07/24/2026
This summer, senior Emma Walsh had the privilege of attending Songfest, a prestigious Young Artist program under the direction of Grant Knox at Furman University. Songfest is an intensive for singers and pianists to work together on masterclasses, concerts, and coachings while examining poetry, diction, and performance possibilities with professional artists. Over the course of three weeks, Emma worked alongside Martin Katz, Jamie Barton, Adriana Zabala, Tom Cipullo, and more, attending and singing in masterclasses and concerts that spanned Nordic and Afrikaans repertoire to American folk songs and the works of Tom Cipullo. She eagerly performed in multiple concerts, such as Songs of Resilience, a concert of songs and spirituals curated by Tyrese Byrd; an Afrikaans art song lecture recital curated by Bronwen Forbay, an expert in Afrikaans; and American Tune, a commemoration of pivotal milestones in our nation's history through the lens of American song, curated by Adriana Zabala. She was overwhelmed by the support and kindness of everyone she worked with in this program and feel so grateful to be part of such a special group of upcoming artists. Emma states this opportunity would not have been possible without the generous support of the Davidson College Music Department; their investment in her artistry and development is ever meaningful.
