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Season Schedule

Skaneateles Festival - 2011 Season

Skaneateles Festival - 2011 Season

Week One: Community n., pl.-ties: 1. A group or class having common interests 2. Society as a whole; the public

The Festival opens with a thrilling celebration of community. Join Festival artists each day mini “Music Blasts” throughout the community. Log on each morning to our website (or follow us on Facebook or Twitter) to find out the location and time for that day’s blast. Who knows? You might hear the captivating Chiara Quartet (known for playing “chamber music in any chamber”) at the grocery store or renowned clarinetist Alan Kay at the post office! Also this week we will close our Hyperscore II project with the Chiara Quartet interpreting music written by novice composers, members of our own community. Composer Stacy Garrop will be on hand to discuss the project and to introduce some of her own music, too. Then we’ll hear music written by two great composers for their own communities: Haydn’s string quartet, written for 18th-century musicians at the court of Esterházy, and Messian’s spectacular Quartet for the End of Time, written for himself and three fellow prisoners in the German prison camp in 1940. On Friday we’ll be treated to an evening with one of our own community stars, pianist Andrew Russo, who will weave music with a political bent together with commentary and anecdotes about his own life and journey in politics. Finally, the Festival Chamber Orchestra rounds out the week with a piece commissioned by community members Jary and Julie Shimer to celebrate the Robinson family and their commitment to this community. Also on the program will be Beethoven’s rousing Choral Fantasy, showcasing Andrew Russo on piano and the Syracuse Vocal Ensemble, followed by Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony, evoking the sights and sounds of the communities Mendelssohn visited during his travels. Bring your picnic baskets this night as Brook Farm opens early for picnicking to the accompaniment of a brass pre-concert serenade from the porch.

Artists:
Chiara Quartet; Andrew Russo, piano; Alan Kay, clarinet; Stacy Garrop, composer; Community Composers; Elinor Freer, piano; David Ying, cello; Festival Chamber Orchestra; Robert Moody, conductor

Mon. Aug. 8
“Music Blast” mini-concert, time and location TBA*

Tues. Aug. 9
“Music Blast” mini-concert, time and location TBA*

Wed. Aug. 10:

“Music Blast” mini-concert, time and location TBA*

7:00pm Behind the Scenes: Meet composer Stacy Garrop and get an inside look at the Hyperscore II Project

8:00pm Special Event: Hyperscore Community Celebration

Featuring: the Chiara Quartet; community composers of all ages; Stacy Garrop, composer; video images; Alan Kay, clarinet; David Ying, cello; Elinor Freer, piano

Th. Aug. 11:

“Music Blast” mini-concert, time and location TBA*

7pm Prelude Concert: Meet and Hear the 2011 Robinson Award Winner

8pm Chamber Music Concert
Poulenc: Sonata for Clarinet and Piano
Haydn: String Quartet in G Major, Op. 54, No. 2
Messiaen: Quartet for the End of Time

Featuring: Chiara Quartet

Fri. Aug. 12:

“Music Blast” mini-concert, time and location TBA*

8pm An Evening with Andrew Russo and the Chiara Quartet

Solo piano works with a political bent by Paderewski, Gottschalk, Moritz Eggert and others mixed with humorous political anecdotes and commentary
Dvorak: Piano Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 47

Featuring: Andrew Russo, piano and Chiara Quartet

Sat. Aug. 13:

Community Extravaganza at Brook Farm

6:30pm Brass Quintet Prelude Concert (Brook Farm opens early for picnicking)

7:30pm
Lee Actor: Divertimento for Chamber Orchestra **
Beethoven Fantasy in C minor for Piano, Chorus, and Orchestra (Andrew Russo, piano)
Mendelssohn Verleih’ uns Frieden (Grant us thy peace)
Mendelssohn Symphony No. 4 in A Major, “Italian”

Featuring: Andrew Russo, piano; Syracuse Vocal Ensemble; Festival Chamber Orchestra and Robert Moody, conductor


**World premiere: Commissioned by Jary and Julie Shimer in celebration of the Robinson Family and their outstanding commitment to the Skaneateles community.

