June 24 - Opening Night Gala Event and Concert

Caramoor's 61st season will open with a gala evening led by Caramoor's Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor Peter Oundjian with the Orchestra of St. Luke's and guest violinist Joshua Bell in Mendelssohn's Concerto for Violin and Orchestra. Also on the program: the Overture to Pope Joan by Caramoor Composer-in-Residence John Musto and Beethoven's Symphony No. 8.

August 12 - Festival Finale
The festival will close with a concert featuring conductor Donald Runnicles and the Orchestra of St. Luke's performing American composer John Adams' Chamber Symphony and Mozart's Symphony No. 41. The Jupiter Symphony is a fitting finale to the season, as it was the composer's final work in the genre.

BEL CANTO AT CARAMOOR

Under the leadership of Will Crutchfield, Caramoor's renowned opera program, Bel Canto at Caramoor, will celebrate its tenth anniversary during the 2006 Festival with three notable events. Mr. Crutchfield will conduct Bellini's I Puritani with soprano Sumi Jo on July 8; a program of Mozart's vocal works on July 16 in tribute to the 250th anniversary of the composer's birth; and Rossini's Tancredi with contalto Ewa Podles in her Caramoor debut on July 22. All Bel Canto at Caramoor presentations take place in Caramoor's acoustically superb outdoor Venetian Theater and accompanied by the Orchestra of St. Luke's led by Will Crutchfield.

Dubbed "essential" for its exploration of operatic rarities by The New York Times, Bel Canto at Caramoor presents productions featuring the world's foremost singers. In addition, Bel Canto at Caramoor has always been dedicated to the training of a new generation of singers and the Caramoor Bel Canto soloists, a select group of 16 rising bel canto stars, forms the ensemble company for the Festival season. In addition to joining the guest soloists in the productions, they present short concerts before each opera, offering further musical perspectives on the theme of each. All operas are sung in their original languages with English super-titles.

The opera performances will be preceded by a multi-part Pre-Opera Event that begins at 3:30 p.m. and includes lectures and demonstrations of vocal style. (See opera release for complete information).

July 8 - Bellini's I Puritani

Bellini's last and musically richest opera, I Puritani, is a feast of glorious bel canto singing. Just months before his untimely death, Bellini sent Parisian audiences into raptures with the endless tender melodies and buoyant virtuosity of I Puritani di Scozia, where love triumphs over politics and madness. Artists include Sumi Jo, soprano; Barry Banks, tenor; Weston Hurt, baritone; and Daniel Mobbs, bass-baritone.

July 16 - Mozart Bel Canto

With a festive mix of well-known favorites and intriguing rarities, Bel Canto at Caramoor will celebrate Mozart's lifelong love affair with Italian bel canto for the 250th anniversary of his birth. The program includes Exsultate Jubilate, with its famous final Alleluia, operatic evergreens like Leporello's Catalogue aria from Don Giovanni and the Farewell Trio from Cosi fan tutte, as well as lesser-known masterworks from Mozart's long list of Italian operas and concert arias. Vocalists are Sumi Jo, soprano; Maria Zifchak, mezzo-soprano; Steven Tharp, tenor; and Daniel Mobbs, bass-baritone.

July 22 - Rossini's Tancredi

Bel Canto at Caramoor will present Ewa Podles, the world's foremost contalto whose "artistry is defined by her complete emotional commitment...engrossing spontaneity...with melting beauty," (The New York Times). Ms. Podles makes her Caramoor debut performing the opera that catapulted Rossini to worldwide celebrity. With Tancredi, the 21-year-old composer announced the new style that would define the course of Italian opera for the 19th century. Its melodic freshness, passionate energy and classical poise have never been surpassed. The cast also includes Georgia Jarman, soprano; Yegishe Manucharyan, tenor; and Daniel Mobbs, bass-baritone.

JOHN MUSTO: 2005-2006 COMPOSER-IN-RESIDENCE

TWO WORLD PREMIERES

Renowned composer and pianist John Musto is regarded as one of today's most versatile musicians. In September 2005, Mr. Musto was named Caramoor's 2005-2006 Composer-in-Residence. This residency has given Mr. Musto the opportunity to showcase his formidable talents as a pianist and programmer. This summer's festival will feature two world premieres by John Musto, both commissioned by Caramoor.

