Georgia Festival of Music to Launch with Inaugural Concert in Atlanta

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 19, 2024

 

ATLANTA, GA– The Georgia Festival of Music (GFM) is thrilled to announce its inaugural concert event, set to take place on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta. This exciting new classical music festival aims to bring the joy of orchestral music to the heart of Atlanta and is co-presented by Concerts@First.

The inaugural concert will feature The New American Sinfonietta, conducted by the renowned Maestro Michael Palmer. The program will include beloved works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn, promising an unforgettable experience for music lovers of all ages.

Admission to the inaugural concert is free, reflecting GFM's commitment to making classical music accessible to everyone. However, to ensure the success of this event and support future initiatives, we kindly ask for generous donations from attendees and supporters. Contributions of any size will significantly aid in covering organizational costs and establishing GFM as a premier cultural event in Atlanta.

 

Highlights of the Georgia Festival of Music:

 

Virtuoso Orchestra: The New American Sinfonietta

The New American Sinfonietta, GFM's resident orchestra, comprises principal players and section members from major orchestras across North America, including the Atlanta Symphony, Atlanta Opera, and Atlanta Ballet. These talented musicians are dedicated to delivering exceptional performances that will resonate with audiences.

Unique & Intimate Performance Spaces

The inaugural GFM concert will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Midtown Atlanta. This intimate setting allows the audience to experience classical symphonic repertoire up close, enhanced by the church's exceptional acoustics.

2024 Pilot Season Overview

The 2024 GFM Festival Season kicks off on Tuesday, June 18, with the launch of The Art of Conducting Academy (TAOC) led by Maestro Michael Palmer. This exclusive academy offers selected participants an immersive experience to refine their conducting skills. The season culminates with the orchestral concert on June 22, showcasing the talents of TAOC participants and concluding with Haydn’s Oxford Symphony conducted by Maestro Palmer.

Join the Journey

GFM is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and advancing the legacy of classical music for future generations and enhancing the cultural life of Georgia. We invite you to support our mission with a tax-deductible contribution. Donations can be made online at [GFM's website](https://www.maestropalmer.com/supportgfm).

For more information about the Georgia Festival of Music, to make a donation, or to learn about our events, please visit our website.

ABOUT MAESTRO MICHAEL PALMER

Michael Palmer (born May 8, 1945, in Indianapolis, Indiana) is an American orchestral conductor. Palmer began his professional career at age 21 when he became Assistant Conductor of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in 1967 under its legendary Music Director, Robert Shaw. Palmer was later named the ASO’s Associate Conductor. In that capacity, he founded and became the first director of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra in 1974. In 1975 Palmer was one of the first young American conductors selected as an EXXON/Arts Endowment Conductor by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Palmer left the ASO in 1977 to become Music Director of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra (1977–1990), followed by the posts of Music Director of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra (1989–1997) and the American Sinfonietta (1991–2002), with whom he toured Europe for 10 consecutive seasons. Beginning in 1993, he served as Founder and Artistic Director of the Bellingham Festival of Music (Bellingham, Washington) and, as of 2023, is now Conductor Laureate.

Palmer also was Guest Conductor for three seasons for the Houston Symphony Orchestra (1978–1981) and Co-Principal Guest Conductor of the Denver Symphony Orchestra (1979–1982) and has made international appearances as a conductor in Canada, Europe, and China. He has also held academic conducting posts as Director of Orchestras for Wichita State University (1999–2004) and Distinguished Professor of Orchestral Studies at Georgia State University (2004–2023).

 

WEBLINKS:

For more information about Maestro Michael Palmer, visit: maestropalmer.com

For more information about GFM, visit: maestropalmer.com/gfm

 

FESTIVAL CONTACT:

E-mail: GFMATL@outlook.com

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Lux Nova Media

e-mail: media@luxnovamedia.com

tel: 404-664-0759

 

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