RiverArts

RiverArts to Bring New Voices to the Rivertowns with an Evening of Play Readings

Josh Suniewick — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 02:47:01 +0000

RiverArts Brings New Voices to the Rivertowns with an Evening of Play Readings – Saturday, January 27

JANUARY 4, 2024 – DOBBS FERRY:   

RiverArts presents River Readings, a curated evening of play readings by contemporary playwrights. Three playwrights will share selected scenes from works in progress read by distinguished actors. A short talk back with the playwrights will follow the performance.

Date – Saturday, January 27
Venue – South Presbyterian Church; 343 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry
Time – 7:30PM, doors open at 7:00PM
Tickets – $25; tickets can be purchased at https://riverarts.wufoo.com/forms/river-readings  

Readings will feature scenes from Interstate by Amina Henry, Ambulette: a non emergency vehicle by Peggy Stafford and Disrupted by Melisa Tien. Interstate tells a story about family and change. In the play, Red, a single flight attendant, takes her children on a cross country road trip. This trip sets in motion events that will either destroy this family or make them stronger. Ambulette is a memory play that unfolds inside a moving non-emergency vehicle, a beach on the south side of Long Island, and a cemetery where people used to have picnics. It’s a journey of friendship, grief and remembrance. Disrupted: In the male-dominated tech arena, two women join forces to create a first-of-its-kind app—one that tracks the menstrual cycle—and form a partnership that is tested to its limits.

RiverArts’ theater programming, produced by board member Lauren Orkus, aims to shine a light on commissioned and new works by up-and-coming playwrights. Regarding River Readings, Orkus shares, “For our theater offering this season, we are focusing on the play development process. It’s a unique opportunity to experience cutting edge scripts, ask questions of the playwrights, and chat with actors on what it’s like being part of a new work. I am eager to support these exceptional playwrights by providing time and space to hear their writing out loud. River Readings invites us to take in voices that may be new to us and expand our community. You can expect nuanced dialogue, deep themes and lively conversation.”

Executive Director Josh Suniewick shares, “RiverArts’ mission is to bring people together through artistic experiences in all of the mediums. Being able to help bring these new works to the Rivertown audience and use this as a way to inspire creative conversations among us is a real privilege.”

About the Playwrights:
Amina Henry is a Brooklyn-based playwright. Productions include: The Animals, Ducklings, Hunter John and Jane and The Johnsons, all at JACK (Brooklyn, NY), P.S. produced by Ars Nova (New York, NY), Little Rapes at Long Island University (The New Group), Nothing, Nothing at HERO Theatre (Los Angeles, CA), The Great Novel at New Light Theater, Happily Ever at Brooklyn College, and Bully at Interrobang Theater (Baltimore, MD), Clubbed Thumbs 2019 Winterworks, and SUNY Purchase, among other venues. Her work has been produced, developed by and/or presented by: The New Group, Clubbed Thumb, New Georges, The Flea, Page 73, Project Y Theatre, National Black Theater, Dixon Place, The Brooklyn Generator, The Brick, Oregon Shakespeare Festival (Ashland, OR), Kitchen Dog Theater (Dallas, TX), HERE Arts Center, and the cell. She is a 2020 recipient of the Sarah Verdone Writing Award and is an affiliate artist of New Georges. She is a member of the Women’s Project 2022-2024 Lab.

Peggy Stafford is a Brooklyn-based playwright. Her plays include EVERYTHING IS HERE (Clubbed Thumb/PHTS, Vineyard Reading Series),16 WORDS OR LESS (Clubbed Thumb Summerworks 2016, The Kilroy’s 2014, 2015), MOTEL CHERRY (Clubbed Thumb/New Georges, Huffington Post’s Top TenPlays of 2012), JEWEL CASKET (New Georges/Dixon Place). Her work has also been developed and produced at theatres including Soho Rep, Women’s Project, Playwrights Horizon, Two River, Page73, Bottom’s Dream, HERE, Annex Theatre, Circle X, On The Boards, and Seattle Children’s Theatre. A MacDowell Fellow and affiliated artist at New Georges and Clubbed Thumb Theatre, Peggy is chair of the Playwriting Program at SUNY Purchase.

Melisa Tien is a playwright and librettist invested in making formally unconventional, socially relevant, and emotionally evocative work. A resident of New Dramatists, she’s the author of the plays BEST LIFE (JACK, 2021), YELLOW CARD RED CARD (ICE FACTORY, 2017), THE BOYD SHOW, and FAMILIUM VULGARE and librettist of the operas FOREVER (Washington National Opera, 2024), THE BIG SWIM (Houston Grand Opera/Asia Society Texas Center, 2024), FAMILY HEIRLOOM (Experiments in Opera, 2024), SONG OF THE NIGHTINGALE (On Site Opera/Arts Brookfield, 2023), and THE BEEHIVE (University of Northern Iowa, 2023). She’s been published in the anthologies Theater Artists Making Theatre With No Theater (Tripwire Harlot Press, 2020) and Modern Music for New Singers: 21st Century American Art Songs (North Star Music, 2021). She’s currently a librettist for the American Opera Project’s Composers & the Voice program and a member of Washington National Opera’s American Opera Initiative.

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Ronald K. Brown discusses upcoming Tarrytown performance in Q&A with Bennett Rink

Josh Suniewick — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 02:22:28 +0000

Ronald K. Brown discusses upcoming performance presented by RiverArts and The Music Hall

Introduction by Maxine Sherman, Artistic Director/Producer of Dance

Listen to an insightful conversation with Hastings-On-Hudson resident Bennett Rink, executive director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Artistic Director/Choreographer Ronald K. Brown of EVIDENCE/A Dance Company speak about fulfilling a dream of using dance to promote a deeper understanding of the human experience through the lens of the African Diaspora.

EVIDENCE/A Dance Company uses storytelling, traditional African movement and contemporary choreography to dig deeper into issues of community responsibility, liberation and spirituality; witnessing and awakening a sensory experience to become aware and more “evident” of who we are in our shared history and humanity.

