Organizers hope to start tradition

A small, private concert Monday kicked off the inaugural Juilliard in Aiken festival, an event organizers hope will become a tradition.

• Photos

Jackie Ricciardi/Staff

Devon Guthrie sings at Joye Cottage, a home given to the Juilliard School, the first night of the Juilliard in Aiken Festival.

The festival grew from the 1996 bequest of Joye Cottage, a historical Aiken home, to the Juilliard School by owners Gregory White Smith and Steven Naifeh. Joseph Polisi, the president of the Juilliard School, said eventually he would like to see the home become a retreat where Juilliard students could hone their art and, by performing in outreach programs and concerts, their ability to work with a community.

"We see Juilliard as a national and international institution," he said. "What that involves today is not only the artistry, which we are very good at, but also that ability to communicate. It's what makes coming to Aiken, will continue to make coming to Aiken, so important."

The Juilliard in Aiken festival features 21 musicians performing in six concerts and participating in six outreach programs over four days. Christopher Mossey, the associate vice president of strategic and artistic initiatives at Juilliard, said the outreach programs, which began Monday, were the most important aspect.

"It was fascinating to see those students grow, right away," he said. "The sense of modeling, of relating, it was so important. It was very relevant on both sides, to the students and the musicians."

Sandra Field, the president of the Aiken Music Festival Corporation, which is presenting Juilliard in Aiken, said this year's event is merely a starting point. Already plans are being discussed for the inclusion of Juilliard acting and dance students.

"It's wonderful that everything we have envisioned has become this wonderful reality," she said.

Before the opening performance, Mr. Smith said he and Mr. Naifeh were motivated to bestow Joye Cottage and support the festival not only out of an appreciation for the arts but also because they understand the power even the simplest song can possess.

"You really never know where a piece of music will lead you," he said. "I think it's why we are all here tonight. We recognize that potential. We understand that it's the reason you can listen to a favorite piece of music over and over again."

Reach Steven Uhles at (706) 823-3626 or steven.uhles@augustachronicle.com.