Welcome to Norfolk, Virginia, site of the 2023 NFMC Biennial Convention, where we live the motto, “Life, Celebrated Daily.”

The 2023 convention committee invites you to join us for a week of music, workshops, fellowship, and exploration. All meetings, performances and workshops will take place at the beautiful Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel, located on the waterside in downtown Norfolk. Featuring luxurious guest rooms, outdoor pool with fire pit, onsite restaurant, and ample meeting spaces, this sustainably renovated hotel is fully accessible and welcomes service animals. The hotel location affords easy access to dining, shopping, and sight-seeing.

Norfolk is a welcoming city and is excited to host the 2023 convention. Come early or stay late to take in the sights. Some highlights are: The Chrysler Museum/Perry Glass Studio; Nauticus Museum/Battleship Wisconsin, the MacArthur Memorial, Norfolk Botanical Garden, and the Virginia Zoo. The Norfolk Tide, Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, play at Harbor Point and will host the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders during the convention.

The planning committee is delighted to announce that the 2023 Young Artists Competition will be held at the hotel, offering our members and guests the opportunity to attend the semi-final and final rounds live. Please note that the competition will be held Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday with the Winner’s concert held Wednesday evening.

Tuesday evening you are invited to a specially curated dinner cruise along the Elizabeth River, offering spectacular views of the mighty ships and submarines of the Navy’s Atlantic Fleet. The 2-hour cruise will include a delicious dinner buffet, unlimited coffee/tea, cash bar, onboard entertainment with DJ music, and access to lounge spaces. Sign up for the cruise on the registration form. On Wednesday the convention will convene with our first general session, followed by the Regional Luncheons. Wednesday evening we will enjoy the Young Artist Winners Concert followed by a reception to honor these talented emerging artists.

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness month and our Thursday workshops will include public events and seminars to explore encouraging healthy aging, improving cognitive health, and protecting our brain health as we grow older. Wear purple on Thursday to show your support. We will host the annual Rose Faye Thomas Fellows Luncheon and that evening we will be treated to a concert by internationally renown Jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut.

On Friday we will wrap up the business of NFMC in the morning and enjoy a concert by our talented Festival Chorus, directed again by Dan Anderson. We will gather for the banquet followed by a concert presented by the 2023 Ellis Duo competition winners.

Saturday will begin with a Memorial Service to remember and honor those members who have passed. We will host Junior Day, welcoming composer Jeremiah Evans who will conduct a workshop on the compositional process. We encourage all junior composers and their teachers to attend this exciting and innovative event.

We invite and encourage you to attend the NFMC Convention. While we conduct the business of the Federation, including the biennial elections, we will present an exciting calendar of performances and workshops to entertain and educate our members and our guests. We will also welcome vendors and host an exhibit hall where you can browse for new music, art, and music-themed wares. We look forward to seeing you in Norfolk June 12 – 17, 2023, and hope you will extend your stay on the Atlantic Coast to explore the art, culture, history, and beauty of this great city. See you in Norfolk!

On behalf of the 2023 NFMC Convention Committee, Dr. Liana Valente, Chair. Members: Michael Edwards, Deborah Freeman, Jennifer Griffin, Heidi O. Hong, Lucinda Lear, Linda Maurhoff, Naomi Sanchez, and Julie Watson.

Hotel Reservations – Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel

Welcome Letter
Official Call
Schedule
Registration Form
Voting Credentials/Memorial Contributions
Proposed Bylaw Changes
Officer & Board Member-At-Large Nomination Bios
Exhibit Hall Registration Form