RiverArts and The Music Hall Co-Present Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE
When: Saturday, October 21 at 7:30pm
Venue: Tarrytown Music Hall; 13 Main Street, Tarrytown, NY
Tickets: Starting at $35; available at https://tickets.tarrytownmusichall.org/EVIDENCE23

About RiverArts
RiverArts inspires Hudson River communities in lower Westchester County to come together through art. RiverArts’ year-round season of events and programming includes our two signature free, multi-village artists’ Studio Tour and Music Tour; an annual dance concert; a three-part Chamber Music series; theater performances; and smaller community events such as Drink & Draw, Salon Sundays, Swing Dance night, artist conversations and pop-up concerts; plus Music Education and its SummerArts camp for kids of all ages.

Please visit RiverArts on-line to read more about its mission, core values and programming calendar.

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Acclaimed Photographers, Ted & Nune, Discuss New Collection in RiverArts’ Artist Conversations Series

Josh Suniewick — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 02:15:39 +0000

Acclaimed Photographers, Ted & Nune, Discuss New Collection in RiverArts’ Artist Conversations Series – Saturday, October, 14

RiverArts is thrilled to present a conversation with Ted Andreasian and Nune Karamyan, led by artist and expert art restorer, Katerina Spilio. Ted and Nune discuss their new book, Stone and Candle: Armenian Monasteries—the epic journey into the mountains of Armenia, unpack the deeper meanings of the book’s title, the inspiration for the trip, and the power of connecting to the past while shaping a creative path into the future. The Artists Conversation series is curated and produced by Marie Louise-Miller.

Date – Saturday, October 14
Venue – Ted and Nune Studio; 45 Main Street, Store B, Hastings-On-Hudson
Time – 5:30-6:30pm
Tickets – $10; tickets can be purchased at https://riverarts.wufoo.com/forms/inspiration-fuel-identity-artist-conversation/

Stone and Candle: Armenian Monasteries is a collection of images that pays homage to Armenian nature and the magnificent churches ingeniously assembled over centuries. Within the book’s pages, Ted and Nune’s work captures the profound play between human artistry and its surrounding natural environment. The images weave a narrative conveying the intrinsic connection between human creativity and the sacred architectural marvels of Christian heritage.

This long-term photographic project covers 40 monastic structures from across Armenia—with several in the disputed territory of Artsakh and majority dating from the 4th to 13th centuries. This collection is an ode to the Armenian landscape and the Christian architectural creations skillfully brought out of the rocks and assembled over centuries to set their mark. This project explores the theme of integrity between man’s artistry and the natural environment, provoking feelings of peace, gentleness, tenderness, harmony, and melancholy. Producer of the Artists Conversation series, Marie Louise-Miller states, “I’m very excited to hear the interplay between Ted & Nune and Katarina as they peel back the inspirations for creating and reimaging icons and their deeper meanings for us all in these days of rapid change and cancellation.”

This Artist Conversation is led by Katerina Spilio, an expert in Byzantine icon restoration and well-versed in sacred art history. Regarding Ted and Nunes work, she shares, “I think what is very interesting is that they have photographed the exterior of these churches that were in such solitary places, so remote, very much like I am when I paint, or anyone is when they need to find meaning. They look harsh on the outside sometimes. But when you go inside, there is a gem of history, almost like a geode.”

Armenia holds personal and generational memories for Ted and Nune that can be felt through this collection as they take an intergenerational step to the roots of their identities. Ted’s ancestors fled the 1890s pogroms and the 1914 Genocide to come to the US, Nune was raised in the Armenian SSR. Both were brought up with a strong sense of Armenian culture and history. Ted and Nune shares, “Our spirits are rejuvenated with each trip to Armenia. That we belong to an ancient culture is a valuable personal insight that moves us forward on our journey together. We can’t wait to go back and hope we can share some of that excitement with others.”

About the Artists:

Ted and Nune are a photographic team who seek inspiration and a spiritual dimension in the man-made world. They journey to discover monumental human constructions for studies of architecture and industry, bringing a joint male-female point of view to their shared vision. Both photograph, edit, and print—they do not sign works individually. Since 2015, their collaboration has produced several internationally recognized long-term projects. Their work is held in many private collections and has been exhibited in many countries around the world.

Since 1987, Katerina Spilio has worked for and later led Byzantine Icons Studio/Byzantium Arts Studio, where she has crafted icons ranging from a sixteen-foot Last Supper to delicate miniatures measuring five inches across. Spilio grew up in her father’s studio, training in the style of Greek iconographer, Fotis Kontoglou. Her religious artworks find homes in churches and private collections across the United States. Beyond her religious works, Spilio’s secular work adorns private collections in the United States, England, and Greece. In addition to running her own business, she is also a scenic artist for film and television.

About the Artist Conversation Series:

RiverArts creates opportunities to amplify the artistic voice, bringing insight and delight to our community. We are proud to spotlight leading voices in art, music, poetry, dance, and theater.

Under the direction of Marie Louise-Miller, our Artist Conversation series offers a chance to get up close and personal with artists. The Artist Conversation Series aims to shed light on the intricacies of creativity across all its artistic mediums from the fine artist to the performance artist.

Please visit RiverArts on-line to read more about its mission, core values and programming calendar.

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Announcing Channels, a new boundary-defying music series

Josh Suniewick — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 15:14:25 +0000

RiverArts Announces Channels, A New Music Series – Kicking off on September 23

RiverArts announces Channels, a three-concert music series that defies boundaries and celebrates the river as a means of travel, exploration, and a source of new ideas. The mission of this concert series is to bring together artists and audiences in the spirit of connectivity and discovery. This season begins with synthy vocoder-heavy art song inspired by rivers, and includes elements of post-rock, electronic, ambient, and contemporary classical genres.

