New Music Festival Lights Up the Las Vegas Desert
By Kendall Hardin
Everyone is welcome to relish the inaugural year of Desert Roots Rising Stars on June 4, 6, and 8—all three concert events are FREE to the public!
Desert Roots Rising Stars is a week-long festival of extraordinary musical feats from both the classical and modern traditions. It showcases four “Rising Star” professional musicians with roots in Las Vegas who perform all over the country.
Audiences will be treated to a blend of classical masterpieces and new works. The performances carefully balance beloved classics with contemporary compositions, offering a diverse and engaging repertoire for all ages.
The festival culminates in three concerts with Rising Star guest artists leading the way, accompanied by thirty of Las Vegas’ next generation of exceptional young musicians. As part of all mainstage performances, Rising Star performers will interact intimately with the audience.
All Concerts are Open and Free to the Public!
- Concert I – Tuesday, June 4, 2024 – 7 pm at Basner Fine Art Gallery (400 S. Rampart Blvd – Suite 150 in Boca Park)
- Concert II – Thursday, June 6,2024 – 7 pm at Southern Nevada Music Steinway Hall (350 N. Stephanie Street in Henderson)
- Concert III – Celebration Concert Saturday, June 8, 2024 – 3 pm at Christ Episcopal Church (2000 S. Maryland Parkway in Midtown Las Vegas)
Celebrating a Weeklong Festival
The festival places a strong emphasis on outreach to the community and young musicians, recognizing the importance of nurturing the next generation of talent and fostering a deep appreciation for classical music.
Created and directed by celebrated violinist-teacher Shakeh Ghoukasian, the Festival also highlights the Rising Star Academy, comprised of accomplished music students ages 12-18, working and performing alongside featured Rising Star musicians during the entire Festival week.
Featured Rising Star Musicians include Liam Mansfield, violin; Scott Jackson, violin; Omar Shelley, viola; and Jeremy Russo, cello – joined by Festival Director Shakeh Ghoukasian on violin.
Daily workshops, masterclasses and individual sessions are led by guest artists expressly tailored to aspiring young musicians. Sessions cover a wide range of topics from technical proficiency to musical interpretation and even valuable career advice. Individual coaching allows students to gain insight into each musician’s artistic journey, as well as technical mastery and the intricacies of individual instruments.
The Desert Roots Rising Stars Festival is not just an event; it is a testament to the enduring power of music and the promise of a bright future for the performers and audiences of today and tomorrow.
For more details, visit thestringconnection.com.