Week Two: String n. 1. A cord stretched across the sounding board of an instrument that is struck, plucked or bowed to produce tones 2. A series of related acts, events or items arranged or falling in a line

Luxuriate in the glories of string chamber music! First, superb players from the conductorless East Coast Chamber Orchestra (ECCO) mix it up in different combinations for an evening of masterpieces, capped off by Brahms’ sublime B-flat Major String Sextet. Then we will thrill to the sounds of the Grammy-winning Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, bringing a new energy to concert stages worldwide with their eclectic blend of styles from Bach to bluegrass. Close out your week under the stars at Brook Farm with a concert by the complete ECCO, which has performed together since 2001 and is comprised of some of the hottest young stars in classical music today: alumni of the famed Marlboro Music Festival in Vermont and members of the Borromeo, Daedalus and Jupiter string quartets, the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Artists:
East Coast Chamber Orchestra (ECCO); Los Angeles Guitar Quartet

Wed. Aug. 17:

6:30pm Special Event: Summer Suite
with players from ECCO (the East Coast Chamber Orchestra)

Th. Aug. 18:

8pm Chamber Music Concert
Handel-Halvorsen: Passacaglia on a Theme from Handel for Violin and Viola
Arensky: Quartet No. 2 in A minor for Violin, Viola, and Two Cellos, Op. 35
Brahms: String Sextet No. 1 in B-flat Major, Op. 18

Fri. Aug. 19:

8pm Chamber Music Concert: Los Angeles Guitar Quartet
Program TBA

Sat. Aug. 20

7:30pm ECCO (the East Coast Chamber Orchestra)
Program TBA

Week Three: Rhythm n. 1. A regular pattern formed by a series of notes of differing duration and stress. 2. A group of instruments in a band supplying the rhythm.

The Festival kicks it up a notch with a week exploring rhythm. Called an "experimental powerhouse" by the Village Voice and "astonishing and entrancing" by Billboard Magazine, the So Percussion quartet brings their edgy yet ancient breed of music to Skaneateles for the first time. Also joining us that week: the elegant percussionist and marimbist Ayano Kataoka returns to the Festival, fresh from performances at Lincoln Center and in Tokyo. And, we are thrilled to welcome legendary jazz pianist Marcus Roberts and his Trio to Skaneateles for the first time. Don’t miss the hottest ticket in town!

Artists:
So Percussion; Marcus Roberts and the Marcus Roberts Trio (Rodney Jordan, bass and Jason Marsalis, drums); Ayano Kataoka, marimba and percussion; Conor Nelson, flute; TBA, violin; TBA, viola; TBA, piano;
David Ying, cello

Wed. Aug. 24:
11am FamilyFest: with So Percussion

5:30pm Special Event: A Musical Happy Hour: Free Community Concert at Anyela’s Vineyard with Kataoka/ Nelson Duo (marimba and flute)

Th. Aug. 25:

8pm Chamber Music Concert: So Percussion (at the Skaneateles High School)
Program TBA

Fri. Aug. 26:

8pm Not Your Mother’s Chamber Music Concert! (A fantastic mélange of sounds and styles)
Bach: Selected works for solo marimba
Sebastian Currier: Whispers for Flute, Cello, Percussion, and Piano
Flute/marimba piece TBA
Michael Daugherty: Diamond in the Rough for Violin, Viola, and Percussion
Mozart: Selections from the Piano Quartet in G minor, K. 478
Gershwin: “I Got Rhythm” and other selections for solo piano

Sat. Aug. 27:

7:30pm Marcus Roberts Trio at Brook Farm

Program to include jazz standards as well as Roberts’ own composition, “From Rags to Rhythm”


Week Four: Masterpiece n. 1. An outstanding work of art or craft. 2. Something superlative

Stellar musicians like pianist Jon Nakamatsu (Van Cliburn Competition Gold Medalist), soprano Sari Gruber (Naumburg Competition winner), violinist Steven Copes (St Paul Chamber Orchestra concertmaster), and others close this year’s festival with a week of timeless masterpieces. For ethereal beauty, we’ll hear Schubert’s Shepherd on the Rock; for melancholy and soul, the Brahms Clarinet Quintet; for exuberant folk music, Dvorak’s Dumky Trio; for stunning melodic beauty, Villa Lobos Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5. And the list goes on! Each historic piece this week stands the test of time because of the universal human qualities it conveys. It’s the kind of music we live for.

Artists:
Jon Nakamatsu, piano; Sari Gruber, soprano; Jon Manasse, clarinet; Steven Copes, violin; Elinor Freer, piano; David Ying, cello; TBA, violin; Carol Rodland, viola; Festival Chamber Orchestra; Peter Bay, conductor

Wed. Aug. 31:

8pm Special Event: Solo recital with Jon Nakamatsu, piano
Rameau: Gavotte and Doubles
Liszt: Dante Sonata
Beethoven: "Moonlight" Sonata
Chopin: Andante Spianato and Grande Polonaise Brillante


Th. Sept. 1:

8pm Chamber Music Concert
Wolf: Italian Serenade
Schubert: Der Hirt auf dem Felsen (The Shepherd on the Rock)
Debussy: Première Rhapsodie
Brahms: Quintet for Clarinet and Strings in B minor, Op. 115

