SVMF receives statewide recognition as arts inspiration 

WOODSTOCK  — Shenandoah Valley Music Festival, a nonprofit concert presenter based in Woodstock and Orkney Springs, is the only arts organization in the Northern Shenandoah Valley that has been named a recipient of the 50 for 50 Arts Inspiration Award by the Virginia Commission for the Arts.

As part of its yearlong 50th anniversary celebration, the VCA chose 50 arts organizations as “Arts Inspirations” from across the state, recognizing their contributions to the arts in Virginia.

Awards were given in five categories. SVMF was chosen for Exemplary Program and Pinnacle Events. Winners in this category “have programs and events from the past 50 years that have demonstrated artistic excellence, celebrated diversity, offered outreach to underserved populations, engaged community partners and developed a visionary or innovative approach to their program or event,” according to a recent VCA announcement.

Other award categories include Bedrock Institutions; Emerging Artists and Organizations; Arts Leaders and Supporters; and Outstanding Artists.

The Shenandoah Valley Music Festival started 54 years ago as a venue for classical music, and in later years, diversified its concert offerings to include performances by nationally and regionally recognized artists from a variety of genres, including rock, country, folk, Americana and bluegrass.

A panel comprised of former VCA commissioners and arts leaders reviewed nominations for the awards this past summer. Selections were made from a pool of 350 arts organizations and individuals.

The 50 recipients will be honored at a reception hosted by Governor Terry McAuliffe and First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe at the Executive Mansion later this year and at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond early next year.

Shenandoah Valley Music Festival is a nonprofit concert presenter with offices in Woodstock and performances taking place mid-July through Labor Day Weekend on the grounds of the former Orkney Springs Hotel, a national historic landmark and part of Shrine Mont Retreat and Conference Center. The Festival is supported by ticket sales, individual contributions, corporate sponsorships and grants from Mount Jackson, Shenandoah County, the VCA, The Virginia Tourism Corporation and the National Endowment for the Arts.