Juneau Jazz & Classics Festival Artistic Director plans to pass the baton

Violinist Linda Rosenthal, founder and Artistic Director of the Juneau Jazz & Classics Festival, announced that after 30 years, she will shift her focus back to performing, touring and teaching.

On her recommendation, the Board of Directors named pianist William Ransom of Atlanta’s Emory University as the Festival’s Artistic Director Designate. Reggie Schapp, current Festival Administrator, will take over duties as Executive Director.

Rosenthal will officially pass the baton to Ransom in mid-December.

Artistic Director Designate and pianist William Ransom has performed around the world as a soloist and as a chamber musician. In addition to directing the piano program at Emory University, he is Artistic Director of the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival in North Carolina and the Atlanta Chamber Music Society. It was at his Festival in North Carolina that Rosenthal met Ransom and found in him a kindred spirit.

Rosenthal and Ransom are working together on the 2017 lineup. Rosenthal says that it’s almost complete and promises to be spectacular.

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