New Artistic Directors at LAMP
The Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance (LAMP) is thrilled to announce the Verona Quartet as its new Artistic Directors. This acclaimed ensemble, featuring Jonathan Ong, Dorothy Ro, Abigail Rojansky, and Jonathan Dormand, is celebrated for their exceptional artistry and engaging performances, and will now guide LAMP into an exciting new chapter.
The Verona Quartet: Jonathan Dormand | Abigail Rojansky | Dorothy Ro | Jonathan Ong
Since their debut at LAMP in 2015, the Verona Quartet has emerged as one of the leading chamber music ensembles worldwide. Their initial recital left a lasting impression on LAMP’s founder and former Artistic Director, Burt Wathen, with their passionate interpretations and commanding stage presence. The quartet’s deep affection for Lunenburg and its musical community—especially as Dorothy Ro is originally from Bedford, NS—has further strengthened their bond with LAMP.
As Artistic Directors, the Verona Quartet aims to build upon LAMP's decade-long legacy of artistic excellence, educational impact, and community engagement. Their vision includes broadening the organization’s influence within the Canadian arts scene and establishing LAMP as a leading cultural hub. The next phase of LAMP’s evolution will introduce a diverse range of programming that highlights young artists and positions the Maritime region as a prominent arts destination.
In this evolving landscape, Anna Han has been appointed as LAMP’s Education Director, working closely with the Verona Quartet. Han will oversee special community engagement projects and collaborate with the quartet to enhance educational and performance opportunities for LAMP Fellows and Academy students. LAMP seeks to enrich its offerings by expanding performance opportunities and increasing outreach to schools both locally and across the province.
Under the Verona Quartet’s leadership, LAMP will continue to offer a wide variety of performances at the Recital Hall, including Western Classical, Jazz, and World Music. The Quartet will also lead Phase 2.0 of LAMP’s development, featuring performances at community venues such as house concerts and pop-up events in Lunenburg and nearby Halifax, with plans to tour beyond Nova Scotia. This new phase will explore the intersection of music with other fields such as film, literature, art, science, technology, and industry, maintaining LAMP’s high artistic standards while showcasing both emerging talents and established experts from Canada and beyond. Phase 2.0 will emphasize the intersection of music with other disciplines, including film, literature, art, science, technology, and industry. The programming will maintain LAMP’s high artistic standards while featuring both emerging young talents and renowned experts from Canada and abroad.
The Verona Quartet, whose members serve as the Quartet-in-Residence at Oberlin College and Conservatory, has gained international acclaim for their dynamic and evocative performances. Their extensive career includes appearances at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, and Wigmore Hall, as well as participation in renowned festivals worldwide.
The Quartet succeeds Burt Wathen, who retired this year after a decade of dedication to LAMP. Wathen’s vision and tireless efforts were instrumental in establishing and nurturing LAMP, and his contributions will always be remembered with deep gratitude. His legacy has set a strong foundation for the future, and we eagerly anticipate the new chapter under the Verona Quartet’s leadership.
For media inquiries or more information about LAMP and upcoming events, please contact:
Judith Riddoch
Chair of the Board of Directors
Mobile: 403-397-5827
Rossini Opera Festival Nova Scotia | Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance
PO Box 309
97-101 Kaulbach Street
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada B0J 2C0
Phone: 902-634-8667