Author: Abby Littman

American Symphony Orchestra Shares 2024-25 Season Lineup

The American Symphony Orchestra is presenting four full orchestra concerts as a part of their upcoming 63rd season. The lineup consists of free shows at Bryant Park and Kupferberg Center for the Arts on September 6 and 7 as well as ticketed shows at St. Bartholomew’s Church on January 24, Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall on March 23, and Carnegie Hall on June 6, 2025.

The exciting upcoming season of the American Symphony Orchestra will have rich offerings for fans of a vast variety of music styles. The series of shows will start with a free concert as a part of the Bryant Park Picnic Series and will bring more exposure to the artists, classical music fans, and curious listeners.

Highlights that concert attendees have to look forward to include the U.S. premiere of C.P.E. Bach’s oratorio Auferstehung und Himmelfahrt Jesu, the ASO’s David Geffen Hall of Lincoln Center debut, and the first New York City performance this century of Richard Strauss’ first opera Guntram.

In 1962 Leopold Stokowski created the American Symphony Orchestra with the intention of playing music fit to everyone’s liking. The ASO consistently upholds that sentiment and will continue to do so throughout their upcoming 63rd season. Audiences are sure to get a unique experience at any of the four shows.

I’m delighted that ASO’s two previous outdoor season-opening concerts with free performances in Bryant Park have attracted so many new concertgoers, and I am looking forward to repeating this success again in September. It’s a wonderful start to our exciting 2024-25 programs and a perfect introduction for these ever-widening audiences to ASO’s mission of presenting surprising premieres and music rarely heard onstage today in a way that’s accessible and affordable for everyone
Leon Botstein, Music Director and Principal Conductor

ASO 2024-25 Program

Friday, September 6 (Bryant Park at 7 PM) and 7 (Kupferberg Center for the Arts at 3 PM)– Beyond the Hall: Free Opening Concerts

Featuring: American Symphony Orchestra, Leon Botstein, conductor, Scott Joplin: Treemonisha: Overture (1911), Florence Price: Suite of Dances (1933), Bernard Herrmann: Psycho: A Narrative for String Orchestra in Three Parts (1960), Kurt Weill: Kleine Dreigroschenmusik (Little Threepenny Music) (1928), Leonard Bernstein: Three Dance Episodes from On the Town (1945)

The pieces being played in Beyond the Hall come from different backgrounds and forms of musical entertainment. Ranging from opera and theatre to movies and dance halls, the music played will provide audiences with an authentic and diverse preview of the upcoming season.

For Bryant Park on Sept. 6, no tickets or RSVP required; For Sept. 7 at Kupferberg Center for the Arts, attendance is free with online RSVP at americansymphony.org (starting on Aug. 7)

Friday, January 24, 2025 (St. Bartholomew’s Church at 7 PM)- Bach at St. Bart’s

Featuring: American Symphony Orchestra, Leon Botstein, conductor, Bard Festival Chorale, James Bagwell, music director of the Bard Festival Chorale, C.P.E. Bach: Heilig ist Gott, H.778 (1776), C.P.E. Bach: Die Auferstehung und Himmelfahrt Jesu, H.777 (1787) (U.S. premiere)

Dipping into the Baroque and Classical periods with vocal compositions from Carl Phillipp Emanuel Bach. The ASO in collaboration with the Bard Festival Chorale will explore changes in mood, harmonic writing, and Romanticism. This performance marks the U.S. premiere of Bach’s Die Auferstehung und Himmelfahrt Jesu (The Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus).

Tickets, priced at $25–$45, are available on Sept. 9 at americansymphony.org.

Sunday, March 23, 2025 (David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center at 2 PM)- Tapping into the Twenties

Featuring: American Symphony Orchestra, Leon Botstein, conductor, Orion Weiss, piano, John Alden Carpenter: Skyscrapers (1924), Erwin Schulhoff: Concerto for Piano and Small Orchestra, Op. 43 (1923), William Grant Still: Symphony No. 1, Afro-American Symphony (1929-30), Edgard Varèse: Amériques (1922)

Signifying the ASO’s David Geffen Hall debut, Tapping into the Twenties will honor composers whose careers flourished in the 1920s. This list of composers includes Edgar Varèse whose work portrays imagery, and Erwin Schulhoff who brings jazz and piano pieces to the mix. In the March 23 show, Orion Weiss will perform as the piano soloist.