Fri. Sept. 2:

8pm Chamber Music Concert
André Previn: Four Songs for Soprano, Cello, and Piano
Brahms: Sonata in E-flat for Clarinet and Piano, Op. 120 No. 2
Dvorak: Piano Trio in E minor, “Dumky”

Sat. Sept. 3:

7:30pm Festival Grand Finale
Work TBA
Mozart Arias (Sari Gruber, soprano)
Villa-lobos: Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 for Soprano and 8 Cellos
Mozart: Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550

Sari Gruber, soloist
Festival Chamber Orchestra
The Eastman Cello Ensemble
Peter Bay, conductor

Locations and Tickets
Saturdays concerts are performed at 7:30 pm from the porch of Brook Farm, a lakeside estate 2.5 miles south of Skaneateles on West Lake Road (Route 41A). Audiences are welcome to arrive as early as 6:00 pm and bring picnic suppers to enjoy on the lawn overlooking the lake. In the event of inclement weather, Saturday concerts move indoors to Skaneateles High School. Venue changes may be confirmed by calling 315/685-7418 or visiting www.skanfest.org after 3:00 pm on concert days.

Weeknight concert are held at various locations in Skaneateles. Thursday and Friday concerts during are held at 8:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church, 97 East Genesee Street. Friday evening post-concert receptions are also held in the church, and are open to all audience members. The Thursday, August 25 concert will be held at the Skaneateles High School, 49 E. Elizabeth Street. FamilyFest! free family concerts are held at the First Presbyterian Church.

Festival tickets are reasonably priced. Single tickets range from $16 to $30. Children under 13 may attend evening concerts for free in "B" seating, though tickets are required for all ages. Discounted season subscriptions and weekly passes are available—consider giving your summer guests the gift of music!

For more information, to purchase tickets, or to obtain a complete schedule of events and performances, call 315/685-7418.

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Photos

Artistic Directors David Ying and Elinor Freer
Chiara Quartet
ECCO - East Coast Chamber Orchestra
Jon Manasse
Los Angeles Guitar Quartet
Jon Nakamatsu
Andrew Russo
Robert Moody
So Percussion
Marcus Roberts
Marcus Roberts Trio
Stacy Garrop
Marcu Roberts Trio
the Ying Quartet
Steven Copes
Syracuse Vocal Ensemble
Brook Farm
Concert at Brook Farm 2
Concert at Brook Farm 3
Concert at Brook Farm 4
Rehearsal at Brook Farm 1
Rehearsal at Brook Farm 2
Concert at church 1
Concert at church 2
Concert at church 3

Musician Biographies

Chiara Quartet
Syracuse Vocal Ensemble
ECCO
Los Angeles Guitar Quartet
ECCO
So Percussion
Marcus Roberts Trio
Ying Quartet
Bjerken, Xak - piano
Copes, Steven - violin
Freer, Elinor - piano
Garrop, Stacy - composer
Gruber, Sari - soprano
Hwang, Mimi - Cello
Kataoka, Ayano - marimba and percussion
Kay, Alan - clarinet
Manasse, Jon - clarinet
Matson, Melissa - viola
Moody, Robert - conductor
Nakamatsu, Jon - piano
Nelson, Conor - flute
Park, Susie - violin
Roberts, Marcus - piano
Rodland, Carol - viola
Russo, Andrew - piano
Ying, David - cello
Ying, Phillip - viola

Chiara Quartet

The Chiara String Quartet has established itself as among America’s most respected ensembles. Awarded the Guarneri Quartet Residency Award for artistic excellence by Chamber Music America, the Chiara’s other honors include a top prize at the Paolo Borciani International Competition, winning the Astral Artistic Services National Audition, and winning First Prize at the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition. The Chiara Quartet performs in major concert halls, including Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall and Philadelphia's Kimmel Center, as well as non-classical venues including (le) Poisson Rouge and Galapagos Art Space in New York, The Tractor Tavern in Seattle, and the Hideout in Chicago, among many others. Recent collaborators of the quartet include Joel Krosnick, Todd Palmer, Simone Dinnerstein, Norman Fischer, and Paul Katz, as well as members of the Orion, Ying, Cavani, and Pacifica Quartets. The Chiara (key-ARE-uh, an Italian word meaning “clear, pure or light”) trained and taught at The Juilliard School, mentoring for two years with the Juilliard Quartet. They currently serve as Blodgett Artists-in-Residence at Harvard University.

Performance Dates: August 10, 11 & 12

Visit Chiara Quartet's website.

