Winner of the prestigious 2022 Avery Fisher Career Grant, Steven Banks is an ambassador for the classical saxophone, establishing himself as both a compelling and charismatic soloist, dedicated to showcasing the vast capabilities of the instrument, as well as an advocate for expanding its repertoire. Steven is also the first saxophonist to capture First Prize at the Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions (2019). He was also recently chosen to join WQXR’s 2022 Artist Propulsion Lab, a program designed to advance the careers of artists and support the future of classical music. Steven has recently appeared as soloist with the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Aspen Festival Orchestra, Oregon Mozart Players, Colorado Music Festival, Colorado Symphony, Utah Symphony, the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra and on subscription with the Cleveland Orchestra.
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Yuchen Lu, viola
Originally from Anhui in Eastern China, violist Yuchen Lu has garnered international recognition for his unique artistry and virtuosity and for his passionate and musically compelling performances. Mr.Lu recently won the George and Elizabeth Gregory concerto competition. He is the first-prizewinner of the 2021 Irving M. Klein International String Competition, and second prizewinner at the 2019 Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition.
WCM at Deep Water Fest!
Join us on June 17th for Parallax of Quantum, a mind-blowing collaboration with our friends at the Deep Water Literary Fest. A celebration and cerebration of George Orwell, with readings from his timeless jeremiad 1984, set in a dreamlike fabric of real-time electronic music, video and live string quartet. All filtered through and flowing from the fertile imagination of D.J. Spooky.
July 16th at 7:30PM
Music and conversation with Composer in Residence Trevor Weston, on music as a parallel existence, and why The People Could Fly! Featuring Phillip Solomon, clarinet; Mari Sato, violin; Caroline Stinson, cello; and Mimi Solomon, piano Thursday, July 16th at 730 PM Catskil Art Space 48 Main Street, Livingston Manor NY $25
July 17th at 7PM
Join WCM artists for rehearsal and discussion on works from our July 19th program, Traditions Intersecting Friday, July 18th, 7 PM The Arnold House 839 Shandelee Rd, Livingston Manor, NY 12758 FREE!
July 18th at 730PM
Looking within, calling out, standing up. Music that calls it as it sees it and always celebrates the human. Saturday, July 18th at 7:30 PM Catskill Art Space 48 Main Street Livingston Manor, NY $30
TAK Ensemble
Regarded as “one of the most prominent ensembles in the United States practicing truly experimental music” (I Care If You Listen), TAK delivers energetic performances "that combine crystalline clarity with the disorienting turbulence of a sonic vortex.” (WIRE Magazine). The ensemble “impresses with the organicity of their sound, their dynamism and virtuosity” (New Sounds, WQXR).
Andrew Zhou, piano
Born in San Diego and raised in British Columbia and California’s Bay Area, pianist Andrew Zhou has been noted for his “great sensitivity” and “luminous technique” (Anaclase), as well as performances of “extraordinary energy” whose “sonic range and expressive power stun under his steely fingers” (ResMusica). Second-prize laureate at the Concours International de Piano d’Orléans, where he garnered four special awards (Prix Samson François, Prix Chevillion-Bonnaud, Prix Olivier Greif, Prix Isang Yun), Mr. Zhou has been heard on WQXR and France Musique, and has worked closely with leading composers of our time, including Unsuk Chin, Tristan Murail, and Walter Zimmermann as well with numerous conductors including Matthias Pintscher, Jean-Philippe Wurtz, and Julien Leroy.
Hannah Kendall, Composer in Residence
Known for her attentive arrangements and immersive world-building, Hannah Kendall’s music looks beyond the boundaries of composition. Her work bridges gaps between different musical cultures, both honouring and questioning the contemporary tradition while telling new stories through it. Contrasting fine detail with limitless abandon, she has become renowned both as a composer and a storyteller, confronting our collective history with narratively-driven pieces centred on bold mission statements.
Aidan Plank, doublebass
Bassist Aidan Plank currently serves as bassist for the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra and is an in demand freelance musician in Cleveland, OH. He has performed with Joe Lovano, Dan Wall, David Berkman, Joe Maneri, Vanessa Rubin, The Cleveland Orchestra, Randal Woolf, and many others. Aidan currently teaches at Kent State University and the Tri-C Jazzfest Academy.