Ahead of his Caramoor debut, pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard shares his connections to Messiaen, the challenges that come along with Catalogue d’oiseaux, and what he is looking forward to as he brings the piece to the Spanish Courtyard and Venetian Theater.
by Matthew Guerrieri
Originally appeared in the Summer 2019 Program Book
This June, we kicked off our fabulous summer season and groundbreaking work ahead with our annual Opening Night Gala! We celebrated Susan and Peter Gottsegen for their long time dedication to the wonderful venue we enjoy today. We are grateful to all who made the Gala a successful and memorable event and we appreciate all of the support of our future!
Thank you for celebrating the Gottsegens and the beginning of a new phase of Caramoor!
Originally appeared in the Summer 2019 Program Book
Birds have played a role in Western Classical music since at least the 14th century, when composers such as Jean Vaillant quoted birdsong in some of their compositions. Songs of the nightingale and the cuckoo are historically the most commonly used. Composers and musicians have made use of birds in their music in different ways: Ralph Vaughan Williams and Ottorino Respighi wrote works inspired by birdsong; Olivier Messiaen and John Luther Adams have transcribed or imitated birdsongs in their compositions; and clarinetist David Rothenberg even plays duets with birds!
On Friday, April 26, Caramoor welcomed our beloved Rosen Society Members and special guests from the Encore Society to the seventh annual Rosen Society Dinner: An Evening of Thanks. In addition to celebrating our leadership donors, we paused for a special presentation by CEO Jeff Haydon acknowledging Leslie Williams & Jim Attwood as well as Judy & Tony Evnin for their support of the Music Room restoration.
Artistic Director Steven Blier recaps each day of intensive rehearsal and coaching with the 2019 Schwab Vocal Rising Stars — four vocalists and one pianist at the beginning of their professional careers. Day seven and eight saw those close of this year’s residency and reflection on two performances.