Date – Saturday, September 23, 2023
Performer – Sky Creature
Venue – Purpl; 52 Main Street, Hastings on Hudson, NY
Time – 8:00 pm – 9:30pm
Tickets – $30; tickets can be purchased at https://channels_skycreature.eventbrite.com

Date – Saturday, February 10, 2024
Performer – Evan Chapman
Venue – HudCo (145 Palisade Street, Suite 200; Dobbs Ferry, NY)
Time – 8:00pm – 9:30pm
Tickets – $30; tickets can be purchase at: https://channels_evanchapman.eventbrite.com

Date – Saturday, April 13, 2024 Performer – Steph Davis
Venue – Rivertowns location TBD
Time – 8:00pm – 9:30pm
Tickets – $30; tickets can be purchased at: https://channels_stephdavis.eventbrite.com

These concerts will feature musicians from outside the Rivertowns in a unique “alternative” space, aiming to

take advantage of one of the area’s greatest resources—its location.

Channels is produced by RiverArts Board Member, Stuart Wolferman, who states, “A channel is the deepest part of the river, it’s a narrow sea between land masses, it’s a means of communication, it’s a band of frequencies, and It’s a direction of thought or action. All of these definitions help shape what I’m trying to do with the series. I like the idea of a river being not only an environmental resource, but a source of outside ideas and influence. It’s a connection to a bigger world. I could talk about this a lot, but equally important is a simple desire to see more interesting, fun, and possibly surprising entertainment options in our towns.”

RiverArts Executive Director, Josh Suniewick, had this to say, “The Channels concert series represents RiverArts’ efforts to build community through the arts. Every year, new families decide to make the Rivertowns their home. Many of these families move here because of their love of the arts and the importance they place on making space for artistic discovery in their lives. Our goal as an organization is to be able to offer artistically fulfilling experiences for all with our programming and hope to continue to do so with Channels.”

9/23/23 – SKY CREATURE

The first of the Channels series features the duo, Sky Creature, performing at Purpl on Saturday, September 23.

Sky Creature is made up of singer Majel Connery and baritone guitarist Matt Walsh. Based in Rockaway Beach and Catskill, NY, Sky Creature is defined as a space between art music and punk rock (self-described as Thrash Enya). The band’s sound draws comparisons with artists from Kate Bush to Suicide. For over a decade, Walsh toured as one half of post-punk duo The Forms, sharing the stage with artists ranging from The National to St. Vincent to Hum. Connery’s solo music has been featured on Radiolab, New Sounds radio, and Live from the Kennedy Center. In the summer of 2022, Sky Creature released their double EP Bear Mountain/Childworld, and toured nationally. They are currently finishing their first LP with Steve Albini.

Majel Connery will open the evening with songs from her Rivers Are Our Brothers project. The songs in the cycle take a first-person view of nature, ascribing human qualities and feelings to elements of the landscape: water, trees, mountains, rivers, etc. “The goals is to give nature a voice – to allow these vibrant things to speak on their own behalf,” says Connery. “I knew I wanted to kick off the series with these evocative songs inspired by the environment,” states Wolferman.

This inaugural performance of the Channels series celebrates the re-opening of Purpl. Purpl, which served as both a small business incubator and arts venue for close to a decade, is preparing to re-open its non-profit operations with renewed focus on celebrating the intersection of creativity and productivity as an arts incubator. Purpl is supported by the Saul Silbert Charitable Trust (along with sister operation C&C Consignments), toward its mission of advocating and designing for regenerative culture.

Chief Executive Officer of Purpl, Sarah Hinawi, says, “We look forward to partnering with RiverArts and are excited to engage again with the community.”

2/10/24 –EVAN CHAPMAN

On Saturday, February 10, Evan Chapman will be presenting brand new original material that explores the intersection of percussion and technology, incorporating elements from contemporary classical, electronic, and post-rock styles.

Based in Philadelphia, Evan Chapman is a percussionist, composer, and filmmaker who seamlessly blends multimedia and contemporary music. Chapman is a founding member of contemporary-classical percussion trio/rock band Square Peg Round Hole, whose original compositions have been dubbed a “creative adventure” by Bob Boilen (NPR) and have received further acclaim from Modern Drummer Magazine, Paste Magazine, and Mental Floss, among others.

Chapman is also a founder and owner of film production company Four/Ten Media alongside longtime collaborator Kevin Eikenberg. The duo’s background as classically-trained percussionists has allowed them to create fresh and musically authentic representations of pieces in the contemporary classical and pop worlds.

4/13/24 –STEPH DAVIS

On April 13, the series concludes with Steph Davis. A marimbaist, arranger, composer, educator, cultural activist, and researcher, Davis’ work has been described as “captivating” and brings “bright humanity and expressive depth” to contemporary music (Washington Post). Their work explores inspirations from Black

expressive characteristics, free forms, and the African diaspora. A versatile performer, Davis’s repertoire spans from traditional Ghanaian and African American music, and Western music primarily by composers of African descent.

About RiverArts

RiverArts inspires Hudson River communities in lower Westchester County to come together through art. RiverArts’ year-round season of events and programming includes our two signature free, multi-village artists’ Studio Tour and Music Tour; an annual dance concert; a three-part Chamber Music series; theater performances; and smaller community events such as Drink & Draw, Salon Sundays, Swing Dance night, artist conversations and pop-up concerts; plus Music Education and its SummerArts camp for kids of all ages.

Please visit RiverArts on-line to read more about its mission, core values and programming calendar.

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RiverArts announces a new fall season of art and culture events in the Hudson Valley Rivertowns

Doug Coe — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 03:08:44 +0000

RiverArts announces a new fall season of art and culture events in the Hudson Valley Rivertowns

Join RiverArts in the launch of their 2023-2024 season with a vibrant selection of art events throughout the Rivertowns this fall. The fall program features diverse programming from a brand new music series, Channels, the annual Dance Concert at Tarrytown Music Hall featuring Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, an Artist Conversation featuring photographers Ted and Nune, the RiverArts Studio Tour and Preview Shows, and the RiverArts Chamber Music Series Fundraiser at The Newington-Cropsey House.