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Syracuse Vocal Ensemble

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Robert Cowles, the Syracuse Vocal Ensemble has garnered a reputation for innovative programming and superb choral artistry. Established in 1973, the Syracuse Vocal Ensemble has collaborated with The Dave Brubeck Quartet, Open Hand Theatre, Society for New Music, Syracuse Chorale, and the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. On two occasions the Syracuse Vocal Ensemble singers participated in a concert tour of the Baltic region, including performing in the famed Estonian Song Festival. Following a highly successful community mentoring program, Syracuse Vocal Ensemble is now venturing into the planning of a multi-grade level education initiative.

Performance Dates: August 13

Visit Syracuse Vocal Ensemble's website.

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ECCO

A group of some of today’s most exciting young string players envisioned the creation of a conductor-less chamber orchestra, based upon democratic principles, whose focus is purely on music-making. This organic approach, their passion, and commitment resulted in the creation of ECCO. The members of ECCO are accomplished musicians who have soloed with such great orchestras as the Philadelphia Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, and Chicago Symphony. Members of ECCO may also be seen performing with various chamber ensembles, including the Los Angeles Piano Quartet, Time for Three, Jupiter String Quartet, Silk Road Ensemble and Enso String Quartet. The ensemble members are graduates of some of the top conservatories including Curtis, Juilliard, Cleveland Institute, New England Conservatory, and Peabody.

Performace Dates: August 17, 18 & 20

Visit ECCO's website.

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Los Angeles Guitar Quartet

Celebrating 30 years on the concert stage, the members of the Grammy-winning Los Angeles Guitar Quartet continue to set the standard for expression and virtuosity among guitar ensembles. Recognized as one of America’s premier instrumental ensembles, the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet is one of the most charismatic and versatile groups performing today. Popularly known as the LAGQ, these four dynamic virtuosi bring a new energy to the concert stage with their eclectic programs and dynamic musical interplay. With over a dozen recordings over the past two decades, they have established themselves as masters of the classics, as well as the creators of the unique syntheses of world-music and contemporary styles that have made the "LAGQ-sound" a favorite around the world. Their first recording for Telarc International, "LAGQ: Latin," was nominated for a Grammy for Best Classical Crossover Recording in 2003, while the second, LAGQ's “Guitar Heroes”, won a Grammy in this category in 2005.

Performance Dates: August 19

Visit Los Angeles Guitar Quartet's website.

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ECCO

A group of some of today’s most exciting young string players envisioned the creation of a conductor-less chamber orchestra, based upon democratic principles, whose focus is purely on music-making. This organic approach, their passion, and commitment resulted in the creation of ECCO. The members of ECCO are accomplished musicians who have soloed with such great orchestras as the Philadelphia Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, and Chicago Symphony. Members of ECCO may also be seen performing with various chamber ensembles, including the Los Angeles Piano Quartet, Time for Three, Jupiter String Quartet, Silk Road Ensemble and Enso String Quartet. The ensemble members are graduates of some of the top conservatories including Curtis, Juilliard, Cleveland Institute, New England Conservatory, and Peabody.

Performace Dates: August 17, 18 & 20

Visit ECCO's website.

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So Percussion

Since coming together at the Yale School of Music, So Percussion has been creating music that is at turns raucous and touching, barbarous and heartfelt. Called “astonishing and entrancing” by Billboard Magazine, “brilliant” by the New York Times, the Brooklyn based quartet’s innovative work has quickly helped them forge a unique and diverse career. Their music runs the gamut from percussion classics (Steve Reich’s Drumming), to new commissions (David Lang’s the so-called laws of nature), to original music (group member Jason Treuting’s Amid the Noise).
So Percussion has performed this music all over the United States, with concerts at the Lincoln Center Festival, Carnegie Hall, Stanford Lively Arts, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and many others. In addition, recent tours to Russia, Australia, Italy, Spain, Germany, and the Ukraine have brought them international acclaim. So would like to thank Pearl/Adams Instruments, Zildjian cymbals, Vic Firth drumsticks, Remo drumheads, and Estey organs for their sponsorship.

Performance Dates: August 24 & 25

Visit So Percussion's website.

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Marcus Roberts Trio

The Marcus Roberts Trio has truly created its own sound and style. Although the piano has traditionally been the central focus of great jazz trios, Roberts prefers to have all musicians in the group share equally in shaping the direction of the music through changing its tempo, mood, texture, or form by using a system of musical cues. This philosophy is ideally suited for this trio because both Roland Guerin and Jason Marsalis possess immense talent as individuals while sounding equally great as a unit. As a consequence, Roberts feels that the music should be arranged to showcase that talent. When the bass and drums share equally in controlling both the tempo and the mood of a piece, it creates a musical environment that sounds much bigger on the stage than a jazz trio.

Performance Dates: August 27

Visit Marcus Roberts Trio's website.