In addition to the world premieres, Mr. Musto's residency at Caramoor has included planning, programming, and performing throughout the year in three concerts entitled MustoMusic. A piano and vocal MustoMusic concert was given last fall, and a chamber music concert was performed this spring.

July 6 - John Musto: String Quartet

The first of the Festival's world premieres, Mr. Musto's String Quartet, will be performed by the Jupiter String Quartet, Caramoor's 2005-2006 Ernst Stiefel String Quartet-in-Residence. The quartet was written as part of Volume VII of Caramoor's commissioning project, A String Quartet Library for the 21st Century, Which aims to enrigh the chamber music repertoire with new works by some of today's most compelling composers.

July 15 - John Musto: Piano Concerto No. 1

The second world premiere will take place during the Festival's fourth week. Michael Barrett will conduct the Orchestra of St. Luke's in Mr. Musto's First Piano Concerto, with the composer as the piano soloist. The program also includes Beethoven's Leonore Overture No. 3, Op. 72b and Schumann's Symphony No. 1 in B-flat Major, Op. 38 (Spring).

August 11 - John Musto: MustoMusic

This concert includes Mr. Musto's The Book of Uncommon Prayer featuring Amy Burton, soprano; Steven Tharp, tenor; and John Musto, piano as well as his Sextet for Clarinet, Strings and Piano performed by the Music From Copland House Ensemble, Michael Boriskin, director. Also on the program is Bach's French Suite No. 5 in G Major performed by Mr. Musto.

JAZZ FESTIVAL

Joe Lovano, Caramoor's Artistic Director of Jazz and tenor saxophone virtuoso, will lead two all-day jazz programs. The festival will feature a lineup of jazz masters as well as today's hottest stars on July 29 and August 5 from 2:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with hourly sets in the outdoor Venetian Theater. Both all-day programs are designed to allow visitors to come and go throughout the day and evening.

July 29 - Jazz Festival I: Swing Sensations

The day starts at 2:30 p.m. with the Rodney Kendrick Trio, led by pianist Rodney Kendrick, in a program that ranges from swing to avant-garde. At 3:45 p.m., the Ravi Coltrane Quartet, led by saxophone player Ravi Coltrane who is the son of wildly influential jazz experimentalist John Coltrane, will expland the jazz legacy in his own more cerebral, less aggressive style. At 5:00 p.m., pianist Renee Rosnes and a host of all-stars will pay homage to the late, great tenor sax player Joe Henderson with a program celebrating his musical styles, compositions, and recordings. At 8:00 p.m., Django Reinhardt Festival with Dorado Schmitt - a Frence ensemble featuring guitarists, swing accordionist, violinist, and saxophonist.

August 5 - Jazz Festival II: Enduring Spirits

Pianist John Hicks, one of the most in-demand, prolific jazz pianists and composers, will start the second day-long Jazz Festival at 2:30 p.m. At 3:45 p.m., the Jeremy Pelt Quartet will perform. At 5:00 p.m., pianist and bandleader Steve Kuhn, whose collaborators have included Ornette Coleman, Art Farmer, and Stan Getz, will perform selections from his 2004 recording Promises Kept with a string orchestra of 12 players. At 8:00 p.m., pianist McCoy Tyner, who has worked with an extraordinary roster of jazz musicians, will salute the 60th anniversary of the Impulse recording label. Tyner made many seminal recordings for the company, beginning in the 1960s and continuing to the present.

AMERICAN POPULAR SONG

Caramoor?s 2006 Festival will celebrate the enduring legacy of the American Songbook with concerts featuring today?s most compelling musical stars.

July 1 - Audra McDonald and Brian Stoke Mitchell

The American Songbook: From Broadway to the American Opera

Audra McDonald and Brian Stokes Mitchell, two of today's brightest stars in musical theater, will pay tribute to Broadway bringing their superabundance of singing and acting talent to Caramoor's stage in celebration of the great American song tradition, from Gershwin to Ahrens and Flaherty (Ragtime). America will be celebrating her 230th birthday, but her song literature remains evergreen.