Sky Creature at Purpl; New Music Series, Channels – September 23, 2023

RiverArts announces Channels, a three-concert music series produced by RiverArts Board Member, Stuart Wolferman.

Channels defies boundaries and celebrates the river as a means of travel, exploration, and source of new ideas—Channels presents new music in unique Hudson Rivertown settings. Each concert will feature a musician(s) from outside the Rivertowns in a unique “alternative” space, aiming to take advantage of one of the area’s greatest resources—its location and connect Rivertown audiences through art.

The first of the Channels series features the duo, Sky Creature, performing at Purpl on Saturday, September 23. This concert marks the reopening of Purpl in Hastings-On-Hudson.

Sky Creature at Purple; Channels
Date – Saturday, September 23
Venue – Purpl; 52 Main Street, Hastings-On-Hudson, NY
Time – 8:00pm; Doors open 7:00pm (cash bar)
Tickets – $30; tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/riverarts-presents-sky-creature-tickets-673197290217

Inspiration, Fuel & Identity: A conversation with Ted & Nune – October 14, 2023

Join RiverArts for a conversation with Ted Andreasian and Nune Karamyan, led by artist and art restorer, Katerina Spilio. Ted and Nune discuss their new book, Stone and Candle: Armenian Monasteries—the epic journey into the mountains of Armenia, unpack the deeper meanings of the book’s title, the inspiration for the trip, and the power of connecting to the past while shaping a creative path into the future.

Ted and Nune are a photographic team whose work is inspired by the man-made world. Seeking out the spiritual dimension in monumental human constructions, they journey to remote lands to make studies of architecture and industry, bringing a joint male-female point of view to their shared vision.

Date – Saturday, October 14
Venue – Ted & Nune Gallery; 45 Main Street, Store B, Hastings-On-Hudson, NY
Time – 5:30pm
Tickets – $10; tickets can be purchased at https://riverarts.org/event/ted-and-nune/

RiverArts & the Tarrytown Music Hall present: Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, A Dance Company

RiverArts celebrates its 60th year this fall, with its co-presentation with Tarrytown Music Hall of Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE. For the last decade, RiverArts’ annual dance concerts have allowed Rivertown audiences to experience these talented groups locally.

Established in 1985 by Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, A Dance Company, seamlessly integrates traditional African dance with spoken word and contemporary choreography. The Brooklyn based group aims to promote understanding of the human experience into the African Diaspora through dance and storytelling and to provide sensory connections to history and tradition through music, movement, and spoken word—leading deeper into issues of spirituality, community responsibility and liberation.

The program will include Upside Down, March, and Grace; all choreographed by Ronald K. Brown. The run time for the entire program will be 90-minutes.

Date – Saturday, October 21
Venue – Tarrytown Music Hall; 13 Main Street, Tarrytown, NY
Time – Curtain at 7:30pm; Doors open at 6:45pm
Tickets – Starting at $35; tickets can be purchased at https://tickets.tarrytownmusichall.org/EVIDENCE23

RiverArts Studio Tour

The RiverArts Studio Tour offers an opportunity for art lovers to engage with local artists in their own studios. This two-day tour will be held on the first weekend of November.

Date & Time – Saturday, November 4th from 11am-5pm; Sunday, November 5th from 11am-3pm

Venue – Studios throughout the Rivertowns; Tour map and information can be found at: www.RiverArtsStudioTour.com

In addition to the main Studio Tour weekend, RiverArts will host two preview exhibitions of works by participating artists. On Sunday, October 15th from 3-5pm, a preview show featuring works by Hastings, Dobbs Ferry, and Irvington artists on the Tour will be shown at Hastings Village Hall Gallery. On Sunday, October 22nd from 3-5pm, a preview show featuring works by Sleepy Hollow, and Tarrytown artists on the Tour will be shown at Shames JCC.

Preview Show – Artists from; Hastings-On-Hudson, Dobbs Ferry, and Irvington
Date – Sunday, October 15
Venue – Hastings Village Hall; 7 Maple Avenue, Hastings-On-Hudson
Time – 3:00-5:00pm

Preview Show – Artists from; Sleepy Hollow, and Tarrytown
Date – Sunday, October 22
Venue – Shames JCC; 371 S. Broadway, Tarrytown
Time – 3:00-5:00pm

RiverArts Chamber Music Fundraiser Concert

RiverArts announces the first of three installments in their Chamber Music Series. This annual fundraiser concert will be hosted by the Newington-Cropsey Foundation on Sunday, November 19 at 1:00pm.

The concert will feature sets by romantic composer Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) and one set by Franz Schubert (1797-1829). Sets include Songs for Voice and Piano, Cello Sonata #1 in E Op. 38, Der Hirt auf dem Felsen D965, and Clarinet Trio in A Minor, Op. 114. The run time will be 90-minutes.

Tickets start at $100 for general admission which includes a cocktail reception following the concert. 50% of the ticket is a tax-deductible donation that allows RiverArts to continue to bring chamber music to Rivertown audiences.

Date – Sunday, November 19
Venue – Newington-Cropsey Foundation; 49 Washington Ave, Hastings-On-Hudson, NY
Time – 1:00pm
Tickets – $100; tickets can be purchased at https://riverarts.org/event/chambermusicfundraiser/

Drink & Draw

Drink & Draw is a modern twist on the classic artistic practice of life drawing. Artists of all experience levels and backgrounds are welcome.

Dates – September 14 & 20, October 5 & 18, November 9, December 7 & 20
Venue – Hastings Public Library Orr Room, Lower Level; 7 Maple Avenue, Hastings-On-Hudson
Time – 7:30-9:30pm
Register – $20 per class at https://riverarts.org/programs/art/drink-draw/

About RiverArts

Please visit RiverArts on-line to read more about its mission, core values and programming calendar.

