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

 

Midkiff's “From the Blue Ridge” is a highly original and thoroughly welcome addition to the catalog great American works for orchestra. I have rarely encountered a new work that inspired such rapturous praise from musicians and audiences from a single hearing. By turns toe-tapping, wistful, spiritual and downright fun, the concerto is colorfully scored and features the virtuosic talents of the composer as soloist. I look forward to introducing the work to audiences around the country.

Michael Butterman
Rochester Philharmonic
Orchestra conductor

 

 

 

I was proud to be a part of the triumph of the concert last night. What you did keeps the art of the orchestra alive and a vital force in the cultural life of the community. The combination of your mandolin virtuosity and your flair for the craft of creative composition should take you far. Your marriage of contemporary folk elements with the rich tradition of the western European orchestra is masterful and original. You've invented something new, and done it very well.
   Here's hoping that this is only the first installment of a new direction of classical music. Just think of the long and distinguished list of great composers who elevated folk elements into great art!
Wallace Easter
Associate Professor
Department of Music
Virginia Tech

 

Gold Medal Winner!

The Music of Jeff Midkiff won the Gold Medal in 2018 from the Global Music Awards
performed by Carpe Diem String Quartet
Ensemble: ​Charles Wetherbee, Amy Galluzzo, Korine Fujiwara, Carol Ou

 

Additional Upcoming Performances:

December 2 and 3, 2023
Symphony San Jose
Christopher Rountree, Conductor

Recent Performances:

Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023: 
“Mandolin Quintet No. 2”
Knoxville Symphony Chamber Classics Series
Knoxville, TN 
Aram Demirjian, Music Director

Oct. 14 and 15, 2022: 
Mandolin Concerto, “From the Blue Ridge”
Lancaster Symphony Orchestra
Lancaster, PA 
Michael Butterman, Music Director and Conductor

See complete list of past performances.

 

With 843,750 hits and counting, you don't want to miss Jeff's and Curtis Jones rollicking rendition of Sweet Georgia Brown. It may be the best four minutes of your day!