Keith Lockhart to Assume Artistic Leadership of Brevard Music Center in October 2007

Keith Lockhart to Assume Artistic Leadership of Brevard Music Center in October 2007

Brevard, N.C., June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The Brevard Music Center announced today conductor Keith Lockhart has been named Artistic Advisor of the summer institute and festival effective October 1, 2007. Currently music director of the Utah Symphony and conductor of the Boston Pops, Lockhart succeeds David Effron, who retires after an eleven-year tenure as artistic director and principal conductor at the conclusion of the 2007 summer season.

"I have known Keith for twelve years," remarked President and CEO John Candler. "With every visit to Brevard Music Center, his interest in our educational mission has grown stronger. We are most fortunate to have one of our own, an individual prominent in the music world, to provide artistic vision and leadership as we continue to develop and nurture young talent. Under his artistic leadership, we are confident the Brevard Music Center will continue to flourish as one of the country's top summer educational festivals."

Under the leadership of only three artistic directors since its inception in 1936 - David Effron, Henry Janiec and James Christian Pfohl - the Brevard Music Center (BMC) has since established itself as one of this nation's leading summer institutes and festivals. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, BMC welcomes to its 140-acre campus each year 400 students, represented this summer by 42 states and eight foreign countries. These talented young people are joined by 65 distinguished faculty artists drawn from the most prestigious conservatories, universities and orchestras in America. In addition, the festival invites an array of celebrated guest artists who perform and present seminars and master classes.

The terms of an initial five-year contract state Lockhart will spend a minimum of two weeks at Brevard Music Center each summer, leading as many as four concerts. Lockhart has received critical praise for his artistic versatility and magnetic charisma. Despite being one of the busiest conductors today, Lockhart is a dedicated educator as well. With both his Boston and Utah ensembles, he has participated in a variety of initiatives to engage young people, nurture future talent and give back to the community.

Lockhart's appointment solidifies an already special relationship with the Brevard Music Center. Having attended as a teenager for two summers (1974, 1975), first as a pianist and then as a student of bass clarinet on a teacher's aide scholarship, he has remained connected and committed to the organization throughout the rise of an impressive career. Lockhart was first featured as guest conductor in 1996 and has since returned numerous times. He was appointed chair of a national board of advisors in 1997 and received the Music Center's distinguished alumni award the following year. In 2000, Lockhart joined the board of trustees. Most recently, he led the Transylvania Symphony, the Music Center's high school orchestra during a 2005 performance.

"Brevard Music Center holds a very unique place in my heart," declared Lockhart. "Having spent two influential summers here as a teenager myself, I understand the importance of fostering the talent of focused and committed young musicians. It's a constant marvel to me to come here and see the work remains the same, the work continues. So many outstanding young people, so much promise fulfilled and so much promise yet to be fulfilled. It's an inspiration to me, and I think to my colleagues in the profession, to continue to work in such a wonderful place."

Born in Poughkeepsie, New York, in November 1959, Lockhart began his musical studies with piano lessons at the age of seven. He holds degrees from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, and Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. Previous positions include music director of the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra and associate conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony and Cincinnati Pops.

For 70 years, Brevard Music Center has provided gifted students the opportunity to better understand and prepare themselves for the professional world of music. The majority of the 85 concert offerings showcase the young people of BMC. Institute ensembles include three orchestras, a concert band, an opera company, chamber orchestra and new music ensemble. Other programs feature concentrated study in chamber music, composition, piano and collaborative piano. This unique environment - living, studying and working alongside professional faculty and guest artists - creates an unparalleled sense of community. Brevard Music Center is committed to the preparation and performance of great music at a high artistic level, and the intense summer is often a life-changing experience for its students.

Source: Brevard Music Center

CONTACT: Emma Candelier, Communications Officer of Brevard Music Center,
+1-828-862-2130, or fax, +1-828-884-2036, or ecandelier@brevardmusic.org

Web site: http://www.brevardmusic.org/

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