Press Releases
WCNY to present Skaneateles Festival, a seasonal classical music concert series, on WCNY-TV, streaming online
by
June 30, 2020
WCNY, Central New York’s community-owned public broadcaster, in partnership with the Skaneateles Festival, will present classical music performances at 8 p.m., Saturdays Aug. 8, 15, 22, and 29, on WCNY-TV and streaming online. In an effort to maintain social distancing and ensure the health and safety of Festival patrons, the world-class music festival will be produced as a televised event and virtual experience.
“I am so pleased that WCNY and the Skaneateles Festival are partnering to bring these performances by world-renowned artists into homes around the region,” said Diane Jones, Classic FM program manager and on-air host. “It is an affirmation that the arts are alive and vital—and adaptable! This is music and programming that I am confident will be enjoyed by everyone.”
“We are thrilled to partner with WCNY to bring the Skaneateles Festival to more listeners than ever before,” said Aaron Wunsch and Julia Bruskin, co-Artistic Directors of the Festival. “At a time when music is so essential to our emotional well being, we must find new ways to comfort and uplift our communities – a goal our organizations share.”
Dates and Programs (Titles subject to change)
“Alone Together”—8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8
A program of solos, duos, and a trio encourages contemplation and reflection of solitude, empathy, and support. Cornell professor and violinist Ariana Kim joins SkanFest’s Artistic Directors, Julia Bruskin and Aaron Wunsch, to perform their favorite music of comfort and joy, including Chopin’s “Raindrop” Prelude, in addition to uplifting music by Beethoven, Florence Price, Brahms, and Nadia Boulanger. Viewers will also enjoy musical greetings from special guesrts, including guitarist Eliot Fisk.
Beethoven’s Variations on “They Who Feel Love” from Mozart’s “The Magic Flute.”
Nadia Boulanger’s “Three Pieces for Cello and Piano.”
Chopins’s Prelude, op. 28, no. 15 “Raindrop.”
Florence Price’s “The Deserted Garden.”
Brahms’ Allegro from Piano Trio in B Major, op. 8.
Mark O’Connor & Maggie O’Connor—8 p.m., Saturday, Aug.15
The Grammy Award-winning fiddler Mark O’Connor is “one of the most talented and imaginative artists working in music — any music — today” (LA Times). He and his partner, violinist Maggie O’Connor, give an exclusive performance for Skaneateles Festival listeners from their home in North Carolina, featuring bluegrass favorites and a newly commissioned work.
“Suite Dreams”—8 p.m., Saturday, August 22
Pianists Andrew Russo, Elinor Freer, and Aaron Wunsch join cellists David Ying and Julia Bruskin for a program of dance suites, from the fanciful to the soulful. Hear J. S. Bach’s iconic “Prelude in G Major for Solo Cello,” followed by movements from Manuel de Falla’s “Suite populaire espagnole,” Milhaud’s delightful “Scaramouche,” and Rachmaninoff’s stirring and virtuosic “Suite No. 2 for Two Pianos.”
Bach’s “Prelude from Cello Suite in G Major, BWV 1007.”
Manuel de Falla’s “Suite populaire espagnole. ”
”Milhaud’s“Brazileira from Scaramouche Suite for Two Pianos.”
Rachmaninoff’s “Suite for Two Pianos, op. 17.”
“From Beethoven, With Hope”—8 p.m., Saturday, August 29
Though filled with storm and stress, Beethoven’s music communicates hope and a deep sense of humanity. On the 250th anniversary of the composer’s birth, the Ying Quartet performs Beethoven’s String Quartet, op. 95. Listeners will also enjoy Franz Liszt’s arrangement for two pianos of the famous finale from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, featuring pianists Andrew Russo and Aaron Wunsch. Soloists and the choir will join virtually; if you’ve performed this music before, join the chorus! Details for video submissions at skanfest.org.
Beethoven’s String Quartet in F Minor, op. 95 (“Serioso”).
Beethoven arr. Liszt’s “Finale from Symphony No. 9, op. 125 ’Choral.’”
For viewing information, visit wcny.org/wheretowatch. To watch online, visit wcny.org.
◄ Back to News
