2001 Press Releases

American Musicians to Perform And Teach in Ashgabat

Feb. 15, 2001

The "American Voices" musical group will make a second trip to Turkmenistan February 15 and 16, 2001. The group includes John Ferguson, pianist; Ira Spaulding, baritone; and David Handel, conductor of the Bolivian National Symphonic Orchestra. During their stay in Ashgabat, they will conduct masterclasses and workshops for students of the Turkmen National Conservatory. On Friday, February 16, at 6:30 p.m., the American musicians will give a concert in the Great Hall of the National Conservatory. (For more information about the concert, please contact the Public Affairs Section). They will also donate sheet music and numerous recordings to the conservatory’s library. Their trip is sponsored by Shell Business Development Central Asia B.V., Lufthansa, Sheraton Grand Turkmen Hotel and the U.S. Embassy.

American Voices Foundation is a non-profit organization, dedicated to providing American music programs around the world. These programs range from classical and folk traditions to contemporary composers, opera and jazz. American Voices also teaches lectures and masterclasses for music instructors and students on the interpretation and style of American music and its context in American cultural history.

John Ferguson founded "American Voices" in 1992 and serves both as performer and Artistic Director. He has traveled throughout the world with his concerts and masterclasses. Ira Spaulding has performed solo concerts throughout Europe since 1981, and he also teaches on the faculty of the Amsterdam Conservatory of Music.