Caramoor has long been the exemplar of the transformative power of live music performed by world-renowned artists in a wide variety of genres, from classical music performances that seek to expand the canon by spotlighting pieces from living and/or under-represented composers, to American Roots, jazz, opera, global and site-specific sound art installations. With a stunning variety of music performed in its verdant open-air venues, Caramoor’s curated concert season presents performers representing a vast array of backgrounds and lived experiences.
Caramoor's grounds opened for the summer with "Soundscapes," a celebration of sound art in which visitors were invited to discover a world of fascinating sounds through its Sonic Innovations exhibition. Live performances included Thereminist Dorit Chrysler on the world’s oldest electronic instrument, and Pianist Conor Hanick musical art piece celebrating John Cage’s complete Sonatas and Interludes.
“True to the vision of its founders, Caramoor is the place where you can be transformed by the convergence of an exciting and diverse mix of remarkable live music performances, stunning gardens and grounds, and the beauty of an art-filled historic home,” said Edward J. Lewis III, Caramoor’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “The Caramoor experience leaves both the artist and audience refreshed and renewed, and compels all to return again and again.”
Caramoor's summer concert season debut performance was by vocalist Audra McDonald with the Orchestra of St. Luke's led by Andy Einhorn. The summer concert series will continue with over 40 performances through August 18th, culminating with piano rocker Neal Francis performing on Caramoor's Friends Field. Among the highlights of Caramoor’s adventurous programming this summer are the New York premiere of Ted Hearne’s FARMING performed by The Crossing; Grammy Award-winning Malian vocalist Oumou Sangaré; Handel’s Acis and Galatea with Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra; and the annual Jazz Festival, presented in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center, will be headlined by six-time Grammy-winning vocalist and MacArthur Grant recipient Cécile McLorin Salvant. Caramoor has also partnered with the Bedford Riding Lanes Association (BRLA) to offer an experience that includes an explorative hike on the private BRLA trails that surround Caramoor, followed by Music and Meditation in the Garden.
“Each summer, we curate an extremely broad variety of music and one of the most fun parts of my job is choosing, from among our many beautiful venues, the perfect setting for each performance,” said Kathy Schuman, Caramoor’s Artistic Director.
Caramoor boasts five unique venues for performances. New this summer, guests can attend intimate classical recitals in the Music Room, which was once the living room of Caramoor’s founders, Walter and Lucie Rosen. Large-scale concerts are presented beneath the open-sided tent of the Venetian Theater. Casual concerts on Friends Field have a chill vibe: guests bring their own blankets, chairs, and picnics (food is available on-site) while enjoying stunning sunsets. Intimate settings include the outdoor Spanish Courtyard, replete with a fountain and surrounded by the Italianate architecture and stained glass windows of the Rosen House. The Sunken Garden is the venue for Caramoor’s Music & Meditation series, classical guitar performances, and more. The grounds are also open to explore for free from Thursday-Sunday, 10:00am-4:00pm.
Caramoor is the perfect destination for gathering outdoors with friends and family to feel renewed by the dynamic power of music and the arts. “There are so many different ways to enjoy music at Caramoor,” says Kathy. “I truly believe experiencing a performance here is unlike anywhere else in the greater New York area.” To learn more about Caramoor and its summer programs, visit www.caramoor.org. | @caramoor
