Jazz performances supported by the Michael J. and Aimee Rusinko Kakos Endowed Dean’s Chair in the College of Arts and Architecture and Gordon & Caroline DeJong.

Penn’s Woods and Joshua Davis, festival jazz director, bring NYC heavies to town June 20, including Gilad Hekselman, guitar, and Dayna Stephens, saxophones and EWI, with Mark Ferber on drums!

Program announced from stage.

This enchanting concert blends the expressive beauty of string music with the timeless poetry of William Shakespeare. The program features original musical settings of Shakespearean sonnets and iconic scenes from The Bard himself, alongside Dvořák’s spirited American Quartet—a vibrant work full of energy and folk-inspired charm. Join us for an unforgettable evening where words and music intertwine to celebrate the richness of art across the ages.

PROGRAM

LOVE HURTS
Penn State Centre Stage’s new professional summer company, Firefly Rep, joins the festival with “Love Hurts,” a fast-paced, joyous celebration of Shakespeare’s funniest romantic feuds and love sonnets set to music. From clever wordplay to star-crossed passion, this inaugural offering from Firefly Rep will captivate and entertain audiences of all ages.

Intermission

String Quartet No.12 in F Major, Op.96 (American Quartet) • Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904)
Allegro ma non troppo
Lento
Molto vivace — Trio
Finale. Vivace ma non troppo

Allegria Ensemble

Sally Williams Minnich, violin; Mark Minnich, violin; Jonathan Roxburgh, viola; Jonathan Dexter, cello

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Antonín Dvořák’s American Quartet is one of the most beloved works in the chamber music repertoire—celebrated for its tuneful charm, rhythmic vitality, and cross-cultural spirit. Composed in the summer of 1893 during Dvořák’s stay in the United States, the quartet reflects the composer’s deep interest in the music and landscapes of his temporary American home, while maintaining the lyricism and structure of his Central European roots.Dvořák wrote the quartet in the small town of Spillville, Iowa, a Czech immigrant community that reminded him of his homeland. Seeking respite from the pressures of New York City, where he was serving as director of the National Conservatory of Music, Dvořák found in Spillville both comfort and inspiration. He completed the quartet in just over two weeks—evidence of the creative spark he found in his new surroundings. Though the piece is not based on specific American folk melodies, Dvořák intentionally absorbed and reflected the spirit of American music, particularly the sounds of African American spirituals and Native American music, which he had studied and admired during his time in the U.S. The result is a composition that feels distinctly “American” in rhythm, mood, and atmosphere, even as it retains his unmistakable Bohemian voice.

The quartet opens with an energetic Allegro ma non troppo, driven by a simple, joyful theme that recurs throughout. The second movement, Lento, is perhaps the most poignant and emotionally rich section of the work. Its gentle, song-like melody has a spiritual quality that evokes the hymns and folk songs Dvořák found so moving in American culture. The third movement, a lively Molto vivace scherzo, features syncopated rhythms and call-and-response phrasing that hint at Native American dance rhythms, while the finale, Vivace ma non troppo, brings the work to a spirited and satisfying close, full of warmth and rhythmic vitality. Despite being written far from Europe, the American Quartet was an immediate success upon its premiere in 1894 and has remained a favorite of audiences and musicians alike. It captures a moment of cultural openness and artistic exploration—when Dvořák, already one of Europe’s most respected composers, opened himself to new influences and produced something deeply personal and universally appealing.

For modern listeners, the American Quartet is more than a historical artifact; it’s a celebration of musical connection across boundaries. It speaks to the power of music to transcend geography, language, and tradition—to find common ground in shared emotion and creativity. Whether heard for the first time or the fiftieth, Dvořák’s American Quartet continues to charm with its freshness, sincerity, and unmistakable humanity.

Partnering with The Arboretum at Penn State, Penn’s Woods Music Festival presents an evening of music performed outdoors in the Garden Rooms and on the Event Lawn of the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens. Concertgoers are encouraged to arrive early, place your chairs or blankets on the Event Lawn, and then explore the beautiful gardens with musicians tucked throughout the gardens. Before returning to the Event Lawn for the 7:00 p.m. concert, wander through the gardens and enjoy the beautiful offerings planted there. We encourage you to visit the Arboretum’s Visitor Information site to learn about the gardens and the policies that help keep the grounds beautiful and safe. This unique celebration of music and community begins at 6:00 p.m., when young State College Music Academy musicians from the Penn’s Woods 4Kids program will be “planted” throughout the garden rooms. As guests wander the Arboretum paths, they’ll encounter pop-up performances—musical surprises that blend beautifully with the natural surroundings.

Enhancing the festival atmosphere, University Wine Company will be on hand with a curated selection of wines available for purchase. To accompany the pours, guests can indulge in delectable artisan sweets from Cakeshop by Tati, known for their handcrafted pastries and elegant desserts. Whether you’re a music lover, wine enthusiast, or simply in search of a magical summer evening, the Penn’s Woods Music Festival at the Penn State Arboretum offers an unforgettable blend of culture, sweets, and natural beauty.

The Altoona Brass Collective was formed in 2017 by musicians in the central Pennsylvania area sharing a love of brass instruments, quality music, and live performance. All of ABC’s repertoire has been written specifically for the ensemble.  The members of the band have strong local ties, having attended the music schools of Clarion University, Duquesne University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Penn State University, and Slippery Rock University. These musicians are school administrators, music educators, music advocates, music merchants, studio teachers, freelance performers, and business owners with a common goal: To bring high-quality live music to Central Pennsylvania

Before the concert, please plan to arrive early, place your chair or blanket on the event lawn, and wonder through and explore the beautiful gardens. From 6:00-7:00 p.m. aspiring musicians will be planted within the gardens to perform for you.

PROGRAM

• To be annouced.