By John Turner

It seems as though Susan Mark and the Skaneateles Festival are a match made in heaven.

Susan is in her 11th year as executive director of the annual month-long chamber music celebration, which on August 11 will kick off its 30th year.

During an interview last week from the SkanFest office in First Presbyterian Church, Susan said that her position with the festival was a natural extension of her college major.

“I was a technical theatre major at SUNY Brockport,” she explained.  After graduating college, she was stage manager at various companies including the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester and at the Bronx Opera Company in New York City before relocating to the Syracuse Opera.

“I was there (at Syracuse Opera) for a couple of years, and then I learned that the festival was looking for an executive director.  I wasn’t sure I wanted the position, but it’s like it was meant to be,” she said.

The festival’s search committee selected her for the position, and Susan said the rest of the SkanFest staff immediately embraced her as one of their own.

“I remember I went to a symphony, and David and Louise (Robinson, the festival’s former artistic directors) were there.  And David just put his arm around me and paraded me around introducing me to everybody.

“I was really touched by that,” she added.

David and Louise, along with local resident and cellist Lindsay Groves, created the festival in 1980.  That first year, SkanFest consisted of two weeks of intimate concerts at the Skaneateles Library Hall.

Through the years, thanks to the festival staff’s continued hard work and dedication, SkanFest has grown into a month-long concert series garnering international acclaim, having been recognized by the New York Times and major magazines like “Chamber Music America” and Bon Appetit.”

In 2005, Susan said, current artistic directors David Ying and Elinor Freer took the reins.  And tragically, in July 2006 David Robinson passed away.  “I know he is still missed by everybody involved with (SkanFest),” Susan said.

Interestingly, she continued, David Ying and Elinor Freer have “breathed new life into the festival.”  The married couple, who are part of the Eastman music faculty, are younger than the previous artistic directors.

“They know a lot of younger musicians, so I think the average age of the musicians that play at the festival has dropped some.”

Of the more than 100 festival concerts Susan has seen in her decade as executive director, one concert still sticks out in her mind.

“I think it was my first season as director, and the Miro Quartet played. … And it was the first time – in fact, I think the only time – that the audience demanded an encore,” she recalled.

“They just refused to leave without hearing more.”

Each week of the annual festival is divided into “themes,” and Susan said she is excited about this year’s subjects.

Week One’s theme is “Time for Three,” and will feature several musical trios including a performance by Tf3, a world-renowned string trio that combines elements of classical, jazz, country-western, and even gypsy music.

“These guys are really unique.  I think everyone’s going to love them,” Susan said.

And Week Four, “Hilary and Friends,” will mark the return of festival favorite and violin superstar Hilary Hahn, who will perform with various guests.

“People have always responded so well to Hillary.  We’re glad to have her back after five years,” Susan said.

To learn more about the 2010 Skaneateles Festival, call 685-7418 or visit www.skanfest.org

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Read other Up Close & Personal Stories from this Series.

Wednesday, August 11 – “FamilyFest: with Trio Solisti”
(Maria Bachmann, violin; Alexis Pia Gerlach, cello; Jon Klibonoff, piano)
First Presbyterian Church, 97 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles
11:00 AM
Tickets: FREE

Wednesday, August 11 – “Behind the Scenes: Open Rehearsal”
Trio Solisti (Maria Bachmann, violin; Alexis Pia Gerlach, cello; Jon Klibonoff, piano) and Alan Kay rehearse the Pulitzer-prize winning Tempest Fantasy with composer Paul Moravec.
First Presbyterian Church, 97 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles
2:00-3:00 PM
Tickets: FREE

Thursday, August 12 – “Time for Three“ – Part I
First Presbyterian Church, 97 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles
Tickets: $16 to $23, free for children 12 and under

7:00 PM: Behind the Scenes: Pre-concert Chat Join composer Paul Moravec and some of tonight’s performers as he discusses his works: Passacaglia and Scherzo.

8:00 PM: Dohnanyi Serenade for String Trio in C Major, Op. 10
Paul Moravec Passacaglia
Paul Moravec Scherzo (2002)
Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition (arr. Trio Solisti)

Friday, August 13 – “ Time for Three“ -  Part II
First Presbyterian Church, 97 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles
Tickets: $16 to $23, free for children 12 and under

7:00 PM: Behind the Scenes: Pre-concert Chat Join composer Paul Moravec and some of tonight’s performers as they discuss his work: Tempest Fantasy.