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RiverArts & Tarrytown Music Hall Present Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, A Dance Company – Saturday, October 21st

Doug Coe — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 15:28:42 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 24, 2023

Contacts:
Josh Suniewick, Executive Director; jsuniewick@riverarts.org
Maxine Sherman, Producer & Artistic Director of Dance; dance@riverarts.org
Gigi Lin, Marketing & Communications Manager; glin@riverarts.org

RiverArts & Tarrytown Music Hall Present Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, A Dance Company – Saturday, October 21st

July 24, 2023 – ARDSLEY, DOBBS FERRY, HASTINGS ON HUDSON, IRVINGTON, SLEEPY HOLLOW, AND TARRYTOWN:

RiverArts and the Tarrytown Music Hall will be co-presenting Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE this October. Following the success of last year’s performance featuring Ballet Hispánico, RiverArts remains dedicated to bringing exceptional performing arts organizations to the Rivertowns. Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE will perform one night only on Saturday, October 21st at the historic Tarrytown Music Hall. Ticket prices range from $35-$65 for this dance program.

Date – Saturday, October 21
Venue – Tarrytown Music Hall; 13 Main Street, Tarrytown, NY
Showtime – Curtain at 7:30pm; Doors open at 6:45pm
Tickets – Starting at $35; tickets can be purchased at https://tickets.tarrytownmusichall.org/EVIDENCE23

The program will include Upside Down, March, and Grace; all choreographed by Ronald K. Brown. The run time for the entire program will be 90-minutes.

Artistic Director of EVIDENCE, A Dance Company, Ronald K. Brown stated, “I am truly excited to share the work of EVIDENCE with the RiverArts and Tarrytown community this fall with this program of some of the company’s most loved works.”

For the last decade, RiverArts has provided access to world-class dance companies for residents of the Rivertowns. RiverArts Dance Concert Producer & Artistic Director Maxine Sherman shares, “I am ecstatic to share this incredible program with the Rivertowns communities. We are preparing for a vibrant evening with this award-winning company.”

RiverArts Executive Director, Josh Suniewick stated, “It’s a pleasure to do another co-presentation alongside Tarrytown Music Hall. The response for last year’s dance concert was amazing and we are honored to be able to connect local audiences with such a high-caliber group.”

About Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE

Through their work, EVIDENCE provides a unique perspective of human struggles, tragedies, and triumphs. Using the power of movement, Brown emphasizes the significance of community within African American culture and introduces audiences to the captivating splendor of traditional African forms and rhythms. Additionally, he is an advocate for fostering growth of the African American dance community and has been a vital force in encouraging young dancers to explore choreography and developing careers in dance.

Founder and Artistic Director, Ronald K. Brown, is in great demand as a choreographer. He has set works on Ballet Hispánico, Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ko-Thi Dance Company, Philadanco, Cleo Parker Robinson Ensemble, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Jennifer Muller/The Works, Jeune Ballet d’Afrique Noire, and others. He has collaborated alongside artists such as composer/designer Omotayo Wunmi Olaiya, the late writer Craig G. Harris, Director Ernie McClintock’s Jazz Actors Theater, choreographers Patricia Hoffbauer and Rokiya Kone, composers Jason Moran, Arturo O’Farrill, Bernadette Speech, and more.

Brown was the recipient of the 2020 Jacob’s Pillow Dance award and has been recognized for his choreography in Regina Taylor’s Crowns with the AUDELCO Award. Brown also received two Black Theatre Alliance Awards and a Fred & Adele Astaire Award for Outstanding Choreography in the Tony Award-winning production of The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. His contributions to the dance world have been acknowledged through honors such as the Def Dance Jam Workshop 2000 Mentor of the Year, Doris Duke Artist Award, NYC City Center Fellowship, Scripps/ADF Award, John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Fellowship, National Endowment for the Arts Choreographers Fellowship, New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship, United States Artists Fellowship, a New York Dance and Performance “Bessie” Award, Dance Magazine Award, and The Ailey Apex Award.

About RiverArts

For 60 years, RiverArts has been the catalyst that connects performers, musicians, and art-makers with Rivertowns audiences. We believe in the power of art to express, transform, and bring joy to our lives and our community. Please visit RiverArts on-line to read more about its mission, core values and programming calendar: https://www.riverarts.org

About Tarrytown Music Hall

The historic, nonprofit Tarrytown Music Hall, built in 1885 by chocolate magnate William Wallace, is listed on the National Register for Historic Places. The 843-seat theater is owned, operated, and loved by The Friends of the Mozartina Musical Arts Conservatory, Inc, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, cultural and educational organization established in 1979, and who rescued the theater from the wrecking ball on Valentine’s Day 1980. The TMH mission is three-fold: to present diverse and relevant programming in music, theater, dance, and film for the enrichment of the tri-state community; to promote arts education through classes, partnerships, performing opportunities, and residencies; and to preserve and restore the historic Music Hall so that it may continue to be a vibrant performing arts center and catalyst for sustainable economic development in our area. For more information: www.tarrytownmusichall.org

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RiverArts® Presents – Stravinsky & Rachmaninoff: Bridging an Era

Doug Coe — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 14:22:57 +0000

“Igor’s Soldier’s Tale” by Patrushka

For Immediate Release
MARCH 29, 2023
Contact: Josh Suniewick, Executive Director, jsuniewick@riverarts.org; (917) 324-4590
Peter Seidenberg, Artistic Director, adchambermusic@riverarts.org
Doug Coe, Producer, chambermusic@riverarts.org

RiverArts® Presents – Stravinsky & Rachmaninoff: Bridging an Era

TARRYTOWN: On Saturday, April 22 at 8PM, RiverArts® will present a complete performance of Igor Stravinsky’s allegory of love and redemption L’Histoire du Soldat or A Soldier’s Tale. The concert, at Reformed Church of the Tarrytowns in Tarrytown, will also include Artistic Director Peter Seidenberg playing Sergei Rachmaninoff’s soul-stirring Cello Sonata, along with Joan Tower’s highly praised 1980 chamber piece Petrushskates. Seidenberg has assembled a stellar group of musicians to interpret this diverse program.