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Ying Quartet

The Grammy-Award winning Ying Quartet occupies a position of unique prominence in the classical music world, combining brilliantly communicative performances with a fearlessly imaginative view of chamber music in today's world. Now in its second decade as a quartet, the Ying has established itself as one of the most outstanding chamber ensembles. Their performances regularly take place in the world's most important concert halls, from Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera House. At the same time, the Quartet's belief that concert music can also be a meaningful part of everyday life has also drawn the foursome to perform in settings as diverse as the workplace, schools, juvenile prisons, and the White House. In fact, the Ying Quartet's constant quest to explore the creative possibilities of the string quartet has led it to an unusually diverse array of musical projects and interests.

As quartet-in-residence at the Eastman School of Music, the Ying Quartet teaches in the string department and leads a rigorous, sequentially designed chamber music program. One cornerstone of chamber music activity at Eastman is the noted Music for All program, in which all students have the opportunity to perform in community settings beyond the concert hall.

Visit Ying Quartet's website.

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Xak Bjerken - piano

Pianist Xak Bjerken studied at the University of California at Los Angeles and received his Master’s and Doctoral degrees from the Peabody. He has given solo and chamber music recitals in Europe and throughout the United States, appearing with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, and members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic in Disney Hall. For the past ten years, he has been a member of the Los Angeles Piano Quartet. He has held chamber music residencies at the Tanglewood Music Center, Spoleto Festival and Olympic Music Festival, and served on the faculty of the Eastern Music Festival. Xak is an Associate Professor of Music at Cornell University.

Performance Dates: August 26

Visit Xak Bjerken's website.

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Steven Copes - violin

Violinist Steven Copes leads a diverse and enthusiastic musical life as soloist, chamber musician and concertmaster of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. An avid chamber musician, Steven has performed at festivals and concert series such as Aspen, Boston Chamber Music Society, Caramoor, Chamber Music Northwest, El Paso Pro Musica, Four Seasons, La Jolla Summerfest, Mainly Mozart Spotlight Series, Marlboro, Music in the Vineyards, Norfolk, Piccolo Spoleto and Seattle Chamber Music Society. He co-founded the Alpenglow Chamber Music Festival in Colorado as well as Accordo, a new chamber group now in its second season at the Southern Theater in Minneapolis. He recently performed John Novacek? Four Rags with the composer on NPR Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor. A native of Los Angeles, he holds degrees from The Curtis Institute and Juilliard.

Performance Dates: September 1 & 2

Visit Steven Copes's website.

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Elinor Freer - piano

Pianist Elinor Freer has built a versatile career as chamber musician and soloist, performing across the United States, Europe, and China. Highlights include performances at The Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Valery Gergiev Festival in Rotterdam, the International Musicians Seminar in Prussia Cove, England, and at the Akademie Muizicky Chumeni in Prague. She has also made successive recordings for Dutch radio and performed at the Gnessin Institute in Moscow. Ms. Freer is also one of two American pianists selected to perform extensively throughout China in tours designed to promote cultural relations. A featured soloist with numerous orchestras, Ms. Freer also frequently performs at festivals such as Summer Music in Harrisburg, PA, the Festival de Música de Cámera in Mexico, Music in the Vineyards, and the Bowdoin Music Festival.

Ms. Freer has been a prizewinner and laureate in many competitions such as the Joanna Hodges and the American Pianists Association, and she has held fellowships at the Steans Institute/Ravinia Festival and the Tanglewood Music Center. She is currently on the faculty of the Eastman School of Music and the Bowdoin International Music Festival. Committed to bringing classical music to new audiences, she continues to present a multitude of educational and community performances across the country in settings ranging from inner city schools to psychiatric hospitals.

Performance Dates: August 10, 11 & September 2

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Stacy Garrop - composer

Composer Stacy Garrop’s works have been performed at orchestras throughout the country, including the Albany, Charleston, Detroit, Omaha and Illinois symphonies, as well as the National Repertory Orchestra, New England Philharmonic and an array of chamber ensembles: the Artaria String Quartet, Enso Quartet, Lincoln Trio, Orion Ensemble, Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble, Seattle New Music Ensemble and the Society for New Music. Stacy has received multiple awards and grants from the San Francisco Song Festival; Detroit Symphony Orchestra; Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble; Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the New England Philharmonic. During the 2009-2010 Season she was in residence with the Albany Symphony Orchestra. Stacy earned degrees in music composition at the University of Michigan, University of Chicago and Indiana University. She is an Associate Professor in Composition at the Chicago College of Performing Arts of Roosevelt University.

Performance Dates: August 10

Visit Stacy Garrop's website.