In performances that are still talked about, McDonald and Mitchell played a deeply romantic couple whose lives ended tragically in the original Broadway cast of Ragtime. Their onstage chemistry defined them as two of the theater's most electrifying stars. Michael Barrett will lead the Orchestra of St. Luke's for this concert.

August 2 and 3 - Cabaret at Caramoor: Christine Andreas

Love Is Good

Christine Andreas, a singer and actress of immense charm whose way with a song has consistently won listeners at some of the country's leading cabarets and clubs, will perform a sophisticated, romantic evening, crafted to show the power of brilliant lyrics set to unforgettable melodies. This cabaret event presents the best of the American Songbook, as well as light contemporary, original and Broadway show tunes. She will be accompanied by pianist Martin Silvestri. "She finds a blend of lyricism and sweet sensuality that only the finest Broadway voices can conjure." -The New York Times

CHAMBER MUSIC

Caramoor is renowned for its outstanding chamber music programs, and will present an expansive assortment of ensembles in the 2006 season. Groups range from prominent quartets to cutting-edge artists from the dynamic world-music scene.

EXTREME CHAMBER MUSIC

July 2 - From Green Grass to Bluegrass

Host and dynamic fiddler, Paul Woodiel, and his virtuosic piper partner, Christopher Layer, are joined by father/son powerhouse Jake and Taylor Armering and pioneering banjo wizard, Greg Liszt and bass Corey DiMario. Nimble Irish jigs and reels will blend with the relentless drive of their hoedown descendants for a cross-cultural musical party for the whole family, celebrating the old and the new. Bluegrass, like Jazz, is a unique musical art that only America can claim as truly its own, despite its wide, even global, appeal. Born out of the musical traditions of Appalachia in the 1930s, it was crystallized by Bill Monroe, whose bands, featuring the fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar and bass, combined with his inimitable "high lonesome" vocals, first thrilled audiences at the Grand Old Opry in 1945.

July 13 - Manhattan Brass

Known for its innovative programming and wildly virtuosic performances, the quintet will perform a program including alphorn solos, an arrangement of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons, and a work entitled The Unbroken Circle of the Moon's Bright Halo. Comfortable in every genre from Gesualdo to jazz, the quintet is intent on taking brass ensemble playing to another level and bringing their audience with them.

July 20 - Pianist Christopher Taylor

Pianist Christopher Taylor, will perform one of the greatest pieces of piano repertoire - Messiaen's epic cycle, Vingt Regards Sur L'enfant-Jesus. The cycle with its symbolic themes of all-embracing love, the Virgin, the Cross and God, draws enormously on reserves of stamina, strength and dexterity. Taylor known as a leading exponent of this repertoire has been praised for his "...virtuosity and cerebral interpretations, tempered by an aching tenderness." (The New York Times)

July 21 - David Krakauer's Klezmer Madness
This group will seize the Spanish Courtyard for an evening of music that brings traditional Klezmer music into the 21st century. Krakauer and Klezmer Madness are joined by Jewish hip-hop beat architect Socalled, as DJ, accordion player, rapper and singer, for across-generational Jewish dance music.

August 10 - Un Mundo Ensemble: The Music of Venezuela

A group of young, virtuosic Venezuelan instrumentalists will bring forth the excitement, passion, and energy of their native music. The Merengue, together with the Joropo and the Waltz are dances that make up much of the spicy and irresistibly rhythmic national music of Venezuela. Rising star of the flute, Marco Granados, is joined by his eclectic and virtuosic group: Leonardo Granados, voice and percussion; Rafael Brito, cuatro; and Robert Koch, bass. 

August 11 - MustoMusic

The Extreme Chamber Music series will conclude with the final MustoMusic program featuring his The Book of Uncommon Prayer and Sextet for Clarinet, Strings and Piano along with Bach's French Suite No. 5 in G Major performed by Mr. Musto.