Concert Details:
Saturday, April 22nd
8pm
Reformed Church of the Tarrytowns
42 N. Broadway
Tarrytown, NY 10591

Approximate concert time: 120 minutes including a 10-minute intermission
Tickets: $40/ea *reduced-price tickets available; see below for details on how to access discount code.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit: https://riverarts.org/event/riverarts-presents-stravinsky-rachmaninoff-bridging-an-era/

First performed in 1918 towards the end of World War I, Stravinsky was living in Switzerland and wanted to compose a theater piece of modest scale that could be performed in smaller towns. Based on a Russian folk tale, The Runaway Soldier and the Devil, it tells the story of a soldier who trades his violin to the devil in exchange for great wealth. Stravinsky scored the work for seven musicians- a high and low representative from each of three sections of the orchestra- violin and double bass [strings], clarinet and bassoon [winds], and trumpet and trombone [brass]. Additionally, he included a percussionist who performs on numerous percussion instruments, providing a great variety of textures and tones. Stravinsky reveled in percussion sounds and these are often a hallmark of his compositions. This performance of the complete work follows upon our performance of the trio chamber suite version in March of 2022. Award winning actor/narrator D.C. Anderson joins us as actor/narrator.

Joan Tower’s quintet, descriptively titled Petrushskates, was inspired both by a movement from Stravinsky’s Petrushka and by movements of ice skating. She wrote in a program note at the original 1980 performance “While watching the figure skating event at the recent winter Olympics, I became fascinated with the way the curving, twirling, and jumping figure are woven around a singular continuous flowing action. Combining these two ideas creates a kind of carnival on ice – a possible subtitle for this piece.” Derived from a seminal work of Stravinsky, it is both an apt companion to L’Histoire and continues our exploration of contemporary female composers begun at our last concert in March.

The Sonata for Cello and Piano by Sergei Rachmaninoff is a work of soaring and lyrical beauty. According to Peter Seidenberg, Artistic Director of RiverArts’ Chamber Music Series, “While Rachmaninoff’s cello sonata is perhaps one of his most personal statements, it also embodies the nostalgia of the Russian old guard. It yearns for the simplicity of erstwhile life of the Czars. In that way, it is the programs foil for the brash, percussive life of after the Revolution and the Great War.”

More information about this concert can be found at the RiverArts website: www.riverarts.org and tickets can be purchased at https://riverarts.org/event/riverarts-presents-stravinsky-rachmaninoff-bridging-an-era/.

* Reduced-price tickets – Part of RiverArts’ mission is to make the arts affordable for everyone as well as to grow its network of chamber music fans in the communities it serves. Thanks to the support of Michael Tremonte, RiverArts is offering reduced-cost tickets to those either in financial need or attending a RiverArts chamber music concert for the first time. To access this discount code before purchasing tickets, email info@riverarts.org and title your message: “RIVERARTS CHAMBER DISCOUNT.”

About the Artists

D.C. Anderson [narrator] is a New York based film/television and theater actor. He received his degree in Theater Arts at Baldwin Wallace College (now University) and did post graduate work at North Dakota State University. His film/television credits include work with Oscar nominated writer/director Joseph Cedar and in Emmy nominated series The Blacklist, theater credits include roles on Broadway, Off Broadway, National Tours and Regional Theaters including work with famed U.S. theater companies Steppenwolf, Guthrie, Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival (now Great Lakes Theater Festival). www.dcanderson.net

Gregg August [double bass] is a member of the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra (Associate) as well as the American Composers Orchestra, Westchester Philharmonic and Orchestra of St. Luke’s. Gregg is also the former Principal Bass of La Orquestra Ciutat de Barcelona and the Brooklyn Philharmonic. An adjunct professor at New York University and the University of Connecticut, Gregg has also been on faculty at the Bang on a Can Summer Music Festival at MASS MoCA (North Adams, MA) since 2003. Gregg received his bachelor’s degree from the Eastman School of Music and his master’s from the Juilliard School. https://www.greggaugust.com

Joshua Butcher [bassoon] is an active freelance chamber and orchestral bassoonist in the New York City area. Receiving his Masters degree in Music Performance from New York University after attending the Curtis Institute of Music and CUNY Brooklyn College, he has performed as a soloist, chamber and orchestral musician with such groups as the Albany Symphony, Atlanta Symphony, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Exponential Ensemble and Jupiter Symphony Chamber Players.

Britton-René Collins [percussion] Hailed as an “Astounding Virtuoso” and “Exhilarating” performer, percussionist Britton-René Collins is a winner of numerous competitions. She has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Britton-René began playing the piano at age five. She discovered percussion at eight years old when she became intrigued by the drum set. She quickly fell in love with playing rock, jazz, and pop music on the drum set, which ignited her enthusiasm to explore various percussion instruments and styles of music. https://brittonrene.com/

Sylvia Danburg [violin] is Associate Principal Second Violin of the Metropolitan Opera orchestra. She plays with the MET Chamber Ensemble concert series at Carnegie Hall, and has performed a wide variety of classical and cross-over music both here and abroad. http://metorchestramusicians.org/sylvia-volpemetorchestramusicians.org/sylvia-volpe

Raymond Riccomini [trumpet] joined the Metropolitan Opera orchestra in 2004. Prior to this, Raymond frequently performed, toured and recorded with the New York Philharmonic, including as guest Principal trumpet. He was a founding member of the Manhattan Brass Quintet and was a winner in the 1993 Fischoff Chamber music competition. Raymond is currently on the faculty of The Mannes College of Music and serves as the Brass Department Chairman.

Anton Rist [clarinet] was recently appointed Principal Clarinet of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. He has performed with the American Ballet Theater, the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, the Louisiana Philharmonic, and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. In addition, he served as the Principal Clarinetist of the Princeton and New Haven Symphonies. Mr. Rist has performed at the Verbier, St. Barts, Pacific, Bravo! Vail, and Aspen Music Festivals, and is a founding member of the Montserrat Music Festival in the West Indies.