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Sari Gruber - soprano

Hailed as "nothing short of sensational" by Opera magazine, soprano Sari Gruber's exciting and moving interpretations have established her as one of today's most sought-after artists. Sari's 2010-11 season includes Musetta in La bohème with Opera Colorado; Susanna in Le nozze di Figaro with Lyric Opera of Kansas City; a return to New York Festival of song. Sari is equally in demand on the concert stage and has performed with Boston Baroque and Portland Baroque, and the Caramoor Festival, as well as the symphonies of Columbus, North Carolina, Houston, Cincinnati, San Jose, and Jacksonville. Winner of the 2005 Naumburg Competition, Ms. Gruber has appeared in recital at New York's Alice Tully Hall, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie, the 92nd Street Y, Miller Theater, and several appearances with the New York Festival of Song.

Performance Dates: September 1, 2 & 3

Visit Sari Gruber's website.

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Mimi Hwang - Cello

The daughter of Chinese immigrants, cellist Mimi Hwang was born and raised in Los Angeles. She was a founding member of the Franciscan String Quartet, First Prize winner of the Banff International String Quartet Competition and top prize winner of the Evian International String Quartet Competition. The Quartet performed in concert halls throughout North America, Europe and Asia, held the position of Wardwell Fellows at the Yale School of Music and was Quartet-in-Residence at the Hopkins Center at Dartmouth College, where Ms Hwang was on the faculty of the Department of Music. She has also performed with members of the Juilliard, Guarneri, Tokyo, Ying and Colorado Quartets. She was a member of the Peabody Trio, winners of the Naumberg Chamber Music Award. As a soloist, Ms Hwang has performed with the Beijing Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra. She received the Master’s Degree at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and the Bachelor’s Degree with Distinction at the New England Conservatory of Music. She was a founding member of the Cello Divas and Quartos and has appeared in the festivals of Aspen, Banff, Norfolk, Roycroft, Skaneateles, and Yellow Barn.

Ms Hwang is currently an Assistant Professor of Chamber Music at the Eastman School of Music. She is also Co-Artistic Director of Yellow Barn Music School and Festival’s Young Artists Program, a three-week summer chamber music program for talented high school student, held in Putney VT.

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Ayano Kataoka - marimba and percussion

Percussionist and marimbist Ayano Kataoka is known for her brilliant and dynamic technique, as well as the unique elegance and artistry she brings to her performances. Last season, together with cellist Yo-Yo Ma, she gave a world premiere of Bruce Adolphe’s Self Comes to Mind. She has also appeared with Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble at Carnegie Hall, performed Bartók’s Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion with Emanuel Ax, his wife Yoko Nozaki at Alice Tully Hall. Ayano is the first percussionist to be chosen for The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s Chamber Music Society Two program. A native of Japan, she is a graduate of the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, with a Master of Music degree from the Peabody Conservatory and Artist Diploma degree from the Yale School of Music.

Performance Dates: August 24 & 26

Visit Ayano Kataoka's website.

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Alan Kay - clarinet

Clarinetist Alan Kay was honored with membership in the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra in 2002 and serves as Principal Clarinet with New York’s Riverside Symphony. He often performs as principal clarinet with the American Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestra of St. Luke’s and at American Ballet Theater. A guest artist at many of the country’s finest summer festivals, Mr. Kay returned last summer for his fourth season at Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival and his sixth season at the esteemed Yellow Barn Festival. His acclaimed performance of Weber’s Concerto at the 2005 Windham Chamber Festival was heard repeatedly through the U.S. on NPR’s “Performance Today.” Artistic Director of the New York Chamber Ensemble, his series of thematic programs at the ensemble's Cape May Music Festival draws growing audiences each year.

Performance Dates: August 10 & 11

Visit Alan Kay's website.

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Jon Manasse - clarinet

An avid chamber musician, Jon Manasse has been featured in programs with The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Walter Reade Theatre (on Lincoln Center's "Great Performers Series"), and Merkin Concert Hall. Other recent appearances include the Aspen, Caramoor, Colorado Springs, Newport and Sarasota Music Festivals. Jon’s current season was highlighted by a return performance with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra and his debut with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. He is Associate Professor of Clarinet at the Eastman School of Music and in the fall of 2007 joined the faculty of his alma mater, The Juilliard School. Jon and his Duo partner, pianist Jon Nakamatsu, serve as Artistic Directors of the Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival.

Performance Dates: September 1 & 2

Visit Jon Manasse's website.