Tickets, priced at $25–$65, are available on Jan. 3 at lincolncenter.org, by calling CarnegieCharge at 212.721.6500, or by visiting the box office at 10 Lincoln Center Plaza.

Friday, June 6, 2025 (Carnegie Hall, Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at 7 PM)- Strauss’ Guntram

Featuring: American Symphony Orchestra, Leon Botstein, conductor, Bard Festival Chorale, James Bagwell, music director of the Bard Festival Chorale (Soloists to be announced at a later date), Richard Strauss: Guntram (1887-93, rev.1939)

ASO will perform Richard Strauss’ rarely performed first opera, Guntram, in New York City, for the first time this century. Themes of love, guilt, and renunciation tell the story of Strauss in his youth. With exemplary orchestral work and vocal techniques, this execution of Guntram is not to be missed.

Tickets, priced at $25–$65, are available on Sept. 9 at carnegiehall.org, by calling CarnegieCharge at 212.247.7800, or by visiting the box office at 57th St. & 7th Ave.

More information about the ASO’s 2024-25 season is available at americansymphony.org

July 4, 2024
Flushing Town Hall Welcomes Jazz Lineup For All-Star Concert

On Wednesday, July 10 at 7 PM, Flushing Town Hall in Flushing, Queens will hold their fourth annual Jazz Jam All-Stars Concert. The concert celebrates FTH’s community of musicians who regularly participate in their monthly Louis Armstrong Legacy Jazz Jams.

The talented slate of musicians scheduled to play were all carefully chosen based on their musicianship and care for the craft, their cooperation, as well as their contributions to the monthly Louis Armstrong Legacy Jazz Jams. The artists bring a diverse roster of styles, instruments, and perspectives with their ages ranging from 22 to 80+.

Backing up the performers is the Flushing Town Hall house band led by Master of Ceremonies as well as saxophonist and flutist, Carol Sudhalter. The band also includes Joe Vincent Tranchina on piano, Scott Neumann on drums, and Eric Lemon on bass. The house band will kick off the night of Jazz with a Louis Armstrong piece.

Our Louis Armstrong Legacy Monthly Jazz Jams have been building community for more than 10 years now. The annual All-Stars concert is one of my favorite jazz events every year, as we get to celebrate the next generation of passionate and highly talented jazz musicians in a borough that the great Louis Armstrong himself called home.
Gabrielle M. Hamilton, FTH Director of Education & Public Programs

For the past three All-Star Concerts, musicians Sarah Turkiew, Keith Jordan, Sharif Kales, and Glen Lowe have graced the FTH stage. However this year, for the first time they are stepping aside and allowing a new group of musicians to showcase their talents in the concert. Nonetheless, their contributions to will not go unnoticed, as all four of them will receive a plaque of acknowledgment for their collaboration, musicianship, and enthusiasm. The group will then play a song together towards the end of the night.

I love our annual Jazz Jam All-Stars concert. Itâs a great way to celebrate participants who return month after month and year after year and have demonstrated their incredible talent and dedication. This year, it was a particularly difficult decision to narrow it down to only 10 All-Stars…out of at least 20 faithful and eligible musicians. I am especially excited as we have, for the first time, a group of ‘alumni’ and honorees: four outstanding musicians who have graduated from the All-Stars Concert! Congrats, Sarah, Keith, Sharif and Glen!
Carol Sudhalter

The Flushing Town Hall All-Star concert on July 10 is honoring not just the musicians in the show, but the larger significance of the Louis Armstrong Legacy Monthly Jazz Jam. The jam has occurred for the last 10+ years and serves as an educational program and a community. Jazz musicians of any caliber have the opportunity to play together, grow their platforms, and learn from one another. Amateur, professional musicians, and public audiences through Queens Jazz OverGround are welcome.

Flushing Town Hall’s carefully curated list of All-Star musicians set to play represents the product of what mutual respect for musicianship and collaboration can provide for a community.

In-person tickets for the concert on July 10 at 7 PM are $25, $20 for FTH members, and $15 for students with ID. To purchase tickets online visit www.flushingtownhall.org.

Lineup

Naomi Okai (vocals)

Mimi Block (vocals/violin)

Rich Braithwaite (tenor sax)

Keeley Mitchell (vocals)

Frank Bergamini (soprano sax/vocals)

Victor Acosta (alto sax)

Jose Luis Armengot (trumpet)

Frank Robinson (vocals)

Gerald Thomas (bass/piano/sax)

Tony Campo (piano)

July 3, 2024
The Sembrich to Host Classical Concert and Gilded Age Display in July

The Sembrich in Bolton Landing will present violinist Rubén Rengel and pianist Ahmed Alom on July 6 and “A Night at the Museum” on July 11.