John Rojak [trombone] joined the American Brass Quintet in 1991. He has performed with the Cleveland Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Boston Symphony, as well as the 16 year Broadway run of Les Misérables. Additionally, Mr. Rojak has performed with many ballet companies, including the Bolshoi, Kirov, Royal, Netherlands Dance Theatre, China, and San Francisco. He has played with the big bands of Mel Lewis, Gerry Mulligan, and Bob Mintzer. He can be heard on many classical recordings, as well as soundtracks for commercials and film, and played with Metallica, Peter Gabriel, and Styx. He is on the faculties of Juilliard, Colorado College Summer Music Festival, and the Aspen Music Festival and School. http://www.jdrojak.com/

Peter Seidenberg [cello and Artistic Director] has played in major halls throughout the US, Europe, and Asia, and served as principal cellist with the Century Orchestra of Osaka. He was a founding member of the critically acclaimed Elements Quartet which created groundbreaking commissioning projects of 30 composers. He is the cellist for the Oracle Trio, the Queen’s Chamber Band, and the New York Chamber Soloists. peterseidenberg.com

Reiko Uchida [piano] A native of California, Ms. Uchida made her solo debut with the Los Angeles Repertory Orchestra at age nine and appeared twice on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, as well as on the Emmy Awards. Ms. Uchida holds a bachelor’s degree from the Curtis Institute of Music, a Masters degree from the Mannes College of Music, and an Artist Diploma from the Juilliard School. She studied with Claude Frank, Leon Fleisher, Edward Aldwell, Sophia Rosoff, and Margo Garrett. She has taught at the Brevard Music Center and is currently a Music Associate at Columbia University.

Anna Urrey [flute] A versatile solo and chamber musician, flutist Anna Urrey has performed with the International Contemporary Ensemble, NJ Symphony Orchestra, American Symphony Orchestra, New Haven Symphony, Mark Morris Dance Company, and NOVUS NY. Anna can be heard in the feature films Radium Girls, Little Women, and Goodnight Mommy, and played Principal Flute in the Experiential Orchestra’s GRAMMY-winning recording of Dame Ethel Smyth’s work, The Prison. As Co-Artistic Director of the Exponential Ensemble, she is passionate about chamber music and curating concert/educational programs. Anna is a New York Philharmonic Teaching Artist, a Wm. S. Haynes Ambassador Clinician, and on faculty at the Marymount School of NY.

About RiverArts Chamber Music Series

Founded in 2016, the RiverArts Chamber Music Series under the Artistic Direction of Peter Seidenberg and produced by Doug Coe, is devoted to bringing the finest Chamber Music, both classical and contemporary, to the Rivertowns. Seasons usually consist of three concerts, one being a benefit hosted by The Newington-Cropsey Foundation.

About RiverArts

RiverArts inspires Hudson River communities in lower Westchester County to come together through art. RiverArts’ year-round season of events and programming includes our two signature free, multi-village artists’ Studio Tour and Music Tour; an annual dance concert; a three-part Chamber Music series; theater performances; and smaller community events such as Drink & Draw, Salon Sundays, artist conversations and pop-up concerts; plus Music Education and its SummerArts camp for kids of all ages.

Please visit RiverArts on-line to read more about its mission, core values and programming calendar.

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Britten suite and Eliot poem to engage in conversation

Doug Coe — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 19:15:19 +0000

By Patricia Robert

What is being billed as an intimate dialogue between poetry and music will take place when T.S. Eliot’s “The Waste Land” is paired with Benjamin Britten’s Cello Suite No. 1 next Sunday, March 26, as part of RiverArts’ “Artist Conver- sation” series.

The event, featuring Edoardo Bal- lerini, a two-time winner of the Audio Publishers Association’s Best Male Nar- rator Audie Award, and Peter Seiden- berg, artistic director of the RiverArts chamber music series, takes place at 3 p.m. in the Lobby Suite of 145 Palisade Street in Dobbs Ferry.

Tickets are $20 and must be bought in advance at riverarts.org.

Seidenberg told the Enterprise that the Britten piece is normally played with no pauses by the cellist, seated alone on stage. For this program, the cello will go silent as the poem is read. Conversely, narration of the poem will cease as the music fills the room. Hence, the dialogue that is described by the presenter.

The post-performance conversation will be led by Marie-Louise Miller, pro- ducer of the “Artist Conversation” series. Ballerini, Seidenberg, and Miller all Hast- ings residents, will be joined in the discus- sion by Neil Arditi, professor of English Literature at Sarah Lawrence College.

“I am so excited that this ‘experi- ment’ is taking place,” Miller said. “I hope that the audience will just let go of their expectations and enjoy the conver- sation between two art forms.”

Miller added that the immersive nature of the event will be enhanced by the proximity of the audience to the performers. Chairs will be arranged in a semi-circle next to the performing area.

According to Ballerini, the idea for the program was the result “of a con- versation Peter and I had during a long winter walk.” The selection of “The Waste Land” as his poem to read came naturally to Ballerini.

“Several years ago, the Eliot estate saw a story about me in The New York Times where I related how, as a college student, I had recorded ‘The Waste Land’ onto my Walkman and would walk around campus listening to it,” Ballerini recalled. “The estate commis- sioned me to do a recording of Eliot’s masterpiece in 2022, the hundredth anniversary of its publication. I’ve since done two readings — one at the New York Public Library and one in Charles- ton, South Carolina.”

Ballerini has a studio in his Hastings home. Two of his recent narrations were of Cormac McCarthy’s “Stella Maris” and Amor Towles’ “The Lincoln High- way.” He is also an actor, best known for a recurring role in “The Sopranos.” He recently completed the seven-episode series “Retreat” with Clive Owen that will be available on Hulu.

“I chose to play the Britten suite alongside of the Eliot not just because of the similarities, both written in England as responses to the world despair expe- rienced by their creators,” Seidenberg said. “But I also wanted to juxtapose these seemingly different mediums to lay bare the difficulties of their mes- sages. We’ve found as we’ve worked on intertwining the works, that as they tug on each other, they expose more than the sum of their parts.”

