For 30 years, one constant around the benches at Birch Creek Music Performance Center has been as familiar to students and faculty members as the black and white keys on the piano.
Jodie DeSalvo has toured the country, tickling the ivories in cities such as Chicago, San Francisco and Naples, Florida, as a frequent soloist with their orchestras. She has also performed at renowned venues, including Carnegie Hall in New York City and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Despite those accolades and opportunities, she returns to Door County every summer to spend countless hours with Birch Creek faculty members and students. She says making music with her friends and students in a place like Door County is especially meaningful.
DeSalvo says she still runs into former students who thank her for the impact she had on their lives. She credits Birch Creek's encouraging atmosphere for fostering those lasting relationships.
The final performances of the symphony session begin Thursday, with DeSalvo performing Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 as one of the featured works. You can listen to our full conversation with DeSalvo and Birch Creek Music Performance Center Executive Director Jenna Ferdon at this link.
