The music doesn’t stop when summer ends! Our Festival Artists are out in the world performing, creating, and chasing exciting new opportunities, while our LEAD Cooperative students are taking big steps in their own musical journeys. From new projects and special performances to career milestones and meaningful collaborations, there’s so much happening across our Wintergreen Music family. We love seeing where these connections lead, and we can’t wait to share a few highlights with you. Come see what everyone’s been up to!
Celia Daggy recently joined the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra as Acting Associate Principal Viola for the 2026-27 season!
Did you know that Nathaniel Yaffe - who impressed us all last summer with this spectacular performances in music by Faure, Beethoven, and Gershwin is also a talented recording engineer and producer? Since 2013, he has been a member of the North Carolina Symphony's cello section, and he is also their recording engineer and technology consultant.
Inspired by her experiences this summer at the LEAD Cooperative and at home, LEAD alumna Mary Reins (vocal studies, 2026) recently gave a recital for the residents of Westminster Canterbury on the Chesapeake Bay! 2026 LEAD alumni Nat Scida (flute) and Denzel Abarquez (piano) were also in the audience – we love seeing the friendships and musical connections our students build continue beyond the LEAD Cooperative!
2022 LEAD alumni Joe Jaxson's (composition) piece "Born in the Iron Grip" is officially in consideration for this year's GRAMMYS® nominations for Best Contemporary Classical Composition. Congrats, Joe!
2024 LEAD Cooperative alumna Lina Jeong (conducting) joined the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra as the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra Concert Orchestra Conductor for 2026-27!
Did you know that Wintergreen Music Violinist Ellen Cockerham Riccio leads a group called Rosette, that performs thoughtfully curated musical experiences all around Richmond? This month, they're featuring the music of Kevin Puts - a composer whose music we'll hear in 2027!
The Wintergreen Music community has been continually shaped by the artistry, generosity, and dedication of the musicians who bring it to life. We’re taking a moment to celebrate Bill Parrish, who is retiring after 13 years playing with the Wintergreen Festival Orchestra and serving as Faculty of the LEAD Cooperative. Congrats, Bill – wishing you all the best in this next chapter!
