KMTA Spotlight Concert Series
The Spotlight Concert Series brings world-class performers to Kitsap County, offering concerts, masterclasses, and workshops that inspire both our students and the wider community. Each Spotlight event showcases a notable artist, theme, or work, offering opportunities for learning and unforgettable musical experiences close to home.
2024 – Spotlight Concert with Mikhail Voskresensky
November 2024
KMTA was honored to present the legendary pianist Mikhail Voskresensky, one of the most distinguished pianists of our time. Having performed across the globe and recorded an extensive repertoire, Voskresensky brought unmatched artistry, depth, and musical insight to Kitsap audiences.
His recital was nothing short of extraordinary — a masterful display of virtuosity paired with profound musical expression. For students and community members alike, the opportunity to experience such a world-class artist live in our community was truly unforgettable. This concert will be remembered as one of the great highlights of the Spotlight Series.
Featuring Concert Artist:
— Mikhail Voskresensky, piano
2024 – Unplugged and Unpacked: The Goldberg Variations
January 21, 2024 – Central Kitsap Performing Arts Center
This innovative program reimagined Bach’s most beloved keyboard work, the Goldberg Variations, for strings. The performers not only played but also “unpacked” the music for the audience, offering commentary and insights into Bach’s genius. The result was an evening that was both educational and deeply inspiring, bridging the gap between scholarship and artistry.
Featuring Concert Artists:
— Sarah Rommel, cello (Cello Artist in Residence, UW)
— Rachel Lee Priday, violin (Assistant Professor of Violin, UW)
— Mara Gearman, viola (Principal Viola, Seattle Symphony)
2023 – Professors Sheppard & Priday in Concert
January 27, 2023
Professors from the University of Washington School of Music shared their artistry in a joint violin and piano concert and masterclass. Students had the rare opportunity to learn directly from these internationally recognized performers, while the audience was treated to an evening of refined and expressive chamber music-making.
Featuring Concert Artists:
— Craig Sheppard, piano (Professor, UW)
— Rachel Lee Priday, violin (Assistant Professor of Violin, UW)
2019 – Spotlight on Bach
April 13, 2019 – Port Madison Lutheran Church, Bainbridge Island
This Spotlight event explored Bach alongside the contrasting voices of Kurtág and Rachmaninoff. A morning masterclass gave students the chance to perform and receive coaching, while the evening concert offered the community a dynamic and varied program of solo and chamber music.
Featuring Concert Artists:
— Oksana Ejokina, piano
— Sæunn Thorsteinsdóttir, cello
Acknowledgment
The Spotlight Concerts are made possible through the generous support of the Dorothy Woodcock Endowment and KMTA’s dedicated community partners and volunteers.