Rubén Rengel

Classical Splendor

The first of the two events at The Sembrich is a Chamber Music concert featuring violinist Rubén Rengel and pianist Ahmed Alom on Saturday, July 6 at 7 PM. The duo will perform sonatas by Brahms and Poulenc, Liszt’s Paraphrase on a theme from Rigoletto, and selections from Stravinsky’s Pulcinella.

Rubén Rengel is praised for his talents as a soloist as well as his collaborations with violinists such as Joseph Silverstein and Pamela Frank, among many others. He is also recognized for his work in the Autana Trio, which won at the 2015 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition. Furthermore, Rengel has experience playing Venezuelan folk music and Jazz, which helps expand his style and repertoire.

Ahmed Alom

Ahmed Alom is a Cuban pianist, composer, producer, and arranger. His skills are shown through his ability to unite his Cuban roots with Classical music, allowing audiences to interpret his music at new depths. Alom is also the youngest Artistic Director and Conductor of The Washington Square Music Festival, contributing his experiences to making good ones for audience members.

Both musicians will bring immense talent and amazing performances to Bolton Landing.

We’re thrilled to bring these two acclaimed artists together in a program designed specifically for The Sembrich’s centennial. The evening features works by composers Sembrich knew and those who carried on the spirit of musical innovation which she exemplified throughout her career. We are also grateful to the Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust for their underwriting and continued support of the Masterwork Series here at The Sembrich.
Richard Wargo, Artistic Director

A Night at the Museum

On Thursday, July 11 at 7 PM, The Sembrich will host “A Night at the Museum,” a one-night-only exhibition centered around the life of Marcella Sembrich, Lake Georges’s Opera star of the Gilded Age. At the exclusive exhibit, attendees will have the chance to see Sembrich’s belongings such as her diamond winged tiara and gold & diamond bracelet from the Czar of Russia, as well as hear stories of her honorable life.

Marcella Sembrich

In addition, the exhibit will feature the unveiling of Sembrich’s restored Queen of the Night costume from the premier performance of The Magic Flute at New York City’s Metropolitan Opera in 1900. Following the event is an outside reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

Through my research, I was able to explore the life of Marcella Sembrich beyond the usual litany of opera roles, venues and dates; the image of the opera star portrayed in numerous headlines and glowing reviews expanded into a view of an accomplished woman with an engaging smile, a warm and generous personality, strong views and surprising passions
Betty Spinelli, Sembrich board member and program creator

Tickets for Classical Spledor are $53 and may be purchased here

Tickets for “A Night at the Museum” are $103 and can be purchased here. Proceeds go towards Sembrich operation, preservation and programming.

July 3, 2024
In Focus: Ratboys and Water From Your Eyes in Woodstock

The Bearsville Theatre complex lit up with excitement and good vibes on Friday, June 28 for a double-headlined show from Ratboys and Water From Your Eyes. The event brought together fans of a multi-genre spectrum and vibrant performances to Woodstock.Â

Ratboys

Chicago indie-rock band Ratboys, are on a break from their tour opening for The Decemberists, which picks back up in July. After which the band, comprised of Julia Steiner, Dave Sagan, Marcus Nuccio, and Sean Neumann, will embark on a fall headline tour. For now, theyâre playing a few headline shows including Friday nightâs juncture with Water From Your Eyes, who then go to Europe and return to the States for a lineup of festivals.

The show served as a standalone experience with both bands, who are currently on their respective tour schedules, coming together for one special show. Fans got to witness the first time the two bands played a show together since 2016. Fans of both bands in the audience blended in with each other seamlessly in this union of rock music.

Water From Your Eyes

As the crowd shuffled into the venue, the first band of the night, alt-rock group Water From Your Eyes took the stage. Singer, Rachel Brown, began by declaring they had lost their voice, however, they along with bandmate, Nate Amos, proceeded to put on an electrifying performance. Each band member brought their own style to the set, making it an enjoyable watch.

Ratboyâs set presented music from old and new albums filling Bearsville Theater with their repertoire of musical approaches. Frontwoman, Steiner, rocked a flying V guitar throughout the show adding flare to their rhythmic indie music. Each tune sonically transitioned into another, with the occasional introduction, making the exhibition of their music look so natural.

