WOW & BRAVO!!! Our String Society 2025 program, presented by D-E 360° Summer, ended on a high note with a wonderful Grand Finale Concert. The concert, performed to a standing room-only audience in Hajjar Auditorium, was the culmination of a week-long, intensive series of chamber music sectionals, private lessons, conducting workshops, solo ‘shares’, and more. An impressive group of 20+ student musicians, ranging from elementary to high school grades, performed an array of colorful works emblematic of the String Society 2025 theme: “Kaleidoscope”. Pieces performed included “Dragonheart” (Richard Meyer), “Caribbean Delight” (Victor Lopez); “Romanian Folk Dances” (Bela Bartok, arr. Deborah Baker Monday); and perennial String Society favorite “Palladio” (Karl Jenkins).

String Society 2025 Co-Directors Ani Kalayjian (Cellist) and Ella Heifets (Violinist) expressed thanks to all the program participants and shared their highlights, including how student musicians were privileged to work closely with a fantastic group of professional faculty; received energetic, inspiring, and encouraging direction from Sue On, Conductor; and had the unique opportunity to workshop with Drew Peterson, critically-acclaimed international concert pianist and former D-E student. D-E 360° Director Dr. Sherronda Brown echoed these words of gratitude and spoke to the enduring legacy of the String Society program and its positive impact on all involved. CHEERS to a stellar String Society 2025 program!