S&R Foundation Launches Evermay Artist-in-Residence Program

WASHINGTON, May 20, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The S&R Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports talented individuals with high aspirations in the arts and sciences, today announced the creation of the Evermay Artist-in-Residence program. One of Canada's most talented young pianists, Ryo Yanagitani, has been selected as the first Artist-in-Residence. Mr. Yanagitani will work and practice at the Foundation's headquarters, the Evermay Estate in Georgetown in Washington, D.C., beginning in May 2013 for one year.

The Evermay Artist-in-Residence program will provide up and coming artists with the opportunity to further their careers by developing new Foundation programs, series and partnerships. As the inaugural Artist-in-Residence, Mr. Yanagitani will develop and implement a master class program for area piano students, produce a recording, and perform several concerts. He will also represent the S&R Foundation in collaboration with other music institutions in the Washington, D.C. area.

"The S&R Foundation's Artist-in-Residence program is meant to not only give selected emerging artists a home and place of inspiration, but also to provide a platform for collaboration among young musicians from around the world," said Dr. Sachiko Kuno, president and CEO of the S&R Foundation. "Ryo is a talented and remarkable musician and winner of the 2011 Washington Award. I am confident he will set a high bar for the program and will pave a path of success for future artists who develop their careers on the grounds of Evermay."

Mr. Yanagitani holds a Doctor in Musical Arts from Yale University, where he also served as an instructor for Yale's Chamber Music Program. He will perform at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Family Theater on Friday, May 31 as a part of the Overtures Concert Series.

"The S&R Foundation has played a key role in shaping the musician I am today, providing opportunities to connect with new audiences in the D.C. region and perform at renowned venues," said Mr. Yanagitani. "Since my first experience practicing at the Evermay Estate, the rich history of the residence inspired me to create and perform. I am excited for the opportunity to help the Foundation reach new goals as the first Artist in Residence."

The S&R Foundation is looking for rising artists from across the globe to be considered for its awards program. Artists working in any discipline will be considered, but the Foundation is particularly interested in visual and performing artists. For more information, please visit http://www.sandr.org/award-program or direct any inquiries to Reiko Hirai at (202) 298-6007 or [email protected].

About the S&R Foundation
The S&R Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created in 2000 to support talented individuals with great potential and high aspirations in the sciences and arts, especially those who are furthering international cultural collaboration. Our goals are simple, yet bold: to create, support and facilitate initiatives that encourage scientific and artistic innovation, and promote cultural and personal growth. For more information, visit www.SandRFoundation.org.

SOURCE S&R Foundation