UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State School of Music has announced the decision to sunset its summer professional music festival, Penn’s Woods Music Festival (PWMF), reflecting a renewed focus on initiatives that most directly advance student learning, professional preparation and artistic development.
The decision followed careful consideration and consultation with College of Arts and Architecture leadership and reflects the School of Music’s commitment to aligning all initiatives with its core educational mission.
“This was not an easy decision, given the festival’s history and the joy it has brought to so many,” said Ann Marie Stanley, director of the Penn State School of Music. “Our priority is ensuring that every initiative of the School of Music advances the educational experience of our students in the most impactful way possible.”
Founded in 1986, the Penn’s Woods Music Festival presented professional-level performances in venues including Eisenhower Auditorium, the Arboretum at Penn State and the School of Music’s Recital Hall. It provided opportunities for professional musicians, faculty, students and audiences to engage in high-level artistic exchange.
Russell Bloom, longtime assistant director of facilities, engagement and outreach for the School of Music and managing producer for PWMF, reflected on the festival’s impact and personal significance.
“Penn’s Woods Music Festival brought extraordinary musicians and artistic programming to our greater community — experiences that simply would not have happened here otherwise,” Bloom said. “It was made possible through a meaningful partnership between the community and the University, a collaboration that shaped its character and success.
“Personally, I began with the festival in 1989 as a summer job in grad school. So many wonderful friendships have resulted from my work on the festival. I am deeply grateful to the donors and musicians whose generosity sustained this festival every year. Our shared belief in the power of music and community made an enduring impact that I hope will be remembered for a long time.”
Gerardo Edelstein, music director of the Penn’s Woods Music Festival for more than 20 years, also reflected on the festival’s legacy.
“For more than two decades, we brought artistic excellence to this area through the Penn’s Woods Music Festival,” Edelstein said. “The trust, friendship and passion shared on stage defined every rehearsal and performance, and the festival touched countless people in this community and far beyond.”
While the Penn’s Woods Music Festival concludes this chapter, the School of Music emphasized that the spirit of artistic excellence and collaboration fostered by the festival will continue through new programs, innovative partnerships and dynamic performance experiences designed to serve students and the broader community.
“As we look to the future, we do so with deep gratitude for the history of the Penn’s Woods Music Festival and the lasting impact it has had on our community,” Stanley said. “We honor the musicians, staff, donors and audiences who shaped its legacy, and we carry that spirit forward as we continue to create meaningful artistic experiences rooted in education, collaboration and excellence.”