The Eastern Music Festival Orchestra is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1961 in Greensboro, North Carolina. The festival was established by Sheldon Morgenstern, a violinist and conductor, who wanted to create a summer music program that would provide young musicians with the opportunity to study and perform with world-renowned artists. The festival quickly gained a reputation for excellence, attracting talented young musicians from across the United States and around the world. The Eastern Music Festival Orchestra became the centerpiece of the festival, performing a wide range of classical repertoire under the direction of some of the most respected conductors in the field. Over the years, the Eastern Music Festival Orchestra has featured many notable musicians, including violinist Itzhak Perlman, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and pianist Emanuel Ax. The ensemble has also collaborated with a number of prominent composers, including John Adams, Philip Glass, and Jennifer Higdon. One of the highlights of the Eastern Music Festival Orchestra's history was its performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. in 1982. The ensemble was conducted by Leonard Bernstein, who was one of the most celebrated conductors of the 20th century. The concert was a tribute to the late composer Aaron Copland, and featured performances of some of his most famous works, including "Appalachian Spring" and "Fanfare for the Common Man." Another notable performance by the Eastern Music Festival Orchestra was its appearance at the Spoleto Festival in Charleston, South Carolina in 1995. The ensemble performed a program of works by American composers, including Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings" and George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue." The concert was conducted by David Zinman, who was the music director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra at the time. In addition to its performances, the Eastern Music Festival Orchestra has also received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2010, the ensemble was named one of the top 10 summer music festivals in the United States by the National Geographic Traveler. The festival was also recognized by the North Carolina Arts Council for its contributions to the state's cultural heritage. The Eastern Music Festival Orchestra continues to be a leading force in the classical music world, attracting talented young musicians and renowned conductors from around the globe. The ensemble's commitment to excellence and its dedication to nurturing the next generation of musicians ensure that it will remain a vital part of the classical music community for years to come.

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