Background The Hudson Valley Piano Club is a not-for-profit corporation which was founded in 2002 by Sarah Chauncey, Executive Director and Eileen Rossi, President, to support talented pianists and composers. Through its Salon Concerts, Dead Pianists Society Series, Commissioning and Educational Programs, the Piano Club promotes the arts in the Hudson Valley region of New York State. The club also provides adult pianists with an opportunity to meet and share their music. In 2005, the Piano Club was nominated for the Arts Council of Rockland County Executive Award. Our Mission ... provide accomplished pianists, composers and young talent with opportunities for increased exposure and artistic growth by fostering the creation, performance, dissemination, and appreciation of their music. Salons The Hudson Valley Piano Club has revived the tradition of the Salon Recital – performances of music in intimate settings. In response to the increasingly felt attitude that classical music is becoming less accessible, the Salon venue seeks to nurture the connection between performer and listener. Audiences are treated to musical explanations in conversation with the performer fostering an expanded awareness of the lives and works of the great composers. Dead Pianists Society Series The Dead Pianists Society is a series of four programs held in public libraries which present the music and biographical background of classical composers. The integration of lectures and live performances help bring to life the immortal works of the great composers by presenting their music as an accessible and exhilarating experience. Visual stimuli – slideshow of relevant places and artwork, letters written by composers and relevant contemporaries, demonstrations of musical metaphors at the piano -- combined with the expert performance and scholastic skills of the presenter engenders a palpable enthusiasm that produces a lasting impression on the audience. Each presentation concludes with an open ‘question & answer' session between performer and audience, making the occasion a truly interactive experience. Presentations are given by accomplished pianists from SUNY Purchase, NYU, Manhattan School of Music, Juilliard School, Yale University, Eastman School, etc. Performances feature both solo and group performances. Programs are free to the public. The first Dead Pianists Society Series was held at the Nanuet Public Library on September 19, October 3, 17, and 31 of 2004. Over 340 people attended the first series. The evaluations of the program were stellar. The second series was held at the Suffern Library in January and February of 2005 – over 600 people attended this series. The third series will be held at the Valley Cottage Library in September and October of 2005. Grownups Who Want to Play ACCOMPLISHMENTS SALONS: 2003 2004 2005 DEAD PIANISTS SOCIETY SERIES: 2004 Nanuet Public Library – Sunday at 2:00 pm 2005 Suffern Free Library – Sunday at 2:00 pm Valley Cottage Library – Sunday at 1:00 pm COMMISSIONING ~ 2004 |
