The annual Juilliard in Aiken Performing Arts Festival and Outreach Program is undergoing some changes - including its name.
The festival, which began in 2009 and demonstrates the relationship between The Juilliard School and Aiken, will be now known as Joye in Aiken.
This name change "honors Joye Cottage, which has played such a central role in our history," said Dr. Sandra Field, festival co-founder and newly re-elected president.
At the same time, this change allows for the festival "to invite world-class artists to Aiken who may not be students or alumni of the school," said Steve Naifeh, board of trustees chairman, in a press release.
Elizabeth Joy Roe, of the Anderson and Roe piano duo, a festival regular, also has been named the festival curator for the 2015-16 season.
Her new role requires her to "establish the overall plan for the festival," according to a press release. "Roe brings a wealth of experience to the festival and outreach program. An internationally successful musician and a Juilliard alumna, she will be able to call on her contacts in the arts all over the world."
The festival is expected to run from March 5 to 12, 2016.
Under the 2016 theme "New Horizons," the festival is welcoming returning artists such as organist Paul Jacobs and Juilliard pre-college students, cellist Noah Lee and violinist Qing Yu Chen.
"As successful as the festival and outreach program continues to be, we're always working to make it even better," Field said in a press release.
A new website is being developed, but for the time being, more information can be found at www.juilliardinaiken.com.
Stephanie Turner graduated from Valdosta State University in 2012.
She then signed on with the Aiken Standard, where she is now the arts and entertainment reporter.