Our Blog

Our Blog


Blog All Items Title
All Recent Articles

Growing—and Teaching—through Music
A person seated at an organ playing the keys.

Growing—and Teaching—through Music

Each of our upcoming organ performances is a testament to the power of music, and we are thrilled to be soon showcasing the talents of organists Nicole Keller, Bryan Anderson, and Alcée Chriss.

By Kalee Emery, on January 25, 2024
Garden of Music
An outdoor concert overlooking a meadow with people sitting in chairs looking at the stage.

Garden of Music

No garden in American can equal such a performing arts legacy—and with Garden of Music I share the stories of Longwood’s performing arts legacy, in which over the years I have been—and continue to be—happily immersed.

By Colvin Randall, on January 10, 2024
A Unique Opportunity
A close up of an organ console and keys.

A Unique Opportunity

As the head judge for the upcoming 2023 Longwood Gardens International Organ Competition, I'm very much looking forward to being at Longwood Gardens—it is such a beautiful, iconic location and the competition will be a gathering of some brilliant musicians.

By Simon Johnson, on May 24, 2023
A Beautiful Relationship, A Groundbreaking Performance
a close up shot of a musical instrument with keys and strings

A Beautiful Relationship, A Groundbreaking Performance

The upcoming May 12 Curtis Symphony Orchestra performance held here in our Gardens—marks the first time the full Curtis Symphony Orchestra will perform at Longwood, and the only time guests can experience the orchestra in the region before they embark on their Curtis On Tour West Coast engagements.

By Katie Mobley, on April 12, 2023
Meet the Bright Young Talents of the 2023 Organ Competition
a close up of organ keys

Meet the Bright Young Talents of the 2023 Organ Competition

We are thrilled to soon be welcoming 10 of the brightest young organists from around the globe for our 2023 Longwood Gardens International Organ Competition.

By Katie Mobley, on March 29, 2023
Music to Our Ears
sound equipment nestled between flowers with a view of stage and rows of seats

Music to Our Ears

Starting this month, live music returns to the splendor of our Conservatory—and we are honored to bring to you a fantastic lineup of artists.

By Tom Warner, on January 26, 2022
With Bells On
a small pond surrounded by large green trees, a waterfall, and a stone tower in the distance

With Bells On

Our live carillon concerts—held on select Sunday afternoons through September—allow our 62-bell, five-octave Longwood Carillon to truly shine.

By Katie Mobley, on June 23, 2021
Setting the Tone
a group of three musicians performing on a small stage with trees in the foreground

Setting the Tone

We are beyond thrilled to once again offer live music in the Beer Garden, welcoming back these talented local performers to once again treat us to their vibrant sounds of bluegrass, traditional Cuban and Latin jazz, Caribbean steel pan, and much, much more in the unforgettable setting of our Beer Garden.

By Katie Mobley, on May 12, 2021
A Musical Score for a Time of Hope
a wall of fountains that glow colors of green, blue, purple, and pink

A Musical Score for a Time of Hope

The voices of my colleagues are really needed more than ever. And with technology, we can have this much needed contact and support.

By Tim Martin, on August 3, 2020
Striking a Chord

Striking a Chord

For someone of only 21 years of age, Sebastian Heindl has had quite the career in music … and one, as it seems, that the sky would be the only limit.

By Katie Mobley, on October 7, 2019
A Sea of Asters
a field of flowers

A Sea of Asters

While many cultivated plants in the Asteraceae are found throughout Longwood’s display gardens—from daisy-like gerbera and dahlias, summer favorites marigolds and zinnias, and fall’s spectacular asters and chrysanthemums—it’s in the Meadow Garden where you can truly appreciate the breadth of this plant family in a natural setting.

By Mary Jane Pahls, on August 9, 2019
Flowers in the Sky

Flowers in the Sky

Fireworks at Longwood span a colorful history, from their debut during founder Pierre S. du Pont’s early garden parties and July Fourth celebrations to the spectacular Fireworks & Fountains Shows of today, set in the magnificent setting of our Main Fountain Garden.

By Colvin Randall, on July 24, 2019
It Takes a Family

It Takes a Family

Haig Mardirosian, master of ceremonies for the 2019 Longwood Gardens International Organ Competition, has been a concert organist for more than 50 years and has more than 20 commercial recordings as soloist, ensemble performer, and conductor to his credit.

By Haig Mardirosian, on June 26, 2019
Style, Color, and Tone: Making the Organ Sing
a person sitting on an organ

Style, Color, and Tone: Making the Organ Sing

Head of the organ department at The Cleveland Institute of Music, Todd Wilson will serve as the head judge for the 2019 Longwood Gardens International Organ Competition.

By Todd Wilson, on June 6, 2019
By Leaps and Bounds: Dance Under the Stars

By Leaps and Bounds: Dance Under the Stars

BalletX will take the Open Air Theatre stage with an exemplary program inspired by the culture of Spanish Harlem, film noir, and street dance … a program worthy of the ages and perfect for the starry-skied setting of our Open Air Theatre.

By Colvin Randall with Katie Mobley, on June 4, 2019
Bright Talent, Dazzling Repertoire

Bright Talent, Dazzling Repertoire

Every three years, we welcome 10 of the brightest young organists from around the globe to compete before a panel of renowned judges … all in hopes of garnering the $40,000 Pierre S. du Pont First Prize. But before the competitors arrive here at our Gardens, they must first design their repertoire according to our guidelines.

By Michael Stafford, on April 17, 2019
Beautiful Music, Inspiring Message: Our Earth Day Performances
a small band performing on a stage with a green backdrop a small band performing on a stage with a green backdrop

Beautiful Music, Inspiring Message: Our Earth Day Performances

Longwood Gardens and holidays go hand-in-hand, from the grandeur of our displays during the Christmas season to the eye-popping fireworks and fountain shows celebrating our country’s independence. And while Earth Day (April 22) is not really thought of as a “holiday,” it holds special significance for those of us who work here.

By Thomas Warner, on March 29, 2019
To the Tune of Perfection: Updating The Longwood Organ

To the Tune of Perfection: Updating The Longwood Organ

Even in peak condition, pipe organs are like gardens: they need tending. In a garden, maintenance involves watering, weeding, pruning, and training. For any pipe organ—including The Longwood Organ—such care translates into tuning, cleaning, and periodic mechanical adjustment. Just as with any garden or exhibit at Longwood, the goal is to have the organ in peak tune and mechanical condition at all times.

By Jonathan Ambrosino, on February 11, 2019
Making Our Fountains Dance

Making Our Fountains Dance

Our imaginative fountain choreographers utilize cutting-edge technology and artistic finesse to create astonishing performances.

By Katie Mobley, on August 17, 2018
Designing Longwood’s Fireworks & Fountains Shows
landscape image of the Main Fountain Garden performance with fireworks above

Designing Longwood’s Fireworks & Fountains Shows

When it comes to fireworks at Longwood, our legacy runs deep—or, rather, sky high.

By Katie Mobley, on July 16, 2018