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Melissa Matson - viola

Ms. Matson, principal violist of the Rochester Philharmonic, has performed at Skaneateles since 1987. A California native, she received her degrees and Performer's Certificate from the Eastman School of Music. She was a founding member of the Chester String Quartet, which won prizes at the Munich and Portsmouth (England) International String Quartet competitions. She currently teaches viola orchestra repertoire at Eastman. Her teachers and mentors have been Martha Katz, Heidi Castleman, Karen Tuttle, and the Cleveland and Juilliard quartets.

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Robert Moody - conductor

Conductor Robert Moody returns to the Skaneateles Festival podium for the fourth consecutive season. He currently serves as Music Director for the Winston-Salem Symphony, Artistic Director for Arizona Musicfest and Music Director for the Portland Symphony Orchestra. Robert holds a Master of Music degree in conducting from the Eastman School of Music and his guest conducting appearances include the symphony orchestras of Houston, Indianapolis, Detroit, Seattle, Memphis, Virginia, San Antonio, Buffalo, Charleston and Naples. Summer festival appearances include Santa Fe Opera, Spoleto Festival USA, Brevard Music Center, and the Eastern Music Festival.

Performance Dates: August 13

Visit Robert Moody's website.

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Jon Nakamatsu - piano

Pianist Jon Nakamatsu last appeared at the Festival in 2004. He is a frequent concerto soloist, chamber musician, recording artist and solo recitalist throughout the United States, Europe and Japan. Jon gained global attention in 1997 by being named Gold Medalist of the Tenth Van Cliburn Piano Competition and “Debut Artist of the Year” (1998) by NPR's "Performance Today.” He has been profiled by "CBS Sunday Morning" and Reader's Digest magazine, and is featured in "Playing with Fire," a documentary on the Tenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, aired nationwide on PBS. Jon’s festival appearances include Tanglewood, Bravo! Vail Valley, Colorado, Santa Fe and Florida’s Brevard and Sanibel Music Festivals. He and his duo-partner, clarinetist Jon Manasse, serve as Artistic Directors of the Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival.

Permormance Dates: August 31, September 1 & 2

Visit Jon Nakamatsu's website.

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Conor Nelson - flute

Canadian flutist Conor Nelson gave his New York recital debut at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall and has since appeared frequently as soloist and recitalist throughout the United States and abroad. Conor has appeared at the OK Mozart, Yellow Barn, Look and Listen (NYC), Norfolk, Chesapeake, Aspen, Banff and Okemo Mountain festivals. He performs regularly with marimbist/percussionist, Ayano Kataoka as part of the Conor and Ayano Duo. He is currently the Assistant Professor of Flute at Oklahoma State University, and has served as guest faculty at the International Flute Institute at the New York Summer Music Festival.

Performance Dates: August 24 & 26

Visit Conor Nelson's website.

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Susie Park - violin

Violinist Susie Park is a member of the Eroica Trio and has appeared as soloist with the Indianapolis Symphony, Memphis Symphony and Orchestra of St. Luke's. Susie was a member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Centre Two from 2006-2009 and has participated in numerous tours with Musicians from Marlboro. She is also a founding member of ECCO (East Coast Chamber Orchestra). In December 2009, Miss Park performed with trumpeter Chris Botti in forty-one consecutive shows at the Blue Note Jazz club, New York. Her numerous festival appearances include Music from Angelfire in New Mexico, the Ravinia Festival and Aspen Music Festival. A native of Sydney, Australia, Miss Park earned her Bachelor of Music degree from the Curtis Institute of Music and an Artist Diploma at the New England Conservatory.

Performance Dates: August 26

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Marcus Roberts - piano

Pianist Marcus Roberts, blind since age 5, made a name for himself when at age 21 he joined Wynton Marsalis’ group and toured and recorded with the trumpeter for six years. A gifted musician, he has continued to steadily build upon his stellar reputation, carving a niche for himself in jazz history and releasing more than a dozen albums. He has the distinction of being the first jazz musician to have his first three recordings reach number one on Billboard's traditional jazz chart. In addition to recording his original solo and band material, Roberts has also explored the American solo piano tradition with his versions of classics by Duke Ellington, Thelonius Monk and Jelly Roll Morton. Roberts and his trio regularly provide master classes, workshops, school shows, and residency programs all over the world. Their goal is to help to expose as many young people as possible to jazz music.

Performance Dates: August 26

Visit Marcus Roberts's website.

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Carol Rodland - viola

Violist Carol Rodland made her solo debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra at the age of
17 and subsequently won first prizes at the Washington International Competition, the Artists’ International Auditions, and the Juilliard Concerto Competition. She is an artist-faculty member of the Bowdoin International Music Festival and a member of Vermont’s Craftsbury Chamber Players. Her recently released solo album has received excellent reviews and Fanfare Magazine praises her for her “tone [which] is larger than life, sweetly in tune, and infinitely variegated.” Carol holds degrees from the Juilliard School and is currently a tenured professorship at the Eastman School of Music, as well as a guest faculty member at the Juilliard School.