Because the room fostered such intimacy between the audience and the bands, the connection was radiant. Attendees were able to interact easily with the band, whether it was while they were on stage or walking around when they weren’t performing. Overall, the casual and welcoming nature of the concert left everyone in high spirits.

Julia Steiner

Sean Neumann

Julia Steiner

Rachel Brown

Julia Steiner

Ratboys

Water From Your Eyes

Rachel Brown

Rachel Brown

Sean Neumann

Rachel Brown

Dave Sagan

Rachel Brown

Julia Steiner

Rachel Brown

July 1, 2024
In Focus: Mikaela Davis at Colony Woodstock
It was an exhilarating homecoming jam for Mikaela Davis at Thursday nightâs show at the Colony in Woodstock. The June 27 show was full of high energy, dancing, and an extraordinary show from a group of versatile musicians.

Davis, originally from Rochester and now based out of Catskill, is currently on a tour of headline shows and festivals opening for Amos Lee. This show was even more significant, marking her return to the Hudson Valley before embarking on a West Coast tour in July.Â

Sharing the spotlight with Davis was her band and longtime collaborators, Southern Star. Made up of musicians Shane McCarthy, Cian McCarthy, Alex CotÃ©, and Kurt Johnson, Southern Star collaborated with Davis on their first joint full-length project in 2023 titled And Southern Star.Â Throughout the show, the band’s psychedelic, bluegrass, and rock sounds consistently complimented Davis’ harp. With such a curious blend of instruments and styles, audiences undoubtedly witnessed a unique show.

Davis with Rich Ruth and band

The audience got a taste of what they were about to witness when she joined opener Rich Ruth on stage for a harp contribution.Â Davis’ harp playing was recently featured on Ruth’s latest release Water Still Flows. Ruth along with his band and Davis, treated the audience to a special collaborative performance.

Another highlight of the night with Mikaela Davis at Colony in Woodstock was the remarkable musicianship exhibited by the band. By crossing genres, they exemplified how a variety of musical backgrounds can come together to create new distinctive pieces of art. It’s not every day there’s a harp and a double-neck bass in the same band. The experimentation allowed for making the environment feel like a jam session where everyone in the room was equal to the performers, witnessing genuine virtuosity.

After spending the last few years playing with legends like Bob Weir and Phil Lesh, it’s no surprise that Davis chooses to cover a Grateful Dead song at most of her shows. Characteristically, she ended the show with the Jerry Garcia tune “Bird Song.” This was an extremely successful way of uniting the room even more, by playing a song loved by everyone with such positive energy.
Cian McCarthy

Shane McCarthy

Kurt Johnson
June 28, 2024
Beau Fleuve Announces Lineup for 8th Annual Celebration

Buffalo’s arts and culture organization will host the 8th Annual Beau Fleuve Music & Arts Celebration on Sunday, August 25. The event, presented by Bully Hill Vineyards, will take place at Buffalo Central Terminal.

Gates open at 1:30 PM and the event kicks off at 2 PM with diverse performances, exhibitions, and events catered to all ages. Attendees can indulge in offerings like art installations, photography exhibits, food trucks, vendors, kid’s attractions, and additional unique experiences.

Featured Performances

Soft-rock band, Infinity Song is set to take the Beau Fleuve stage. The band, made up of siblings Abraham, Angel, Israel, and Momo Boyd, will bring their energetic presence and skillful harmonies to Buffalo. The New York City band, who’s currently on their World Tour represents the importance of honoring local music and the creatives behind the art. Infinity Song brings a wonderful, entertaining show that’s not to be missed.

Also bringing their soulful sounds to Buffalo, are Country singer-songwriter Elsie and Grammy-winning R&B singer Kameron Corvet. Additionally, melodic Latin singer La Cassandra and Canadian Jazz and R&B musician Seyblu will bring their respective cultural performances to the celebration.

Other performances include acts from Tiny the Dream, Stephen Babcock, The Miserable Genius, Neftali, and 14 Mafia.

Specialty Performances

Meanwhile, the Music & Arts Celebration attendees will also have special performances available to watch. DOSYO: WEH featuring DJ Ran$um, 438 Music Group, and Haundensee Dancers will put on an incredibly noteworthy show, representing indigenous land and Seneca Nations.