CHAMBER MUSIC AND RECITALS
June 30 - New York Festival of Song 
NYFOS will present English Gardens, Earthly Delights, a program that revolves around the theme of British composers from Vaughn Williams and Elgar to Britten and Coward. These composers found inspiration in nature and the special beauty of their native land.  Soprano Amy Burton, will appear with tenor Hal Cazalet, baritone Andrew Garland, and Steven Blier on the piano. 

July 9 - The Aulos Ensemble: H2O x 2: A Baroque Bonus

The famed Aulos Ensemble, America's oldest period instrument ensemble, joined by some of America's finest players of the early music movement, will bring this spectacular masterpiece, Handel's complete Water Music, to Caramoor. As a bonus, we offer "the other water music," Telemann's captivating orchestral suite, on the first half of the program. Founded in 1973, the Aulos Ensemble was one of the first American "original instrument" groups, and flutist Christopher Krueger, oboist Marc Schachman, violinist Linda Quan, cellist Myron Lutzke, and harpsichordist Arthur Haas are leading performers on Baroque instruments.

July 14 - Opus One

Opus One is the result of a mutual love of music making between four extraordinary instrumentalists and friends. As soloists as well as chamber musicians, they are each familiar figures in concert halls throughout the world. The Trio, Anne-Marie McDermott, piano; Ida Kavafian, violin; Steven Tenenbom, viola; and Peter Wiley, cello will perform Mozart's Quartet in E-flat Major for Piano and Strings K. 493, Tosntakis' Piano Quartet No. 3 and Dvorak's Quartet in E-flat Major for Piano and Strings, Op. 87.

August 4 - Trio Solisti

Trio Solisti with Maria Bachmann, violin; Alexis Pia Gerlach, cello; and John Klibonoff, piano will perform Haydn's Trio in G Major, Hob.XV:39, Schubert's Trio in B-flat Major, D. 898 and Brahms' Trio in B Major, Op. 8. The New York TImes described Trio Solisti as "consistently brilliant" and "compelling."

August 6 - The Tokyo String Quartet

The performance will include works by Mozart, Toru Takemitsu, and Brahms. Regarded as one of the supreme chamber ensembles of the world, the quartet is comprised of first violinist Martin Beaver who joined the ensemble in 2002; second violinist Kikuei Ikeda who joined the ensemble in 1974; violist Kazuhide Isomura, a founding member of the group; and cellist Clive Greensmith, the former Principal Cellist of London's Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, who joined in 1999.

THE ORCHESTRA OF ST. LUKE'S - IN RESIDENCE AT CARAMOOR

The Orchestra of St. Luke's, Caramoor's Orchestra-in-Residence since 1979, will open Caramoor's 61st season with a gala concert on June 24. Peter Oundjian will conduct the Orchestra in a program highlighted by guest violinist Joshua Bell performing Mendelssohn's Concerto for Violin and Orchestra. In addition, the Orchestra will perform several concerts of broadly varied repertoire including The American Songbook: From Broadway to the American Opera (July 1); Bel Canto at Caramoor (July 8, July 16 and July 22); the world premiere of John Musto's Piano Concerto No. 1 (July 15); a Family Concert (July 23); an all-Beethoven program (July 30); and the Festival Finale, led by Donald Runnicles (August 12).

FAMILY CONCERT

Caramoor's highly successful series for families offers young audiences (six years and older) the chance to build a fundamental knowledge of music and to experience the classical musical world through and interactive afternnon concert. Children under six will be directed to their own special concert during this program. The concert is one hour long with no intermission. 

July 23 - Mozart, You Kid, You!

Mozart might be 250 years old, but he hasn't lost a drop of his playfulness. With special attention to Mozart's own childhood, Jamie Bernstein, in the role of Mozart himself, conveys his uniquely lively and zany personality, while showing how music filled him with energy and joy. Joining conductor Michael Barrett and the Orchestra of St. Luke's, are young prodigies, as soloists who are the same age as Mozart when he performed for the Kings and Queens of Europe.

CARAMOOR VIRTUOSI and RISING STARS

Rising Stars

Though Caramoor presents a full slate of world-class artists and ensembles every summer, it is equally committed to the encouragement of emerging talent. In 1991, Will Crutchfield began working with young singers to produce opera in the Music Room. The following year, then Artistic Director André Previn initiated the Rising Stars Program by inviting eight young instrumentalists to join distinguished artists for a week of chamber music activities.

