifelong friendships and collaborative relationships there , and I want to encourage similar connections here at MMF by extending their stay .”
Week three in the Thursday SVAC performance series on July 25 , “ Brahms and Lyricism ,” focuses on Johannes Brahms ’ influence on the Romantic period . The night begins with MMF Young Artist pianists Andrew Cannestra and Hang Zhong playing 16 Brahms Waltzes ( Op . 39 .) “ They ’ re tiny , wonderful , salon pieces that are just exquisite ,” says Setzer . “ They offer a glimpse into one of Brahms ’ happier musical moods .” The Brahms Waltzes will be followed by a series of Lieder by Robert Schumann , Clara Wieck , Brahms and Strauss . Jenny Lin , a phenomenal pianist and Steinway Artist , will step away from her role as MMF ’ s Executive Director to accompany the talented mezzo soprano , Sara Couden , an alumnus of the prestigious Lindemann Program at the Metropolitan Opera . After a brief intermission , the evening will conclude with Brahms ’ “ Clarinet Quintet in B minor , Op . 115 .” Setzer will be joined by award-winning clarinetist David Shifrin , Stony Brook University cello professor Colin Carr , Emerson String Quartet violist Lawrence Dutton , and violinist Hannah Corbett , an MMF Young Artist .
In a timely departure from Central European Romantic repertoire , week four of the Thursday night performance series on August 1 ventures into French and English Romantic and Impressionist compositions . Setzer will collaborate with renowned harpist Nancy Allen for a mesmerizing performance of Debussy ’ s dances and violin-harp duos , including a special harp arrangement of the beloved Impressionist favorite , “ Clair De Lune ” by Setzer and Allen . “ She ’ s the Principal Harpist for the New York Philharmonic , and I honestly believe that she is the greatest harpist who has ever lived ,” shares Setzer . The
OPPOSITE TOP ROW : Matthew Lipman , Jenny Lin , Sara Couden . OPPOSITE MIDDLE ROW : Sarah Kirkland Snider , Philip Setzer , Sarah Crocker Vonsattel , Jeewon Park , Vassily Primakov . OPPOSITE BOTTOM ROW : Colin Carr , Estelle Choi , Christine Goerke . manchester life life magazine 2023 2024 23