Manhasset students have always made beautiful music and this summer, residents were able to hear lovely sounds from the Artists Program Chamber Music Festival at Suzuki on the Island in Manhasset.
The Artists Program Chamber Music Festival Concert at Suzuki on the Island in Manhasset was held at the end of August. The festival was at The Congregational Church of Manhasset and it included 46 young musicians ranging in age from seven-years-old to 16. The musicians came from various parts of the island and New York City and some have traveled from other states to participate in this musically enriching event. The SOTI Chamber Music Festival is under the direction of Ani Gregorian Resnick and it is in its sixth year and growing.
The students rehearsed from 2 to 6:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. Each day, the students have a full schedule consisting of chamber music rehearsal, orchestra, cello choir, theory and movement, and choir. The faculty consists of musicians and music educators from various parts of the country. The orchestra director was world renowned conductor, Leon Gregorian. A performance and master class was given by two-time Grammy-nominated violinist Jesse Mills, and Rieko Aizawa, pianist. Both are highly regarded in the world of classical music.
“It is truly remarkable to hear and see what these young musicians accomplish this week,” said Kimberly Iannuzzi Pidherny, a parent of two musicians.
Musicians who participated included Alexander Pidherny on cello, Kyria Pidherny on violin, Katherine Stackler on cello, Walter Stackler on violin, Natalie Wells on cello, Owen Schwartz on piano/cello, Drew Schwartz on violin, Lucienne Keyoung on violin, Spencer Wong on violin, Skyler Wong on violin and Sophie Vincoff on violin.
“The festival is really thriving,” said Ani Gregorian Resnick, artistic director of Suzuki On The Island. “Over the course of the week we accomplished so much and the kids are beaming. They participate in a chamber music group as well as string orchestra and choir. Our pianists have additional chamber music opportunities while the string players go to orchestra. We also offer our youngest students a music theory and movement class which they love! We have amazing guest artists come to do a master class for selected students in the middle of the week. This is always a big hit with the students and their families not to mention us as teachers as the class is always so inspiring. Our festival culminates with our Friday evening performances for the families and guests.”
Resnick founded the school in 2001. To see video of the performance, visit www.suzukiontheisland.com/summerfestival. The dates for next summer are already set for Aug. 19 to 23.