Now in its fourteenth year, the Rising Stars are chose for their talent, personality, and musicality to best benefit from the program, culminating in two exciting public performances. Distinguished artists, who mentor and coach the young musicians will perform with them in the ensembles.

Caramoor Virtuosi

Caramoor Virtuosi, led by Edward Aaron, is made up of outstanding musicians who have participated in Caramoo's Rising Stars workshops and have performed in Caramoor's Music Room series, as well as other Festival programs. Caramoor is where they cross the threshold from promising students to assured professionals, launching careers that have placed them in the limelight at home and internationally. The Caramoor Virtuosi for the 2006 Festival are Jennifer Frautschi, Laura Frautschi, violins; Nicholas Cords, Max Mandel, violas; Edward Arron, Alisa Weilerstein, cellos; and Andrew Armstrong, piano. They will perform on July 27 and 28.

FEATURED ARTISTS

Caramoor will present an outstanding array of guest artists during the 2006 Festival.

Joshua Bell - June 24

Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell's 2005-2005 season includes being inducted into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame and the September release of a live recording of the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto with Michael TIlson Thomas conducting the Berlin Philharmonic. In 2004, Billboard Magazine honored him as "Classical Artist of the Year" and he also received an award for "Classical Album of the Year."

Peter Schickele - June 25

Composer, musician, author, satirist - Peter Schickele is internationally recognized as one of the most versatile artists in the field of music. His commissions are numerous and varied, ranging from works for some of the country's foremost orchestras, chamber ensembles, and distinguished instrumentalists and singers. He is perhaps best known as the creator and sometimes alter-ego of the mysterious P.D.Q. Bach.

Audra McDonald - July 1

A four-time Tony Award-winner for her work in A Raisin in the Sun, Master class, Carousel and Ragtime, Audra McDonald was seen on Broadway last season in Henry IV. The singer-actress has performed with many of the world's major orchestras, and in recitals worldwide. She has made several recordings, Way Back to Paradise, How Glory Goes, and Happy Songs, in which she frequently performs works of the new generation of Broadway theatre composers.

Brian Stokes Mitchell - July 1

Dubbed "The Last Leading Man" by the New York Times, Brian Stokes Mitchell has enjoyed a rich and varied career on Broadway, television and film, along with appearances in the great American concert halls. He has received the Helen Hayes, Theatre World, Outer Critics Circle, and Tony Awards for his work on Broadway.

John Musto - July 6, July 15, August 11

Award-winning composer and pianist John Musto is regarded as one of the most versatile musicians before the public today. Musto, Caramoor's first season long Composer-in-Residence has garnered two Emmys and two CINE Awards for his scores written for television, and was a finalist for the 1996 Pulitzer Prize for his orchestral song cycle Dove Sta Amore. He has been featured on the Great Performers series at Lincoln Center and the Composer Portrait series at Columbia's Miller Theater.

Sumi Jo - July 8, July 16

Sumi Jo is considered one of the major coloratura sopranos of her generation. She has performed with many of the world's greatest conductors, regularly appears at the world's famous opera houses and recently released a crossover album of excerpts from musical theatre. "...Jo delivers the coloratura goods, with almost super human ease; her singing technically is beyond criticism." (Opera News)

Georgia Jarman - July 22

One of Caramoor's Rising Stars, Georgia Jarman's first starring performance for Caramoor was the title role in Handel's Deidamia in 2002. Most recently she appeared as Violetta in Caramoor's production of La Traviata in 2005. Ms. Jarman is a graduate of the College of Fine Arts' School of Music, and appeared recently as Rosina in Il Barbiere di Siviglia at the New York City Opera.

Ewa Podles - July 22

With her distinctive, dramatic voice of staggering range, agility and amplitude, Ewa Podles is widely regarded as the world's foremost contalto. Her 2005-2006 season includes recitals at Boston's Jordan Hall, the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society series and her highly acclaimed performance on February 25 with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra at Lincoln Center.

