2025

September 4, 2025

Dear Mr. Rozin

First, thank you sincerely for all you did to provide such a meaningful experience for our UNG students. When they returned, they shared their excitement and reflections with me, and I could tell how profoundly the Festival had impacted them. Their comments were all very positive, and I have no doubt this was a life-changing opportunity for each of them.

The rigor of the program clearly pushed them to grow, and I believe they returned not only stronger musicians, but also more mature and confident professionals. Even Hayden, though he did not have the chance to perform publicly, showed noticeable growth when I heard him sing last weekend. His musicianship has deepened, and I am sure much of that was due to your guidance.

Thank you again for your generosity of time, energy, and expertise in guiding our students this summer. It was clear that they were welcomed into a community of high standards and deep artistry, and we are grateful.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joanna Kim-Doyle, Steinway Artist

Associate Department Chair of Music

Professor of Music

Nationally Certified Teacher of Music

Group Piano Teaching Specialist

University of North Georgia

 

August 5, 2025 21:54

Dear Semyon,

A little delayed thank you for a great festival.

I really enjoyed my time at Saarburg this summer, especially getting to play so much chamber music that I otherwise wouldn’t be able to!

Thank you again,

Patrick

Patrick Grimone (oboe student)

University of Maryland, MM Oboe

 

Juli 28, 2025

Hi Semyon,

Thank you for all of your hard work to make this year’s Saarburg Music Festival a huge success. I’ve had an amazing time there, and it all thanks to you and your wonderful team.

I am leaving Saarburg with lots of fond memories.

Best,

Daniel Kim (Clarinet guest artist)

2024

Januar 19, 2025 13:30

Dear Semyon,

Reflecting on my time at Saarburg Serenaden 2024 has brought me immense joy, and I want to thank you sincerely for the incredible experience you created. Your festival was everything I could have hoped for and more, and I remain deeply appreciative of your patience and guidance throughout. I have and would continue to wholeheartedly recommend this transformative experience to my colleagues.

You seem to have a superpower for bringing together the kindest, most talented people.

The atmosphere you cultivate is unparalleled— there was a profound sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among the group.

And the faculty! How inspiring and brilliant they were to work with. I’ve learned so much about finding nuance in my playing during these two weeks.

The idea of always searching for perfection but never arriving resonates deeply with me.

One of the most memorable moments for me was rehearsing in the church and hearing the organ live for the first time. The sound was magical—something I could feel in my very bones. And our first performance of the Albinoni on the balcony moved me to tears. Surrounded by new friends, sharing this music, and feeling connected to something greater than ourselves was an indescribable experience. Thank you for creating that moment. It will stay with me forever.

The settings and deep musical engagements this last summer led to a transformative experience that reshaped my perspective on artistry and personal growth. It was truly a defining chapter, my 25th summer in this life.

Thank you again for providing a space where growth, connection, and artistry can flourish. The memories I made at Saarburg  Serenaden will always remain close to my heart, and I am forever grateful to you for creating this beautiful festival.

Sincerely yours,
Jerrel Martin (cello student)

 

October 4, 2024

Dear Semyon,

I am writing to follow up on my experience at Saarburg.

the Saarburg Festival was a special experience for faculty and students. Ultimately, I had a wonderful time, and seeing and hearing all the fantastic students was wonderful.

Kendra

Kendra Wheeler, DMA

Assistant Professor (Saxophone)

Louisiana State University (LSU)

August 20, 2024

Semyon,

“….I find myself thinking fondly of the beautiful two weeks I spent in Saarburg. It was such a wonderful experience to spend everyday making music with such dedicated friends, colleagues, and students alike. I especially cherish the energy at the concerts. Each venue was something unique, and every audience was so attentive and appreciative of our music- I have never felt such energy and electricity on stage as I did during that week. Perhaps the Schoenfeld clarinet trio provided some of that electricity- I certainly felt energized on those nights!

I loved coming to Saarburg in the guest artist role. It was a very special position that allowed for something of a mentorship to many of the students. I grew and improved my own musicianship and leadership in assisting the rehearsal process with these students, and I saw growth in the students as well. Working with faculty during coachings, and serving as principal and section leader in the string orchestra performances were highlights for me in my own journey of musical growth at the festival.

The accommodation and organization in Saarburg was lovely. I feel very lucky to have been invited to participate in those wonderful two weeks in Saarburg

Thank you again for a most memorable and treasured summer experience in Saarburg.

Best regards,

Luke Stikeleather (Violin/Viola Gust artist)

 

August 2, 2024

Hi Semyon!

I wanted to reach out and extend my gratitude for the amazing experience I had in Saarburg this past month.

The music, the people, and the atmosphere were all incredible and I created memories that I will cherish forever.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be a guest artist for this past season and I hope we get to work together again sometime in the future.

Sincerely,

Bailye Hendley (Horn Guest artist)

 

Juli 18, 2024

Dear Semyon,

I appreciate and admire all the care, heart, and soul you put into every aspect of the festival – truly an inspiration for all of us to give our best!

With deepest gratitude,

Tony

Anthony Padilla (Piano faculty)

Lawrence University

2023

December 21, 2023

Dear Semyon,

It has been a joy working with you in Saarburg Music Festival. What a well-run festival with high artistic value, creative programming and successful educational opportunities for young artists and students. Last summer was amazing.  I had a great time with all the other distinguished Saarburg faculty members.

