Artist in Residence Class of 2023

Meet the Class of 2023

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

Program supported in part by Cathy Bernard/Bernard Family Foundation

Hear directly from the 18th class of emerging talent, supported by Strathmore’s mission to nurture artists and help them master their crafts through professional development and extensive performing opportunities.

All concerts at AMP All workshops in The Mansion

ERIN MURPHY SNEDECOR

Innovative cellist & composer

Supported in part by Richard & Melba Reichard , Ava Kaufman, and Victoria J. Perkins

Concerts Jan 11 & 25 Workshop Jan 18

Career Highlight

In 2020, I released an album of original compositions under the moniker Zooxanthellae, the product of five years of experimentation with electronics, songwriting practice, and soul searching.

College

I went to Ithaca College for my bachelor’s degree, drawn to that school because the students were so excited to be there, and the cello studio was so tight knit. I came back home to attend the University of Maryland, College Park. After my audition, one of the cello professors reached out to me directly and said, “Your technique is awful. You have so much music to make, and you are holding yourself back. Come work with me and we’ll fix it!” I so appreciated his candidness, and I knew I needed a teacher that was going to tell it like it is.

Inspiration

My musical career is an obsession! Making music makes me feel better about, and more aware of, the world. I’d like to think it makes me a better, more compassionate person for others. I want the music I make and ensembles I work with to be sources of community in our area, and I think small-scale work is really important.

KEVIN ELAM

Irish traditional vocalist & multi-instrumentalist

Supported in part by Hope Eastman & Allen Childs , Dale Rosenthal & Michael Cutler , and Linda & Van Hubbard Concerts Feb 8 & 22 Workshop Feb 15

Career Highlight

I won first place in Men’s English Singing at the 2019 All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil music festival.

Inspiration

Andy Irvine is a brilliant singer, multi-instrumentalist, founding member of Planxty and a driving force in Irish traditional music for decades.

Getting Started

I took piano lessons when I was five and sang in choirs from my elementary school days. In high school, I played saxophone in jazz band and bass drum in drumline, and I picked up guitar to learn all my favorite rock and heavy metal riffs! My mom noticed me noodling on a recorder and bought me a cheap tin whistle. I began to learn tunes, by ear, from bands like Lunasa, Danu, Planxty, and the Bothy Band. At George Mason University, I met a handful of other musicians who introduced me to the wider world of Irish and Scottish traditional music.

Strathmore graciously thanks our Artist in Residence Champions for their multi-year commitment and above-and-beyond support to the AIR program.

Multifaceted jazz vocalist

Supported in part by Ellen & Michael Gold , Karen Deasy, and Carolyn & Martin Shargel Concerts March 8 & 22 Workshop March 15

Career Highlight

I won Undergraduate College Outstanding Performance for Jazz Soloist in Downbeat magazine’s 2022 Student Music Awards; the first in 10 years for a George Mason University student, where I recently earned a bachelor of music in jazz studies, with a minor in music technology.

Inspiration

I’m constantly learning from Ella Fitzgerald’s humility and kindness. She gave so much joy to the world through her music, and I only want to create music that expresses empathy, humanity, uplifts other people, and has the absence of ego.

CONNOR HOLRIDGE

Guitarist & composer inhabiting unique musical niches

Supported in part by Karen Lefkowitz & Al Neyman, Margaret McDowell, and Myrna Sislen

Concerts April 12 & 26 Workshop April 19

Career Highlight

I most often play manouche and straight-ahead jazz repertoire. My biggest career highlight is getting to perform with Duved Dunayevsky [a Paris-based guitarist, composer, and band leader] at An Die Musik [a classical, jazz and world music concert venue] in Baltimore.

Inspiration

I’m a big fan of Thelonious Monk, and I am also influenced by musicians such as Harold Land, Clarence White, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Django Reinhardt is a big inspiration to me. In addition to overcoming a severe physical handicap and many tragedies, to continue making his music, Django took many high risks in his life and gave everything he had to his friends and family. His compositions and guitar solos have always spoken to me, yet I’ve been trying to understand them since I was 15 years old. Multi-genre drummer in jazz, rock, and more

Supported in part by Bayo & Funke Oyewole and Dr. J. Alberto Martinez & Anna Pigotti Concerts May 10 & 24 Workshop May 17

Purpose

Striving to be my full and honest self, music is the medium that I use to express myself—while searching for the explanation of who I am—where I come from, and why I’m here.

Inspiration

In the UK jazz scene, I like artists like Yussef Dayes and Mansur Brown, for the way they’re interpreting and pushing improvisational music. Also, Dreamville Records is home to Earthgang, Lute, and JID. The label has created a space for its artists to work together and create music that is conceptual and sound that speaks to your mind, body, and soul.

JOSHUA JENKINS

Exploratory instrumentalist in jazz and beyond

Supported in part by Daniel & Sarah Gallagher , HelenLouise Pettis , and Art & Tina Lazerow

Concerts June 14 & 28 Workshop June 21

Career Highlight

I recently performed at Blues Alley with vocalist Taisha Estrada and others. It was an unbelievable privilege to make music on that historic stage and to play the same piano that so many legendary musicians (Chick Corea, Ahmad Jamal, Eddie Palmieri, Danilo Perez, etc.) have played on.

Inspiration

When I was in high school, I had a desire to work in international diplomacy, promoting peace negotiations between countries. I believe that the desire to make the world a better place through peace also led me to music! I have always been inspired by the message, musicianship, and example of Stevie Wonder. The love, respect, and universal harmony projected through his music is a major influence in my decision to become a professional musician. I’m also inspired by Leonard Bernstein, through his conducting work, but mainly as a result of his lecturing, he has profoundly inspired me and my conception of music.