MUSIC FESTIVAL

About The Artist

Bob Askew lives in Sewanee, Tennessee. He is a full-time artist known primarily for his landscape and realistic paintings of scenes from the Sewanee area. Focusing on depth, light, and color, his watercolor and oil paintings depict honest and creative expressions of what he sees. Askew Art Gallery and Studio in downtown Sewanee features original paintings and gifts of prints, notecards, and embroidered items of his art.

A benefit of living in Sewanee is the ability to enjoy the Perimeter Trail, and the joy in seeing our dogs enjoy a good run. We recently discovered Audubon Lake and this watercolor was the result of this incredible spot we call home.

We are grateful to Mr. Askew for donating his artwork to the festival. If you are interested to learn more about his artwork please visit askewart.com.

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge with deep respect and gratitude that the Sewanee Summer Music Festival takes place on the ancestral lands of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Yuchi, and Shawnee tribes. We recognize that these Indigenous nations have stewarded this land for countless generations before the arrival of settlers.

We acknowledge the significant historical and ongoing contributions of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Yuchi, and Shawnee people to the cultural, spiritual, and environmental heritage of this region. Their rich traditions, language, and wisdom have shaped the land and continue to resonate within its ecosystems.

We humbly acknowledge the painful legacy of colonization and the injustices that have been inflicted upon Indigenous peoples throughout history. We stand in solidarity with the efforts of Indigenous communities to preserve their cultural heritage, regain sovereignty, and address the social, economic, and environmental challenges they face.

We express our gratitude to the Indigenous peoples of this land and their ancestors for their caretaking and custodianship of this territory. May we all embrace our responsibility to protect and nurture the land, fostering a future where justice, equity, and harmony prevail.

Sewanee Summer Music Festival 2023

I am thrilled to welcome you to the 66th year of the Sewanee Summer Music Festival. On behalf of the College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Music at the University of the South, it is my pleasure to greet you during the most vibrant four weeks of the Sewanee Summer. I look forward to it every year, and I hope you do too. It is a time for all of us—from on the Domain or off—to come together and celebrate fine music and fabulous students.

The Sewanee Summer Music Festival brings an electric charge to Sewanee during the summer that is hard to match elsewhere. That is because it creates the same atmosphere that our undergraduate college creates: a sense of place, a connection between the students and fcaulty around you, and a profound sense that our purpose is important, that we are doing something to make the world a better place.

As a musician of sorts myself, I was thrilled to find the festival here when I came nine years ago. I am still thrilled during this, my last year as Dean. It is one of the gems of the university and I have been happy to support its growth and energy in my time. I know that you will see the same energy that I do and I hope that you will take that news far and wide to help the festival grow and gain in prominence in the years to come. Welcome to the Sewanee Summer Music Festival and to the University of the South.

Terry Papillon

Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College Professor of Classical Languages The University of the South

It is with great pleasure and excitement that I welcome you to the Sewanee Summer Music Festival!

The Sewanee Summer Music Festival has become a cherished tradition, where music transcends boundaries and brings people together in celebration of the arts. For over six decades, this festival has fostered an environment that nurtures creativity, excellence, and the sheer joy of making music. It is a place where emerging young artists and seasoned professionals gather to share their passion, refine their skills, and inspire one another.

I want to extend a special thank you to Dean Terry Papillon for his unwavering support for the Festival during his tenure. He is a champion of this program and we are in his debt.

As you leaf through the pages of this program book, you will discover a wealth of talent, dedication, and creativity that epitomizes the spirit of the Sewanee Summer Music Festival. From our gifted young artists to our esteemed faculty, we are proud to showcase a community of musicians who embody the highest standards of musical excellence.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our patrons, sponsors, and donors whose generous support ensures the success of this festival year after year. Without your unwavering commitment to the arts, none of this would be possible. Your dedication helps us to continue providing exceptional musical experiences and educational opportunities to aspiring musicians.

Finally, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to our audience members. Your presence and enthusiasm fill the concert halls with energy and inspiration, creating a shared experience that transcends the boundaries of language and culture. It is your support and passion for music that make the Sewanee Summer Music Festival a vibrant and unforgettable celebration.

On behalf of the entire festival community, I invite you to join us on this incredible journey of music and discovery. Prepare to be captivated, moved, and uplifted by the power of live music, as we celebrate the boundless beauty and transformative force it brings to our lives.

John Kilkenny Executive Director Executive Director Sewanee Music Center Chattanooga Symphony & Opera