Jeff Midkiff: Mandolin Concerto “From the Blue Ridge”
“Having grown up in Roanoke, moved away, and returned to Roanoke, I wanted the concerto to echo the emotions associated with home, and with going home.”Jeff Midkiff's concerto for mandolin and orchestra, “From the Blue Ridge,” debued Oct. 3 during Roanoke Symphony Orchestra's season opener.
Composed in 2011 in a commission from Music Director David Stewart Wiley and the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, the first performance was opening night of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra's Fall 2011 season.
Wow, really terrific—damned impressive!! My wife said, "Reminds me of Copland." And she loves Copland. Gorgeous middle movement. I'm allergic to anything resembling a drum set in a symphony orchestra, but I dealt with that in the third movement and still enjoyed it. Bravo Jeff, a real accomplishment both pragmatically and artistically.
David Royko, Chicago Tribune
Audio samples and Program notes for Mandolin Concerto “From the Blue Ridge.”
See an article about the concert.
Partners in Time, Jeff's debut solo recording
With its deft, thoughtful blend of classical, bluegrass, jazz and swing influences, Partners In Time is an outstanding debut by a musician who feels comfortable in more than one setting—musically and personally.
—Jon Weisberger
home