Musical Fireworks at Music Mountain Celebrate the 4th with Beethoven & Broadway

Celebrate the 4th at Music Mountain, America's Oldest Continuing Chamber Music Festival, as they continue their 85th Anniversary Celebration with a weekend of music featuring Beethoven and Broadway! The weekend begins on Saturday, July 5(6:30PM) with The Sharon Playhouse performing the greats of George M. Cohen, plus a pre-concert dinner followed on Sunday, July 6 (3PM) by Alexander Fiterstein, Clarinet; Nicholas Canellakis, Cello; Michael Brown, Piano; and Miranda Cuckson, Violin performing Messiaen and Beethoven - with a pre-concert discussion of Messiaen. Music Mountain prides itself on bringing new music to Falls Village, and this year is no exception. Music Mountain debuts several classical pieces this summer, along with new 'Twilight Series' concerts, like this weekend's first tribute to Broadway. Concerts are scheduled thru September 14.

The Sharon Playhouse celebrates Independence Day with an evening of George M. Cohan! Known as "the man who owned Broadway" and considered the father of American Musical Comedy, George M. Cohan wrote, composed, produced, and appeared in dozens of Broadway musicals - with a signature sound and his patriotic flair! Join the talented singers and musicians from the Sharon Playhouse in a celebration of Independence Day - and of the man who gave us the standards "Over There," "Give My Regards to Broadway," "The Yankee Doodle Boy," and "You're a Grand Old Flag." Bring the entire family for a tribute to America and one of its most treasured artists! The pre-concert dinner will be hostedSaturday evening at 5PM at the Falls Village Inn. On the menu - Musical Comedy! Seating is limited, reservations for dinner must be received by Friday, July 4. $60 ticket price includes dinner and concert.

Sunday afternoon brings Alexander Fiterstein, Clarinet; Nicholas Canellakis, Cello; Michael Brown, Piano; and Miranda Cuckson, Violin performing a very special program: Messiaen: Quartet for the End of Time (Quatour pour la Fin du Temps) - being heard for the very first time at Music Mountain; and Beethoven: Trio for Clarinet, Cello & Piano in B Flat Major, Opus 11. This is will only be the third time this Beethoven piece has been played at Music Mountain. Audience members are invited to arrive early for a pre-concert discussion of Messiaen.

Clarinetist Alexander Fiterstein is considered one of today's most exceptional clarinet players. He is recognized for playing that combines flawless technique and consummate musicianship with graceful phrasing and a warm soulful tone. A dedicated performer of chamber music, Mr. Fiterstein frequently collaborates with distinguished musicians and prestigious ensembles, performing throughout the world. A Juilliard graduate, Mr. Fiterstein is the clarinet professor at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

Nicholas Canellakis has established himself as one of the most sought-after and innovative cellists of his generation. Appearing as guest artist and soloist, he has performed throughout the United States and Europe at some of the most highly regarded venues in the country. Mr. Canellakis is currently on the faculty of the Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music and the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Division.

An equally committed pianist and composer, Michael Brown approaches his programs with unique artistry, often interweaving the classics with contemporary works and his own compositions. He has performed on four continents as a soloist and guest collaborator with many esteemed orchestras and quartets. A Juilliard graduate, Mr. Brown is currently part of the Canellakis-Brown Duo, his ensemble with cellist Nicholas Canellakis.

Violinist and violist Miranda Cuckson is highly acclaimed for her performances of a wide range of repertoire, from early eras to the most current creations. In great demand as a soloist and chamber musician, she appears in major concert halls, as well as at universities, galleries and informal spaces.
She is artistic director of the not-for-profit music organization Nunc, (previously called Transit Circle), which she founded in 2007 in order to explore and illuminate music of current and older eras, and to enjoy the talents of an array of artists and composers; additionally, Ms. Cuckson was recently appointed to the violin faculty at Mannes College the New School for Music.

Music Mountain is located in Falls Village, Connecticut on Music Mountain Road, where a short scenic drive will bring you to Gordon Hall atop Music Mountain. Free parking and picnic facilities are available. Food coffee, lemonade and water are also available for purchase.

Upcoming quartets scheduled to perform include Dover String Quartet with Jonathan Yates, piano (July 13); Orion String Quartet with Peter Serkin, piano (July 20); Harlem String Quartet with Misha Dichter, piano (July 27); Penderecki String Quartet with Geoffrey Burleson, piano (August 3); St. Petersburg String Quartet with Ricardo Cavalcante de Oliveira, viola (August 10).

The Saturday Evening Twilight Series will continue with Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks (July 12); Gunsmoke (July 19); Swingtime Big Band (July 26); The New Black Eagle Jazz Band (August 2).
Tickets for the mid-summer benefit concert on Sunday, July 20 with Peter Serkin and the Orion String Quartet are $60. Tickets for the End of Season Benefit Concert & Reception on Sunday, August 31are $75 and include a voucher for one regularly priced concert in 2015.

Chamber Music Concerts are $35 at the door/$30 in advance. Twilight Series Concerts are $30 at the door/$27 in advance. Pre-concert dinner & concert: $60. Children ages 5-18 are admitted FREE for ALL CONCERTS when accompanied by a ticket holder (Music Mountain gratefully acknowledges children admission support by the Hellen Plummer Foundation for a gift in memory of James Merrill, Connecticut's first Poet Laureate). Saturday Twilight Concerts are at 6:30pm. Chamber Music concerts are at 3pm on Sundays. Group rates and pre season ticket vouchers are available. Discounts apply through participating organizations. For a complete summer schedule, special ticket prices, and to download a ticket order form visit www.musicmountain.org or call 860-824-7126.

Photo Credit: Kathy Chapman

Pictured: Peter Serkin

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