Jonathan Biss - July 30

American pianist Jonathan Biss has acquired a flourishing international reputation through his orchestral and recital performances in North America and Europe.  Winner of the 2002 Gilmore Young Artist Award, Mr. Biss has performed with many major U.S. orchestras. An enthusiastic performer of chamber music, he frequently collaborates with such chamber ensembles as the Borromeo, Mendelssohn and Vermeer quartets.

Christine Andreas - August 2, August 3

Best known for her work on the Broadway stage, Ms. Andreas has received the Theatre World Award and two Tony nominations and has also appeared in concert with major orchestras and conductors around the world.  Her CDs Love Is Good, Here's to the Ladies and The Carlyle Set, were in USA Today top 10 CD list in 2002 and 2003. 

ARTISTS

A complete chronological listing of programs and artists is enclosed separately.

Conductors:  Michael Barrett (July 1, July 15, July 23), Will Crutchfield (July 8, July16, July 22), Peter Oundjian (June 24, July 30), Donald Runnicles (August 12)

Ensembles:  Peter Schickele (June 24), New York Festival of Song (June 30), The Aulos Ensemble (July 9), Caramoor Virtuosi (July 27, July 28), David Krakauer's Klezmer Madness (July 21), Jupiter String Quartet (July 6), Manhattan Brass (July 13), Music from Copland House (August 11), Opus One (July 14), Orchestra of St. Luke's (June 24, July 1, July 15, July 16, July 22, July 23, July 30, August 12), Tokyo String Quartet (August 6), Trio Solisti (August 4), Un Mundo (August 10)

Vocalists:  Christine Andreas (August 2, August 3), Barry Banks (July 8), Amy Burton (June 30, August 11), Hal Cazalet (June 30), David Dusing (June 25), Michele Eaton (June 25), Andrew Garland (June 30), Weston Hurt (July 8), Georgia Jarman (July 22), Sumi Jo (July 8, July 16), Yegishe Manucharyan (July 22), Audra McDonald (July 1), Brian Stokes Mitchell (July 1), Daniel Mobbs (July 8, July 16, July 22), Ewa Podles (July 22), William Sharp (August 11), Steven Tharp (July 16, August 11), Maria Zifchak (July 16)

Pianists:  Andrew Armstrong (July 27, July 28), Jonathan Biss (July 30), Steven Blier (June 30), Michael Boriskin (August 11) John Hicks (August 5), John Klibonoff (August 4), Steve  Kuhn (August 5), Anne-Marie McDermott (July14), John Musto (July 15, August 11), Adam Neiman (July 7), Renee Rosnes (July 29), Martin Silvestri (August 2, August 3), Christopher Taylor (July 20), McCoy Tyner (August 5), Dina Vainshtein (June 29)

Violinists:  Maria Bachmann (August 4), Joshua Bell (June 24), Karen Gomyo (June 29), Jennifer Frautschi (July 27, July 28), Laura Frautschi ( July 27, July 28), Ida Kavafian (July 14), Curt Macomber (August 11)

Violists:  Nicholas Cords (July 27, July 28), Max Mandel (July 27, July 28), Steven Tenenbom (July 14)

Cellists:  Edward Arron (July 27, July 28), Alexis Pia Gerlach (August 4), Mina Smith (August 11), Alisa Weilerstein (July 27, July 28)

Bassists:  Corey DiMario (July 2), Charnett Moffett (August 5), Gonzalo Teppa (August 10)

Flutists: Marco Granados (August 10), Chris Layer (July 2)

Clarinetists:  Derek Bermel (August 11), David Krakauer (July 21)

Saxophonists: Ravi Coltrane (July 29), Dohand Harrison (August 5), Dave Liebman (August 5)

Trumpet: Nicolas Payton (August 5)

Trombonists: Steve Turre (August 5)

Drummers and Percussionists: Leonardo Granados (August 10), Eric Karmau Gravatt (August 5)

Mandolin:  Taylor Armerding (July 2)

Banjo:  Greg Liszt (July 2)

Fiddle:  Jake Armerding (July 2), Paul Woodiel (July 2)

Pipes: Chris Layer (July 2)

Cuatro:  Jackeline Rago (August 10)

Narrator:  Jamie Bernstein (July 23)