Furthermore, other forms of entertainment include sets by DJ Ted Smooth, DJ First Choice, DJ P Nasty, and DJ Ruption. Other sets include DiyenÃ© Band’s Jam Session in addition to producer Toney Boi’s Live Mixtape. These sets will give the audience an interactive experience within the festival.

Curated Experiences

The Music & Arts Celebration will add an especially unique flare with their curated experiences. These events include Happy Hour from 2-3 PM comprised of the new Family Fun Zone with exciting activities for kids, as well as Live DJ and Podcast Sets, and drink specials.

Attendees can also utilize the Pull Up & Pitch event presented by The Exchange at Beverly Gray. Those with business ideas or in need of seed money for their venture can pitch their ideas for the opportunity to win a Capital Seed Investment, Incubator Space, and Mentorship.

Arts

Art installations include “The New Era Cap Tent” featuring Patti Thomas/The Ghost Room, Emeka
Wajed/MadebyMek, and Tyshaun Tyson/Left Handed Bandit. The artists will present their cap patches while interacting with viewers. Likewise, Mandella Huff, Nekea Brown, and Vinny Alejandro will participate in emerging artist installations with their interactive and skillfully designed sets.

Angela Guest will present a large-scale fabric piece in the “We Are All Made Up of Stars” installation.

The Beau Fleuve Music & Arts Celebration is also hosting exhibiting artists including Neese Rich, Bree Gilliam, Cargo Santana, Paulie The Artist, XXXI, Jessica Mjoen, Marquise Rowell, Darmelle, DJHA, and KIDWITTHEWINGS.

Local businesses, food, games, and hospitality can be found at Vendors Village.

General Admission Adult (18+) Single Tickets are $20, Herd (Buy 3, Get One Free)- $60. Youth (17 under) – $10, Kids under 5 are Free. To purchase tickets visit beaufleuvemusicarts.com

June 26, 2024
Brooklyn Trio Gooseberry Releases Single “Dying To Meet You”

Brooklyn-based alt-rock band, Gooseberry, released their brand new song “Dying To Meet You” on Friday, June 14. This release is the second single off their forthcoming debut album All My Friends Are Cattle coming out Sept. 6.

The musical team of singer and guitarist, Asa Daniels, drummer Evin Rossington, and bassist Will Hammond return to releasing music with two EPs and a multitude of singles under their belt. Since entering the scene in 2019, the band continues to focus on writing new music and playing shows. Constantly expanding their audience in venues like Baby’s All Right and Knitting Factory, Gooseberry undoubtedly stays true to themselves and their music reflects that.

Their new song, “Dying To Meet You,” carries that ethos wholeheartedly. As Daniels put it, “Ultimately, none of us knows much about either, and so if anything, this song is about sneering at those who think they’ve got it figured out.” The song begins slowly until it escalates into the classic bold Gooseberry sound. The accompanying music video tells the story and mirrors the music’s transition through its visuals.

The song, along with their previous single “Kikiyon,” gives fans a preview of their upcoming album All My Friends Are Cattle. Tracked over three months, the band had the help of Grammy-winning engineers Colin Bryson, Phil Joly, and Jennica Best who have worked with the likes of Zach Bryan, Lana Del Rey, and Colatura respectively.

There’s something about this tune that is eerie, like something beyond explanation is peering over your shoulder waiting for you to turn your head around. For the breakdowns in this song, our producer (Colin Bryson) brought a tiny handheld distortion mic into the studio for me to scream into. And I screamed my head off. That was cathartic. Hopefully this song brings our fans catharsis. Or a sore throat.
Asa Daniels, singer

To listen to Gooseberry’s new single “Dying To Meet You,” find it here on your preferred streaming service.

June 20, 2024
ArtsWestchester Announces Fall 2024 Programs

This fall, ArtsWestchester will hold its annual JazzFest from Sept. 11- 15, a night market on Sept. 21, and an art exhibition on Oct. 13.

Throughout the coming fall, the public will have the opportunity to experience the exciting events ArtsWestchester will have to offer. The variety of events will offer something appealing to everyone interested in attending.

ArtsWestchester begins the fall season with the big bang of our annual JazzFest that presents nationally prominent musicians. We will quickly pivot to a string of events that include our returning night market and a new art exhibition.
Kathleen Reckling, incoming CEO of ArtsWestchester

To kick the season of events off is White Plains’ annual Jazzfest taking place from Sept. 11- 15. The festival will include 18 live shows ranging from free musical experiences to performances from Grammy-winning artists. Friday, Sept. 13, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Nicole Zuraitis will play. The following night the Vijay Iyer Trio feat. Tyshawn Sorey and Linda May Han Oh will take the stage. Other shows, including noon and Sunday performances, will be free to the public.

