Violinist Linda Rosenthal, founder and artistic director of the Juneau Jazz & Classics Festival, announced that after 30 years, she will shift her focus back to performing, touring and teaching.
On her recommendation, the Board of Directors named pianist William Ransom of Atlanta’s Emory University as the Festival’s artistic director designate. Reggie Schapp, current festival administrator, will take over duties as executive director.
Rosenthal will officially pass the baton to Ransom in mid-December. She looks forward to continuing to play an active role in the community and contribute to Juneau’s vibrant cultural life wherever she can, she said.
“These last thirty years have been an incredible journey for me. Beyond the immense gratification of bringing so many great musicians to Juneau over the years and watching the impact they’ve made on so many lives, I’ll forever treasure the lasting friendships and the rich memories I’ve made through the Festival. It’s been a privilege to lead this organization through its first 30 years,” she said.
Rosenthal is excited to be entering a new phase of her career, planning additional concerts and travel, including international events, teaching engagements, an expanded season of her children’s show Strings & Stories, and coaching chamber music seminars across the country. She’s especially excited about commissioning and performing a new work to commemorate Alaska’s 150th Anniversary of the Treaty of Cession, happening in 2017.
Artistic director designate and pianist William Ransom has performed around the world as a soloist and as a chamber musician. In addition to directing the piano program at Emory University, he is artistic director of the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival in North Carolina and the Atlanta Chamber Music Society. It was at his Festival in North Carolina that Rosenthal met Ransom and found in him a kindred spirit.
“Will attracts superb musicians to his six-week festival which, similar to Jazz & Classics, takes the music beyond the concert stage,” Rosenthal said. “Reaching into the community to inspire a love for music and appealing to new audiences has always been an integral part of Juneau Jazz & Classics, and it’s something that Will will continue to carry on.”
“At 30, we’re in great shape, with enthusiastic audiences, strong support, and we’re able to attract the best musicians from around the world,” said Rosenthal, herself a world-class violinist. “We have an extraordinary board of directors who will take the festival through this transition and well into the future.”
Rosenthal and Ransom are working together on the 2017 lineup. Rosenthal said that it’s almost complete and promises to be spectacular.
Juneau Jazz & Classics is recognized nationally for its diverse lineup of world-class performers. It features an exciting mix of main stage concerts, cruises, free brownbag concerts, school visits and family entertainment. Over its 30 years, JJ&C has presented legends such as Arlo Guthrie, Taj Mahal, Midori, Dave Brubeck, as well as rising stars such as Grace Kelly, the Jasper String Quartet, Bria Skonberg, Anat Cohen and many others. In 2009, Juneau Jazz & Classics received Chamber Music America’s prestigious CMAcclaim Award for its “extraordinary cultural impact on the community”.
