|
|
 |
|
|
"Family" Reunion |
|
|
Home > What's New > Caramoor Blog > "Family" Reunion
|
|
|
|
July 21, 2010
It seems like everyone I know is leaving town for a family reunion, announcing their plans with a mixture of excitement (reconnecting with friends and family!) and apprehension (a 14-hour car ride! with kids!). Caramoor, too, has planned a “family reunion” of sorts, only this event promises all the excitement and none of the dread.
Caramoor’s “reunion,” set for this weekend, reconnects former members of its Rising Stars mentoring program. These musicians, who now perform throughout the year at some of the most important concert venues in the world, consider Caramoor their “emotional” home. Each summer they take a break from their individual careers to spend a weeklong residency at Caramoor, where they reconnect with old friends, rehearse together, and perform as the Caramoor Virtuosi. Each year the group’s composition changes slightly, depending on programming needs and artist availability, adding an extra layer of excitement to Virtuosi performances.
The Virtuosi’s Artistic Director, cellist Edward Arron, is also involved with the Metropolitan Museum’s Artists in Concert series and the Alpenglow Chamber Music Festival in Summit County, Colorado. This year he’s joined for two Caramoor concerts (July 23 and 25) by his wife, Jeewon Park, piano and harmonium; and several friends: Jesse Mills and Arnaud Sussmann, violins; Yura Lee, violin and viola; Max Mandel, viola; and Priscilla Lee, cello.
For the Virtuosi, the reunion is rewarding on several levels. Not only do they see old friends and spend time on Caramoor’s idyllic grounds, but they also value the audience response. Many long-time Caramoor fans remember when these musicians first appeared on Caramoor stages as Rising Stars, and they respond accordingly, with an extra measure of affection in their applause. For the audience, who have watched as these artists matured and established independent careers, the Virtuosi concerts bring not only superb music, but also the emotional warmth of a family reunion—without the burdensome travel plans. For a preview, check out a brief video summary on Caramoor’s website.
Christina Horzepa, Caramoor Contributor
Leave the first comment
|
|
