Mary Baldwin University has extended its agreement to host Heifetz International Music Institute’s world-renowned intensive youth summer music program and Festival of Concerts series through at least 2027.
THE INSTITUTE was founded by former John Hopkins music professor and virtuoso violinist Daniel Heifetz in 1996. It’s been bringing some of the world’s most talented young string musicians to live, study, practice, and perform at MBU for six weeks each summer for 11 years.
“This partnership aligns perfectly with Mary Baldwin’s commitment to supporting our local community by providing access to opportunities for cultural and educational enrichment,” said MBU President Pamela R. Fox, who worked with Heifetz to forge the landmark partnership after the institute relocated from New Hampshire in 2011.
“We are thrilled to continue to support this unique, internationally recognized program that brings world-class musicians to study and perform on our beautiful campus, and in our beautiful city,” Fox continued.
Heifetz at MBU’s 2023 program will take place from June 15–July 29. Performances are open to the public and attract thousands of visitors to Staunton annually.
The new five-year agreement also extends the partnership throughout the academic-year, bringing numerous concert and learning opportunities to both the Staunton public and MBU students.
The Heifetz Hear & Now series, for instance, will feature special chamber music performances by Heifetz faculty and alumni. Performers will also visit MBU classrooms and interact with music students, creating a pipeline for collaborative projects to further enrich the facilities and culture of both institutions.
“The continued partnership between Heifetz Institute and Mary Baldwin is good news for both organizations, and even better news for the Staunton community,” said Staunton real estate developer and Heifetz board of directors member Robin L. Miller. “These organizations do so much to contribute to Staunton’s growing reputation as one of the nicest, coolest, most tourist-friendly small cities in the U.S.”
The popular Heifetz Holiday Homecoming will be held on Friday Dec. 16. Season passes for 2023’s Festival of Concerts are now on sale.
“We are thrilled to continue to support this unique, internationally recognized program that brings world-class musicians to study and perform on our beautiful campus, and in our beautiful city.”
MBU President Pamela R. Fox