Miller said the event is an example of RiverArts’ commitment to artistic explo- ration — a “let’s see what happens” and “we believe in you” attitude — that allows for experimental ways of doing things like this particular “Artist Conversation.”

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RiverArts musters quintet of artists for mini studio tour | The Rivertowns Enterprise

Lindsey Taylor — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 12:58:09 +0000

“The inaugural [Salon Sunday] in November 2019, and the subsequent one in February [2020], proved immensely popular, and then the pandemic hit,” said Josh Suniewick of Hastings, the executive director of RiverArts. “During the lockdown we tried a virtual presentation from the artists’ studio, but there were technical glitches. As part of our evolving process — as we restart the program — we are focusing solely on artists in Tarrytown-Sleepy Hollow. In May, we are planning a Salon Sunday for artists whose studios are located in Dobbs Ferry, Hastings, and Irvington.”

All five artists, all of whom have previously participated in the annual RiverArts Studio Tour, are: Timothy Duch, paintings, 110 North Washington Street.; Edward Bear Miller, drawing, oil, paper, 114 Neperan Road; Iris Jaffe, acrylic, digital prints, 19B Windle Park; Monica Carrier, drawing, ink, paper, watercolor; and Nathan Frey, sculptural plastic objects, furniture, lamps. Carrier and Frey will be at Peep Space, 92 Central Avenue.

Admission is free. To download a map of the tour, visit riverarts.org.

Making his debut as producer of Salon Sundays is James Fuentes, a two-year resident of Hastings and RiverArts board member. Jeff Dietz, the former coordinator of the event, and his partner, Gabrielle Burger, longtime producer of the Studio Tour, now live in Beacon. They stepped away from these responsibilities due to the recent arrival of their first child.

Fuentes owns the James Fuentes Gallery on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and, according to his official bio, he “has championed a gallery program that is led first by exceptional contemporary artists who are atypical from the conventions of their field. The gallery has become known for its focus on humanity, history, and society with a nonexclusionary approach, positioning itself as a leader in the field as our contemporary institutions seek to do the same.”

Fuentes was drawn to RiverArts because of the diversity of art — music, dance, visual — the organization makes accessible to the Rivertowns. This includes the concept of Salon Sundays.

“It’s great to be able to see the artists in their own backyard, and go behind the scenes and visit with them,” he said.

As part of the evolving process referenced by Suniewick, there will be an “open application” policy for Salon Sunday events. Per Fuentes, this “democratic” approach means that anyone who applies is accepted, as long as they work in a fine arts medium. Previously, to be included in Salon Sundays an artist had to also be on the Studio Tour.

Jaffe, who has been a resident of Tarrytown since 2014, has a studio in her condo. She said her work is inspired by “the history of art and our relationship with technology.”

“I am really pleased to be working with James, as I know he does amazing things in the art world,” Jaffe said of Salon Sundays’ new producer. “The only drawback is that I won’t be able to visit with the other artists in their studios, as I love exchanging ideas with art lovers. So, I look forward to the May event in Dobbs Ferry and the other villages.”

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Female composers headline legacy concert

Doug Coe — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 21:25:01 +0000

“Singing Sunflowers” by Alison Cimmet, 2021, paper, collage & acrylic paint on canvas

The concert “Legends, Legacy & Longevity” on Sunday, March 5, will showcase female composers from the mid-19th century to the present, heralding International Women’s Day on March 8. The performance, at 4 p.m. at Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church in Ardsley, is the second of three chamber music concerts presented annually by the nonprofit cultural organization RiverArts.

The 90-minute program includes pieces by Clara Schumann, Nadia Boulanger, Lili Boulanger, Amy Beach, Hilary Tann, Kim D. Sherman, and Thea Musgrave.

Doug Coe, producer of the chamber music series, described the concert as tracing “some of the history of women composers down through the years.”

“Clara Schumann was looked up to by all subsequent women composers,” Coe said. “The Boulanger sisters made a huge impact, both as composers and Nadia as a teacher of composition. Thea Musgrave studied with Boulanger; Kim Sherman studied with Musgrave. So, we will get to hear three generations along a continuing strand of pedagogic continuity.”

“It is appropriate to celebrate the work of these female composers, yes, but actually their work was chosen for its beauty and vibrance,” said cellist Peter Seidenberg of Hastings, the artistic director of the chamber music series. “Their music transcends all boundaries, including those of gender.”

In addition to Seidenberg, the program features Allison Charney (voice), April Johnson (violin), Craig Ketter (piano), and Tomoko Uchino (piano). Charney has participated in the RiverArts chamber music concert series five times; she has also interviewed Musgrave for WQXR Radio and collaborated with Sherman. The vocalist shares Seidenberg’s sense of the “transcendent nature of the music” they will perform.

“These are definitely stand-alone works, and so it shouldn’t matter if the composer was male or female,” Charney said. “Still, a concert like this could be inspiring to all those young female composers who are just starting. And, there are so many established women composers, making a selection for this concert was tortuous.”

Seidenberg said he had “great fun” doing the arrangements.

“There is every possible combo of instruments — violin, cello, piano — and as we will have two pianos, certain sections will have four hands with each of the other instruments,” he said.

Sherman, a Manhattan resident, will be at the concert. Welsh-born Tann, who was also scheduled to attend, passed away on Feb. 8, at age 75, in upstate New York. She was the John Howard Payne Professor of Music Emerita at Union College in Schenectady.

“I was shocked and so very sad,” Seidenberg said. “We had been in touch so often this past year and she was always gracious and helpful.”

For RiverArts executive director Josh Suniewick of Hastings, the concert is an example of the organization fulfilling its mission to bring the Rivertowns communities together and give them multidisciplinary art forms.

“It is also an exciting way to commemorate International Women’s Day,” he said.

Following the performance there will be a discussion moderated by RiverArts’ “Artist Conversation” producer Marie Louise Miller of Hastings. For general admission tickets, which cost $40, as well as information about reduced-price tickets, visit riverarts.org. St. Barnabas is located at 2 Revolutionary Road.

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