Performance Dates: September 1

Visit Carol Rodland's website.

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Andrew Russo - piano

Pianist Andrew Russo is a Syracuse native known for the diversity of his interests and experiences. His musical life began with piano lessons at the age of five. His first solo performance with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra came at the age of twelve, as winner of the CMM Youth Concerto Competition. Andrew earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from the Juilliard School, followed by post-graduate study in France and Germany. While spending his twenties living in Europe and traveling internationally as a soloist and chamber musician, Andrew created Music Journeys Inc., a nonprofit youth educational foundation serving students in Syracuse. During this period, he also represented the U.S. as a finalist in the 2001 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Andrew has 11 commercial recordings, including the 2007 Grammy nominated Black Box Records release of music by John Corigliano. Andrew recently held positions as Professor of Piano at Butler University and Artist in Residence at Le Moyne College. A Senior Portfolio Manager at RJR Associates, Andrew was the 2010 Republican and Conservative Party nominee for New York State Senate in the 49th District, and continues his involvement in the Central New York community as a board member of several area non-profits. He lives in Jamesville with his wife Natalia and two children - Andrei and Mila.

Performance Dates: August 12 & 13

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David Ying - cello

In addition to his role as the cellist of the Ying Quartet, David Ying performs frequently as solo cellist. He has appeared with such orchestras as the Oakland East-Bay Symphony, the Chicago Civic Orchestra, the String Orchestra of the Rockies, and the Rochester Chamber Orchestra. He has won numerous awards as a solo cellist, including prizes in the Naumburg International Cello Competition, the Washington International Competition, and a diploma at the Tchaikovsky International Cello Competition. A dedicated and active teacher, Mr, Ying has taught at Interlochen, the Brevard Music Center, and Northwestern University. He is currently on the chamber music and cello faculty of the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY.

Performance Dates: August 10, 11, 26, September 1 & 2

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Phillip Ying - viola

Phillip Ying, as violist of the Ying Quartet, performs regularly across the United States, Europe and Asia. Recent appearances include engagements in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Houston, and Washington, DC, Australia, France, Mexico, and Taiwan. During summers, he has performed at the Marlboro, Tanglewood, Caramoor, Norfolk, Aspen, Colorado, Bowdoin and Steamboat Springs music festivals. He is a recipient of the Naumburg Award for chamber music. Mr. Ying has also been presented numerous times in recital and as a soloist with orchestras such as the Chicago Symphony and the Aspen Festival Chamber Orchestra.

Performance Dates: August 26

Visit Phillip Ying's website.

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Photos

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Artistic Directors David Ying and Elinor Freer
Artistic Directors David Ying and Elinor Freer
Artistic Directors David Ying and Elinor Freer
Artistic Directors David Ying and Elinor Freer
Artistic Directors David Ying and Elinor Freer
Artistic Directors David Ying and Elinor Freer
Artistic Directors David Ying and Elinor Freer
Artistic Directors David Ying and Elinor Freer
Artistic Directors David Ying and Elinor Freer
Artistic Directors David Ying and Elinor Freer
Chiara Quartet
Chiara Quartet
ECCO - East Coast Chamber Orchestra
ECCO - East Coast Chamber Orchestra
Jon Manasse
Jon Manasse
Los Angeles Guitar Quartet
Los Angeles Guitar Quartet
Jon Nakamatsu
Jon Nakamatsu
Andrew Russo
Andrew Russo
Robert Moody
Robert Moody
So Percussion
So Percussion
Marcus Roberts
Marcus Roberts
Marcus Roberts
Marcus Roberts
Marcus Roberts Trio
Marcus Roberts Trio
Marcus Roberts Trio
Marcus Roberts Trio
Stacy Garrop
Stacy Garrop
Marcu Roberts Trio
Marcu Roberts Trio
the Ying Quartet
the Ying Quartet
Steven Copes
Steven Copes
Syracuse Vocal Ensemble
Syracuse Vocal Ensemble
Brook Farm
Brook Farm
Brook Farm
Brook Farm
Concert at Brook Farm 2
Concert at Brook Farm 2
Concert at Brook Farm 3
Concert at Brook Farm 3
Concert at Brook Farm 4
Concert at Brook Farm 4
Rehearsal at Brook Farm 1
Rehearsal at Brook Farm 1
Rehearsal at Brook Farm 2
Rehearsal at Brook Farm 2
Concert at church 1
Concert at church 1
Concert at church 2
Concert at church 2
Concert at church 3
Concert at church 3

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