Aug 14, 2011
04:31 PM
What is the history of the Copland House?
An American Experience
What is the history of the Copland House?
Founded in 2009 on a 130-acre county park in Mount Kisco, Copland House at Merestead “represents an enormous expansion and extension of our musical, public, and educational programming,” says artistic director Michael Boriskin. The name derives from composer Aaron Copland, who lived in nearby Cortlandt Park, and who has long been a source of inspiration to the world of music.
“The process of putting together a season is very complex. It’s a lot like putting together a menu,” says Boriskin. “You want to make sure there’s a vibrancy and a dynamic that’s not weighted toward one variety of music.” Boriskin notes that too often the concert-going experience favors composers who are featured ad infinitum. He will present a program that explores Chinese migration and melds Chinese and Western instruments.
The 2011-12 season of Copland House, which runs from September through June, will kick off with “Late Night with Leonard Bernstein,” featuring music that Bernstein, a well-known insomniac, played when he couldn’t sleep. The evening will be hosted by Bernstein’s eldest daughter, Jamie. “My father and Aaron Copland were great friends, so to have this concert at his place is such a beautiful way to bring them together again.”
In April, Jennifer Higdon, a winner of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize in Music, will speak about her exploration of visual arts and music. Another visual-arts concert will take place in May with “Portals,” featuring violinist Tim Fain and a piece written by Phillip Glass specifically for Fain. The afternoon will also feature dance films, one shot at Merestead.
Copland House features three unique settings for its concerts. The Music Room, a salon-like setting, seats approximately 100 people; The Barn seats around 200; and the formal garden can be tented and seats around 200 as well. “Our spaces are just another way of breaking out of the formal concert experience,” says Boriskin.
--Abbe Wichman
Fifty Years of Art
Who puts on the Armonk Art Show and how long has it been going on?
The Armonk Arts Show celebrates its 50th anniversary on September 24 and 25. The North Castle Library hosts this event each year on its Community Field where approximately 188 fine artists showcase their craft to some 10,000 art lovers.
To celebrate this golden anniversary, the library will be hosting events the week before the art show. Beginning on September 18 with a 5k “Run for the Library,” there will be daily events and activities for people of all ages. In addition, local businesses and restaurants will be offering anniversary specials all week with the theme: “50 Ways to Love the Art Show.”
Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and children under 18 are free.
--Katie Princisvalle
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