Blair Lawhead Celebration of Music Concert Features Minnesota Orchestra’s Alan Snow
AUSTIN, MN — The Blair Lawhead Celebration of Music Concert takes place this Sunday afternoon, bringing a lineup of world-class talent to Christ Episcopal Church at 4 p.m. The highlight of this year’s concert is a performance by Alan Snow, Associate Concertmaster of the Minnesota Orchestra and a native of Chicago.
Alan Snow: A Rising Star in Classical Music
Alan Snow’s journey reflects both deep training and remarkable accomplishments. Born into a musical family — his father was a professional cellist — Snow studied under Gerardo Ribeiro at Northwestern University before earning his Bachelor of Music degree at Indiana University.
By 2022, Snow had secured the role of Associate Concertmaster of the Minnesota Orchestra, working alongside some of the most distinguished concertmasters in the world, including Glenn Dicterow, Alexander Kerr, and Jorja Fleezanis. His artistry has also brought him into collaboration with conductors like John Williams and Joshua Bell, placing him in the company of some of music’s most celebrated names.
A Career in Chamber Music
Beyond orchestral work, Snow has excelled as a chamber musician. He studied closely with the Pacifica Quartet and has recorded two chamber albums:
- “Voices of Mexico’s Past and Present” with the Chicago Panamerican Ensemble
- “Dialogos” with pianist Joanne Chang
Both projects highlight Snow’s versatility and commitment to exploring the richness of global classical traditions, particularly those rooted in Mexican music.
On Sunday, Snow will perform alongside pianist Miryana Moteva, offering audiences a program that promises depth, artistry, and emotional resonance.
Honoring Blair Lawhead’s Legacy
The concert is organized as part of a larger tribute to Blair Lawhead, whose legacy of music and community continues to inspire. Event organizer and Blair’s brother, Brandon Lawhead, praised Snow as “one of the most exciting violinists I have heard in decades.”
Snow joins an elite roster of musicians who have participated in past celebrations, including Jon Kimura Parker, Rachel Barton Pine, Richard Roberts, Roger Frisch, and even Bobby Z, drummer for Prince and The Revolution. Together, these artists form a powerful community honoring both the arts and Blair Lawhead’s memory.
A Cultural Highlight for Austin
The Blair Lawhead Celebration of Music has become a cornerstone of Austin’s arts calendar, attracting internationally recognized talent while supporting local artistic growth. This year’s edition, with Snow at its center, continues the tradition of bringing inspiring performances to the community and spotlighting the enduring value of live music.
For audiences in Austin and the broader Midwest, Sunday’s Celebration of Music Concert offers a unique chance to hear a world-class violinist in an intimate setting. For more on major concerts and arts events across the region, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com for ongoing coverage.