A Milestone Anniversary for the Weekend of Chamber Music

The Weekend of Chamber Music celebrates its 10th summer season in Sullivan County in July. Artistic director Judith Pearce plans to mark the milestone year with appropriate grandeur, lining up more than 20 artists, a U.S. premiere, several large and beloved chamber music works, and a guest appearance by a Sullivan County mezzo-soprano, who is a rising star on the international opera scene.

All-American music by Gershwin and Bernstein kicks things off in the spirit of Independence Day as WCM artists participate in the July 4th celebration at LaPolt Park and the Liberty Museum and Arts Center. Included in $10 admission are holiday desserts.

The Anniversary Festival officially begins July 9 with "At Work and Play Behind the Notes," the first of the Friday night open sessions preceding each concert, at Hortonville Presbyterian Church. The musicians rehearse Joseph Phibbs’ "La Noce Arrolladora" for its American premiere, and Kevin Volans’ "Walking Song," both on the 8 p.m. July 10 program which includes music by Scarlatti and Bartók. Acclaimed harpsichordist Kenneth Hamrick is featured in Bach’s second Brandenburg Concerto. The Detroit Free Press says Hamrick "…combines brilliant technique, showmanship, and a fine sensitivity to the musical line."

On July 17, Schubert’s "Trout" Quintet for Piano and Strings and music by Kurtág, Debussy and Mozart are slated. Pianist Tannis Gibson, a WCM regular since 1994, performs Debussy piano pieces. The July 16 rehearsal also previews Kurtág’s Six Bagatelles.

Metropolitan Opera diva Stephanie Blythe, a Mongaup Valley native, returns to her roots to perform July 24 to sing Resphigi’s "Il Tramonto." Blythe has been making waves in the opera world ever since she won the Richard Tucker Award in 1999, earning high praise from the New York Times and Opera News critics, among others. The L.A. Times says she "…has a large and rich voice and the ability to make every note she sings carry wondrous weight…" Music by Arthur Foote and Peter Maxwell Davies, and Brahms’ String Quintet in D major Opus 111, round out the summer finale. The July 23 open rehearsal features the Brahms and the Davies works.

All tickets at the door are $25 each. Tickets are $22 each, and $20 for senior citizens 65 and older when 3 or more tickets are purchased in advance for any of the Summer Festival Concerts. Admission is free for children under 18 and students with ID. Ticket prices include the open rehearsals, open by donation to the general public.

For more information: 845-932-8414 or 845-932-8527. For tickets, call 845-932-8414.