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Hamptons Festival of Music: A Virtuosic Celebration of Classical Masterpieces

Written by Chris Boyle  |  04. September 2024

Prepare to be dazzled by the virtuosity of The New American Sinfonietta - The Hamptons Festival of Music resident orchestra! Our 2024 season is a symphony of brilliance, featuring timeless masterpieces by Beethoven, Mahler, Brahms, and more.

Friday, September 6th at 8PM:

  • Beethoven's Egmont Overture: Experience the dramatic power of Beethoven's Egmont Overture, a masterpiece that sets the stage for the evening. Feel the surge of emotion as the orchestra brings this iconic piece to life.
  • Mahler's Lieder: Immerse yourself in the emotional depth of Mahler's lieder, sung by the renowned baritone Thomas Dreeze. Let the haunting melodies transport you to another world.
  • Brahms' Serenade No. 1: Relax and enjoy the serene beauty of Brahms' Serenade No. 1, a masterpiece of youthful Brahms. Savor the delicate interplay of instruments as the orchestra creates a harmonious soundscape.

Tuesday, September 10th at 6PM*:

  • Stravinsky's Pulcinella Suite: Discover the playful and energetic world of Stravinsky's Pulcinella Suite. Be captivated by the rhythmic vitality and infectious melodies that will have you tapping your feet.
  • Ravel's Le tombeau de Couperin: Experience the delicate beauty and elegance of Ravel's Le tombeau de Couperin. Let the intricate harmonies and lyrical melodies transport you to a bygone era.
  • Victoria Bond's Bridges: Victoria Bond's Bridges is a captivating orchestral work that invites listeners on a sonic journey through time and space. Inspired by real-world bridges, Bond has crafted a piece that is both evocative and thought-provoking.
  • Ginastera's Variaciones Concertantes: Enjoy the virtuosic brilliance of Ginastera's Variaciones Concertantes. Marvel at the technical skill and musicality of our orchestra as they bring this dazzling piece to life.

Saturday, September 14th at 8PM:

  • Barber's Adagio for Strings: Be moved by the poignant beauty of Barber's Adagio for Strings. Let the haunting melodies and emotional depth of this masterpiece touch your soul.
  • Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante: Experience the virtuosity of Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante, featuring Richard Roberts, concertmaster and Richard Young, principal viola. Witness the incredible interplay between violin and viola as these two masters showcase their talents.
  • Beethoven's Symphony No. 8: Conclude the festival with the joyful and energetic Symphony No. 8. Celebrate the power of music with this uplifting and inspiring masterpiece.

*Note: The start time for the September 10 concert has been changed from 8pm to 6pm to avoid conflict with the televised Presidential debate.

"This season," says Maestro Palmer, "we celebrate the transformative power of music. We offer solace through familiar favorites and spark curiosity with new discoveries. Join us for an unforgettable season that will touch your hearts and minds."

"Prepare to be transported to a world of sound and emotion. Our 2024 season is a symphony of passion and inspiration. Be captivated by the power and precision of our musicians. Our 2024 season is a must see!" Michael Yip, executive director

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to witness the virtuosity of our orchestra and experience the timeless beauty of classical music. Tickets are now on sale at thehamptonsfestivalofmusic.com/2024tickets

Mark your calendar! The Hamptons Festival of Music MainStage orchestra concerts take place on 6, 10 & 14 September 2024 at Festival Hall, LTV Studios in Wainscott, NY.

ABOUT MAESTRO MICHAEL PALMER

Michael Palmer (born May 8, 1945, in Indianapolis, Indiana) is an American orchestral conductor. Palmer began his professional career at age 21 when he became Assistant Conductor of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in 1967 under its legendary Music Director, Robert Shaw. Palmer was later named the ASO’s Associate Conductor. In that capacity, he founded and became the first director of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra in 1974. In 1975 Palmer was one of the first young American conductors selected as an EXXON/Arts Endowment Conductor by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Palmer left the ASO in 1977 to become Music Director of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra (1977–1990), followed by the posts of Music Director of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra (1989–1997) and the American Sinfonietta (1991–2002), with whom he toured Europe for 10 consecutive seasons. Beginning in 1993, he served as Founder and Artistic Director of the Bellingham Festival of Music (Bellingham, Washington) and, as of 2023, is now Conductor Laureate.

Palmer also was Guest Conductor for three seasons for the Houston Symphony Orchestra (1978–1981) and Co-Principal Guest Conductor of the Denver Symphony Orchestra (1979–1982) and has made international appearances as a conductor in Canada, Europe, and China. He has also held academic conducting posts as Director of Orchestras for Wichita State University (1999–2004) and Distinguished Professor of Orchestral Studies at Georgia State University (2004–2023).

ABOUT THE HAMPTONS FESTIVAL OF MUSIC

The Hamptons Festival of Music (TH·FM) is the brainchild of Maestro Michael Palmer, who has established, maintained, and sustained the Bellingham Festival of Music, the premier orchestral music festival in the Pacific Northwest, for over 29 years. (www.bellinghamfestival.org)

Maestro Palmer recognized the artistic gravitational pull of Long Island’s East End, which is deeply rooted in the works of many legendary artists. He set in motion plans to create a similar yet unique classical music and festival experience, specifically serving the local, year-round residents in East Hampton and the surrounding hamlets and villages.

Following the success of its inaugural pilot and sophomore seasons, TH·FM returns to the Hamptons for a third consecutive year to provide concertgoers the opportunity to experience full orchestral concerts in the intimate performance space at LTV Studio 3. Festival performances will present audiences with unforgettable experiences of live performances of some of the greatest classical masterworks.

TH·FM features internationally recognized guest artists performing with The New American Sinfonietta, the resident orchestra of TH·FM. This orchestra comprises top orchestral musicians from across the US, Canada, and abroad, including many who hold principal positions with leading orchestras and ensembles.

WEBLINKS:

For more information about Maestro Michael Palmer, visit: maestropalmer.com

For more information about TH·FM, visit: thehamptonsfestivalofmusic.com

FESTIVAL CONTACT:

E-mail: contact@thehamptonsfestivalofmusic.com

 

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