On Sunday, Sept. 15, the festival will end with the addition of the White Plains Jazz & Food Festival from 12:30-7:30 PM on Mamaroneck Ave in White Plains.

To find tickets and the schedule visit artswestchester.org/programs/jazz-fest-2.

Nicole Zuraitis

On Sept. 21 from 4 to 8 PM, ArtsWestchester will celebrate the harvest moon by turning their gallery into the Mooncake Night Market. The event will be full of music, crafts, food, and workshops. Attendees can have hands-on experiences in Chinese calligraphy and lantern-making. Admission to the market is $15.

Beginning on Oct. 13 through Jan. 12, ArtsWestchester will present the Futures Art Exhibition. Attendees can explore an immersive look into visions of Hudson Valley’s future as well as themes of historic land ownership, inclusive communities, creative placemaking, and sustainable development interpreted into art installations.

For more information about ArtsWestchester and the events, visit artswestchester.org.

June 18, 2024
Albany LatinFest Announces 2024 Event and Lineup

The 27th Annual Albany LatinFest will take place on Saturday, Aug. 24 featuring Taina Asili, DLG, Tony Succar, and talent from local artists.

Photo by Mabou Riddick

This year’s lineup includes Taina Asili, a Puerto Rican-American singer-songwriter and activist. Originating from Binghamton, her music contains a variety of styles and inspirations ranging from Afro-Caribbean and flamenco to hardcore punk and opera. Asili is also an extensive activist focusing on prisoner justice, climate justice, food justice, and female empowerment.

DLG (Dark Latin Groove) will bring some fun salsa music to LatinFest with a performance that incorporates reggae and hip-hop into salsa music. In 2009, the band was nominated for a “Best Tropical Album” Grammy Award as well as a Premio Lo Nuestro Award for “Best Tropical Group” the same year.

Lastly, Peruvian-American percussionist, Tony Succar will take the stage. Succar is also a composer and producer. In 2015 he became the youngest Latin Grammy winner of Producer of the Year and Best Salsa Album. Since then he’s had Grammy nominations in 2021, 2023, and 2024. His set at LatinFest is not to be missed.

Photo by Mabou Riddick

Along with exhibitions from local talent, the festival will offer raffles, Latino vendors, crafts, and a Kid Zone.

The event is held in Albany’s Washington Park from 11 AM to 6 PM and free to the public. In the case of rain, the festival will be moved to the I-90/I-787 interchange in Corning Preserve.

The Albany Latin Festival Association (ALFA) is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to promote and develop Hispanic cultural events in the Capital Region of the State of New York for the purpose of acknowledging the contributions of Hispanic performing artists and promoting an appreciation for multicultural diversity. For more information visit www.albanylatinfest.org

June 17, 2024
In Focus: Kris Davis & Lutosławski Quartet at Dizzy’s Club

On Thursday, June 13 the 8th Jazztopad Festival kicked off with performances from composer and pianist Kris Davis accompanied by the Lutosławski Quartet at Dizzy’s Club of Jazz At Lincoln Center.

The Jazztopad Festival, running from June 13 to 27, will have shows across New York, Philadelphia, and Canada. The Polish festival celebrates Jazz music and the talents of musicians worldwide. By bringing Jazztopad to North America and legendary venues like Dizzy’s Club, the music and artists featured are exposed to new audiences. Its partnership with the Polish Cultural Institute New York makes the festival possible.

Thursday’s performance included the premiere of Kris Davis’ new piece “The Solastalgia Suite,” written for the Lutosławski Quartet. Specifically, this show marks the first time she composed for strings. The quartet includes Roksana Kwaśnikowska on 1st violin, Marcin Markowicz on 2nd violin, Artur Rozmysłowicz on the viola, and Maciej Młodawski on the cello.

The first piece played, “The Solastalgia Suite,” started slow and bitter, as the audience patiently anticipated the brand-new composition. The music eventually built up to the extravagant song everyone was waiting for. Undeniably, attendees’ genuine respect and appreciation for the music echoed throughout the room. As Davis led on the piano and the Quartet responded accordingly, their synchronization exemplified their talents.

Set to the backdrop of the sun setting on the iconic Columbus Circle view, the performance began the festival with a heartwarming and celebratory experience.

June 16, 2024