Jazz Performers:  The Bear Cats Dixieland Jazz Band (June 28), Ravi Coltrane Quartet (July 29), Joe Henderson Project (July 29), John Hicks (August 5), Rodney Kendrick (July 29), Steve Kuhn (August 5), Jeremey Pelt Quartet (August 5), Django Reinhardt Festival (July 29), McCoy Tyner Impulses at 60 (August 5)

About Caramoor

Caramoor is the legacy of Walter and Lucie Rosen, who built the great house and filled it with their treasures. Walter Rosen was the master planner for the Caramoor estate, bringing to reality his dream of creating a place to entertain friends from around the world. Their musical evenings were the seeds of the International Music Festival today. Realizing the pleasure their friends took in the beauty of Caramoor - the house with its art collection; the gardens; and the musical programs on summer evenings - the Rosens established a Foundation to open Caramoor to the public in perpetuity.

Lucie Rosen survived her husband by seventeen years. During those years, she expanded the Music Festival: The Spanish Courtyard was used as a setting for musical events, as it is today. Under her direction, the great stage of the Venetian Theater was built.

Caramoor is a Garden of Great Music. "We invite people to come early, explore our beautiful grounds, take a tour of the House Museum, visit our gift shops, enjoy a pre-concert picnic, and discover beautiful music in a relaxed setting," advises Paul Rosenblum, Caramoor's Managing Director. With its unique heritage, Caramoor remains a place where magical summer days and nights are shared and enjoyed by thousands. "Caramoor is the loveliest Festival of them all." -The New York Times

Art and Gardens

Concerts take place in two outdoor theaters - the large, acoustically superb Venetian Theater, and the more intimate, romantic Spanish Courtyard. Caramoor is more than just music - there is beauty at every turn. The House Museum, the former summer home of Caramoor's founders, Lucie and Walter Rosen, contains a vast collection of Renaissance, 18th-century, and Eastern art objects - furniture, tapestries, sculpture, paintings, fabrics, porcelain and jade. There are entire rooms that were imported from European palaces and villas, twenty of which are open to the public. A special exhibition, Caldwell & Company - Masters of Metal and Light, will be on view in the House Museum from Sunday, May 21 through mid October. On Thursdays and Fridays, Afternoon Tea is served in the Summer Dining Room, overlooking the Spanish Courtyard.

Caramoor's gardens are also well worth the visit. Nine unique perennial gardens - including a Sense Circle for the visually handicapped, a Butterfly Garden, a Medieval Mount, and two whose special characteristics are enjoyed primarily at night, may be seen on a guided tour or on one's own.

House Museum

Guided tours of the House Museum are provided from Wednesday through Sunday, 1-4 p.m., with the last tour at 3 p.m. On Saturdays, during the Festival, tours are given from 1-5 p.m., with the last tour at 4 p.m. Tickets are $9 (children 16 and under free). Admission includes the exhibition Caldwell & Company ? Masters of Metal and Light (Preview Benefit Party and Silent Auction on Friday, May 20 at 7 p.m.).

Getting to Caramoor

Caramoor is easy to get to by car or mass transportation. From Manhattan, take the Caramoor Caravan and ride comfortably in a luxurious, air-conditioned coach. Round trip service is $21 and is available for all Saturday and Sunday performances during the Festival (except the Family Concert on July 23). The Caravan departs from the Port Authority Bus Terminal and Upper West Side and East Side locations. Call the Box Office (914-232-1252) for further information and reservations. By train, take the Harlem Division of the Metro-North Railroad to Katonah, New York. Taxi service from the station to Caramoor (5 minutes away) is available. By car: (West Side Manhattan, New Jersey) Take the Saw Mill River Parkway north to Katonah. Exit at Route 35/Cross River. Turn right, and at the first traffic light make a right turn onto Route 22 south. Travel 1.9 miles to the junction of Girdle Ridge Road. Follow the signs to Caramoor. (Detailed directions: 914-232-5035, press 2 or online at www.caramoor.org).

TICKETS

Tickets may be ordered by calling the Box Office at 914-232-1252 or online at www.caramoor.org.

ALL PROGRAMS AND ARTISITS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.