The West Virginia University School of Music invites the community to experience an evening of vibrant soundscapes and cultural celebration during the Global Music Jamboree Friday, July 26, at the WVU Canady Creative Arts Center.
Enjoy food trucks and an outdoor concert featuring Medicine Horse Singers, SabroSon Latin Band, Greg Pattillo, Aurora Celtic, global flutes and Celtic trios. Admission is free and open to the public. Food trucks are available beginning at 5:30 p.m. with music starting at 6 p.m.
The Global Music Jamboree is the featured public event of the International Festival of Flutes (IFF), hosted annually by the WVU School of Music. The IFF explores flute traditions from around the world and brings together renowned international performers, WVU faculty, local community members and youth participants for four days of learning, collaboration and performance in the heart of Appalachia. The Global Music Jamboree is the festival’s musical centerpiece and an invitation for the wider community to take part in this international exchange of artistry.
“The festival and the Global Music Jamboree are a joyful celebration of musical diversity,” said Nina Assimakopoulos, festival director and WVU flute professor. “Audiences can expect to hear the flute in ways they never imagined — as a voice for storytelling, improvisation and cross-cultural expression.”
The IFF runs July 24-27, and there are a variety of ways to participate, including a community flute choir for all ages and abilities, masterclasses, workshops for beginners through advanced players, private lessons, daily gala concerts and hands-on opportunities to explore and play flutes from diverse cultures.
Interested participants can choose from day passes, event-only passes or all-inclusive passes with lodging and meals. Scholarships are also available.
The Global Music Jamboree and the International Festival of Flutes are sponsored by Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area, The Szilagyi Family Foundation Inc, Jupiter, Altus, Azumi Flutes, Wm. S. Haynes Company, Edna A. Falbo Endowment and the WVU College of Creative Arts and Media. For more information, visit iff.wvu.edu.