Manchester Music Festival

The Manchester Music Festival (MMF) is a celebrated institution that has been enriching the cultural landscape of Southern Vermont with classical music since its inception in 1974. The festival was founded by the esteemed violinist Carroll Glenn and her husband, pianist Eugene List, both of whom were long-time summer residents of Manchester. Their vision was to create a summer chamber music festival that would resonate through the region's picturesque hills, leveraging their extensive network of musical colleagues. The festival's history is deeply intertwined with the personal stories and careers of its founders. Carroll Glenn, a Juilliard-trained violinist, gained early recognition for her musical virtuosity, winning prestigious awards such as the Naumburg Violin Competition and the Town Hall Young Artist Award. She performed with major orchestras under the baton of renowned conductors like Eugene Ormandy and Pierre Monteux. Eugene List, a piano prodigy and a student of Olga Samaroff, also had a distinguished career, performing with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the age of 12 and later with the New York Philharmonic. During World War II, List served in the army and performed at the Potsdam Conference for leaders including Truman, Stalin, and Churchill. His post-war career included television appearances, film roles, and teaching positions at prestigious institutions. The festival's Young Concert Artists Program was a cornerstone of Glenn and List's vision, providing young musicians with the opportunity to learn from and perform with world-renowned artists. This commitment to nurturing talent was a tribute to Glenn's own education and career trajectory, which began at an early age. Following the deaths of Glenn in 1983 and List in 1985, the festival was taken over by Michael Rudiakov, a gifted cellist they had met in China. Rudiakov expanded the festival's programs and established a home for the Young Artists, fostering a supportive environment for emerging talents. His son, Ariel Rudiakov, and daughter-in-law, Joana Genova, continued this legacy, with Ariel serving as the Music Director and Conductor of the Danbury Symphony Orchestra and Joana taking on the role of MMF Education Director. The festival has seen a succession of artistic leaders who have brought their unique vision and expertise. In 2017, pianist Adam Neiman took the helm, enhancing the Young Artists Program and ensuring the festival's resilience during the Covid-19 pandemic with the creation of a Digital Concert Hall. His tenure was followed by the appointment of Philip Setzer, a violinist and founding member of the Emerson Quartet, as the new Artistic Director. Setzer's reputation and creative programming are expected to usher in a new era of excellence for the festival. The Manchester Music Festival continues to be a beacon of classical music, attracting rising stars and seasoned professionals alike. Its commitment to education, community engagement, and artistic excellence has made it a treasured institution, with the promise of many more years of outstanding musical offerings to come.