360 Artist: Beyond the Canon with Curtis Stewart

Violinist-composer Curtis Stewart examines America’s classical music and the blues, and their impact on performance practice in 2025

Join The Next Festival of Emerging Artists for the launch of the 360 Artist Professional Development Series.

Every third Thursday of the month, we feature a prominent artist who shares their journey and engages in dialogue with our alumni and community.

This month we welcome Six-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated violinist and composer Curtis Stewart, who translates stories of American self determination to the concert stage. As a solo violinist, composer, Artistic Director of the American Composers Orchestra, professor at The Juilliard School, member of award-winning ensembles PUBLIQuartet and The Mighty Third Rail, and Sphinx Medal of Excellence recipient, he realizes a vision to find personal and powerful connections between styles, cultures and musics. Learn more at www.curtisjstewart.com.

Free for Next Fest Alumni (code: NEXTFESTALUM) | Limited spots available for non-alumni

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The 360 Artist Professional Development Series, curated by violinist Adeline Baban, aims to empower and equip the next generation of musicians with real-world tools and relationships to shape a thriving artistic life in the 21st century. Through workshops on music entrepreneurship, freelancing, PR, leadership, and more, this series expands The Next Festival's mission to nurture complete, 360-degree artists beyond its summer season, as part of our Alumni Network.

The Next Festival Alumni Network brings together acclaimed guest artists, nonprofit leaders, and Festival alumni to create a year-round community where collaborations spark, mentorship thrives, and artistic exchange flourishes across generations.