Catskill High Peaks Festival Brings World’s Best Emerging Classical Musicians to Upstate NY
7th annual festival takes place August 7–18 & features concerts open to the public
RENSSELAERVILLE, N.Y.—More than fifty of the world’s most talented young classical musicians will gather in southern Albany County for the Seventh Annual Catskill High Peaks Festival this August 7 through 18. Led by internationally renowned cellist Yehuda Hanani, the High Peaks Festival takes place at the Carey Institute for Global Good in partnership with Close Encounters With Music.
The festival combines an educational residency program featuring immersive master classes and coaching from distinguished faculty with evenings of classical music concerts open to the public. The emerging artists that attend the festival are hand-picked from around the world and include violinists, violists, cellists and pianists.
“We’re thrilled to bring some of the world’s finest you classical musicians to the Helderberg Hilltowns and to share their talent with the greater Capital Region and Hudson Valley. The High Peaks Festival is a unique opportunity to learn more about the history of classical composers and enjoy live performances against the beautiful backdrop of Albany County and the Catskill Mountains,” said Gareth Crawford, president of the Carey Institute for Global Good. “All events at the Carey Institute are open to the public and we encourage classical music fans from across the Northeast to attend these one-of-a-kind performances.”
The mission of the Catskill High Peaks Festival is to infuse students with love and enthusiasm for their musical vocation, instill a spirit of musical adventure and discovery, and imbue an appreciation for past traditions. Overlooking the Catskill Mountains and the Hudson Valley, the Carey Institute’s historic 100-acre campus in Rensselaerville provides both solitude and inspiration to festival residents.
“The exciting mix of established and revered performers and artists of tomorrow joining to present some of the gems of chamber music makes for an irresistible experience,” said Artistic Director Yehuda Hanani. “This summer we focus on the magic of Bach and his legacy, but there will magic in all aspects of the conjunction of young talent, great repertoire, and brilliant veteran performers.”
This year’s festival features faculty concerts, moonlight sonatas by residents, public talks and a “Buddy Day” concert, in which High Peaks residents are paired with local students from musically underserved schools for a day of one on one lessons. The 2016 Catskill High Peaks theme of “Bach & His Lasting Legacy” celebrates the lasting musical contributions of the legendary composer with performances by violinist Peter Zazofsky, pianist Mikael Darmanie, cellist Yehuda Hanani and others.
A full list of festival events is available at https://careyinstitute.org/event/catksill-high-peaks-music-festival/. All Catskill High Peaks concerts at the Carey Institute are pay what you wish. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.