Local Juilliard Graduate and Borderland Arts Foundation launch Mesilla Valley Music Festival, May 8-10

Multi-day event will showcase regional and national talent, and foster music education in Las Cruces.

An official flyer for the Mesilla Valley Music Festival, kicking off on May 8.

Courtesy Erik Maese

A portrait of music director James Blanchard.

Courtesy Erik Maese

A photograph of Erik Maese and his family near the Organ Mountains, in Las Cruces.

Courtesy Erik Maese

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The festival intends to open doors in a region where access to music education and live performances can be limited. Blanchard says the festival grew from a need for new musical leadership within the area: “The Mesilla Valley has always been a place of discovery and inspiration, and it deserves to see itself reflected on stage, and to benefit from the immense talent that lives here.” 

Erik Maese, founder of the Borderland Arts Foundation, states, "We want to invite the public of the Mesilla Valley into spaces where they can be comfortable and excited to explore something new to them.” Programming is designed to connect with audiences who may not typically engage with classical music. 

On May 8th, Blanchard will conduct the Mesilla Valley Festival Orchestra, presenting works by Beethoven, Mozart, and Ravel, and featuring flute soloist Anthony Trionfo; on May 9th, Anthony 

Trionfo and pianist Kevin Ahfat will present a free flute and piano recital at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church; and on May 10th, the Rio Grande Winery will host a special Mother’s Day Celebration featuring a performance by the NMSU Jazz Band. Students K–12 will have free admission to all events, and guest artists will make visits to NMSU and local elementary schools for masterclasses and instrument demonstrations. 

“This is the Mesilla Valley’s own community onstage - my hope is our audiences leave with a sense of pride, and a newfound hunger for more,” Blanchard said. 

Please visit www.borderlandartsfoundation.org to purchase festival tickets, and to make contributions in support of the Borderland Arts Foundation.