Sincerely,

Ka Wai (cello faculty)

Utah Tech University

October 13,2023

It has been one of my best memories to participate in the Saarburg music festival this summer. I’m sure it’s also same for my students.

The unforgettable musical events you have brought us are still warm and vivid.

Rulin Lai (Piano faculty)

National Taiwan University of Arts

 

September, 2023

Dear Semyon,

You have created a strong and vibrant program.  The demand for high quality performance and professional behavior was extraordinarily valuable for the students.

My clarinet students rose to this challenge and I already see their experiences bear fruit in my studio teaching this fall.

The faculty was collegial and devoted to their responsibilities.  The support staff was very nice, helpful, organized and responsive.  I thoroughly enjoyed the Hotel—room and food were super.

Dr. Patricia Shands

Professor, Clarinet | Conservatory of Music

UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC

August 24. 2023

Semyon,

I wanted to reach out and say thank you so much for allowing me to take part in the Saarburg Festival this year. My students really gained a lot from it. I thought the festival was well organized and great all around. I thought that the repertoire selected for each group was appropriate. I thought that the faculty and guest artist were phenomenal. I truly had a great experience and cannot wait to potentially come back in the future.

Jordan Redd

Assistant Professor of Music | Horn
University of North Alabama

August 10, 2023

Dear Mr. Rozin,

I would like to thank you for such a wonderful festival. I loved every concert, learned a lot from coaching and lessons, and enjoyed performing with the wonderful musicians.

Saarburg is an amazing place. I truly appreciate everything, and would like to thank you sincerely for organizing such an amazing festival!

Best wishes,

Jie He (Piano student)

12. August 2023

Dear Semyon,

Thank you so much for everything.

Saarburg Festival 2023 was a dream come true full of beautiful music.

The best part, sharing it with amazing musicians.

I feel so lucky to have had been part of these wonderful past two weeks in Saarburg. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Best wishes,

Paula Lastra-Cancela (Violin Guest artist)

August 10, 2023

The two-week Music Festival has finally come to an end under your careful leadership.

I am especially thank you for bringing us such beautiful music, which allowed me to feel that  my body, mind and soul was purified during the performance at the church.  I still remember that night, I was so touched by the program and cried for 30 minutes in the church.

That music is so beautiful, so beautiful that I can’t describe it in words, which made me start to think again. I used to doubt whether I like music or not, even in the first week of the Music Festival, I was keeping thinking to give up until I heard this church concert .

Thank you for giving us such a unique gift. During these two weeks of study, I know myself better, and under your constant encouragement and request, I have finally completed what I thought would fail.

Mr. Rozin, sincerely Thank you  for leading me to grow.

Sincerely yours,

Yi-Jia Li (Piano student)

August 10, 2023 

Dear Mr. Rozin,

I hope you are doing well!

I would like to thank you for such a wonderful festival. I loved every concert, learned a lot from coaching and lessons, and enjoyed performing with the wonderful musicians.

Saarburg is an amazing place. I truly appreciate everything, and would like to thank you sincerely for organizing such an amazing festival!

Best wishes,

Jie He (piano student)

August 8, 2023

Dear Mr. Rozin,

Just wanted to thank you very much for such a wonderful festival!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Saarburg and learned so much from the wonderful faculty at the festival!!! It was an honor to attend as a guest artist.

Warmly,

Meggie Evans (Violin Guest artist)

2019

 Oktober 9, 2019

Dear Semyon,

I absolutely love the festival, and especially enjoyed this past summer.

You do a great job in putting this special musical sharing together. Many people of Saarburg are always so kind and welcoming! It is a wonderful experience for all!

Sincerely,

Carol Jessup (Clarinet faculty)

University of Texas Arlington

2018

September 16, 2018

Semyon

At last I have a chance to send a most sincere ‘thank you’ for a splendid two weeks in Saarburg.

It was beyond what I thought it might be. My students all want to return.

Your organization and super attention to detail as well as the great hospitality you showed all of us was really fantastic.

Jean

Jean MacPhail (Voice faculty)

Glenn Gould School

Voice Faculty  University of Toronto

July 22, 2018

Hi Semyon,

Many thanks for all the things you do to make this festival so successful.  I felt so grateful today as I enjoyed an hour of free practice time on the gorgeous piano in my teaching studio. I’ve never been at a festival that provided such a luxury for either students or faculty!

Best, Cathy

Catherine Kautsky

George and Marjorie Olsen Chandler Prof. of Music

Chair, Keyboard Dept.

Lawrence University

2017

August 1, 2017

Dear Semyon,

I wanted to thank you for the amazing experience the past two weeks. I had so much fun playing music and working with the students. You put on a beautiful festival with huge amounts of community support.
Best wishes,

Audrey Miller (Clarinet Guest artist)

2015

October 21, 2015

Dear Semyon,
 
It is a wonderful festival for all, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my past three summers there. All your hard work through the year to continue to present the festival is outstanding. Our final concert this past summer was phenomenal, and we are grateful for your fine work!

Sincerely,
Carol Jessup (Clarinet faculty)

University of Texas Arlington

2013

October 28, 2013

Dear Semyon,

The Saarburg Festival is exceptional in it’s development/nurturing of young musicians.

Carol Jessup (Clarinet faculty)

University of Texas Arlington