8:00 PM: Schubert Notturno in E-flat Major, D. 897
Carl Fruhling Trio in A minor for Clarinet, Cello and Piano, Op. 40
Paul Moravec Tempest Fantasy (2002) with readings from Shakespeare’s play

Featuring: Elinor Freer, piano; Alan Kay, clarinet; Malcolm Ingram, reader; Trio Solisti (Maria Bachmann, violin; Alexis Pia Gerlach, cello; Jon Klibonoff, piano); David Ying, cello

Saturday, August 14 – Tf3
Brook Farm, 2870 West Lake Road, Skaneateles
7:30pm
Tickets: $20 & $26, free for children 12 and under
(Rain location: after 3pm, call 315-685-7418 or visit www.skanfest.org)

The groundbreaking, category-shattering trio Tf3 (aka Time for Three) transcends traditional classification, with elements of classical, country western, gypsy and jazz idioms forming a blend all its own. This is a charismatic ensemble with a reputation for limitless enthusiasm and no musical boundaries. Join us for a spectacular evening of music by such composers as Bach, Leroy Anderson, Henry Mancini, and Brahms, as well as original music composed by the performers.

Featuring: Zachary De Pue, violin; Nicolas Kendall, violin; and Ranaan Meyer, double bass

Wednesday, August 18 – “Summer Suite: Villas, Vittles & Fiddles”
Location: Lago Vista Farms
4740 West Lake Road, Skaneateles NY
6:30 PM
Tickets: $70

A one-of-a-kind event… this evening features a gorgeous Skaneateles home, gourmet food and, of course, great music by the vocal ensemble Lionheart.

Thursday, August 19 – “Baroque and Before” – Part I
St. Mary’s of the Lake, 81 Jordan St., Skaneateles
8:00 PM
Tickets: $16 to $23, free for children 12 and under

Lionheart presents El Siglo d’Oro: this program will feature motets, Gregorian chants, spiritual songs and villanescas from 16th-century Spain. As the centerpiece, Lionheart will sing Cristobal Morale’s rarely heard ‘Ave Maria’ Mass from 1544. Other works will include Francisco Guerrero’s Canciones y Villanescas Espirituales from 1589 and Gregorian Chants for the Feast of the Annunciation.

Featuring: Lionheart (Lawrence Lipnik, countertenor; John Olund, Michael Ryan-Wenger, tenors; Jeffrey Johnson, Richard Porterfield, baritones; Kurt-Owen Richards, bass)

Friday, August 20 – “Baroque and Before” – Part II
First Presbyterian Church, 97 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles
8:00 PM
Tickets: $16 to $23, free for children 12 and under

Schmelzer Suite a 4
Buxtehude Sonata for Viola de Gamba, Violone, and Continuo (BuxWV 267)
Biber Serenata a 5, “Mit der Nachtwachterlied” (with the Night’s Watchman’s Song)
Vivaldi Concerto for Oboe and Violin in B-flat Major, RV 548
Bach Overture in A minor, BWV 1067

Featuring: NYS Baroque (Debra Nagy, oboe and recorder; Julie Andrijeski, concertmaster; Boel Gidholm, violin; Daniel Elyar, viola; David Morris, cello and viol; Heather Miller Lardin, violone; David Yearsley, harpsichord)

Saturday, August 21 – “Baroque and Before” at Brook Farm
Brook Farm, 2870 West Lake Road, Skaneateles
7:30pm
Tickets: $20 & $26, free for children 12 and under
(Rain location: after 3pm, call 315-685-7418 or visit www.skanfest.org)

Respighi Ancient Airs and Dances, Set 1
Vivaldi Concerto for Two Cellos in G minor, RV 531
Vivaldi Concerto for Four Violins in B minor, RV 580
Handel Water Music (from Suites 1 and 2)
Stravinsky Pulcinella: Suite

Wednesday, August 25 – “Workshops for Music Students”
First Presbyterian Church
97 East Genesee Street, Skaneateles
11am
Tickets: $10 registration fee for participants, free for audience

Featuring: Robert Moody, conductor and the Festival Chamber Orchestra

Wednesday, August 25 – A FREE Community Concert with the Sylvan Winds
Anyela’s Vineyards, 2433 West Lake Road, Skaneateles
2:00 PM
Tickets: FREE

Featuring: Svjetlana Kabalin, flute; Kathy Halvorson , oboe; Pascal Archer, clarinet;
Erik Holtje, bassoon; Nancy Billman, horn

Thursday, August 26 – “White Nights” – Part I
First Presbyterian Church, 97 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles
8:00 PM
Tickets: $16 to $23, free for children 12 and under

Saint-Saens Caprice on Danish and Russian Airs, Op. 79
Schnittke Piano Quintet (1976)
Tchaikovsky String Quartet No. 1 in D Major, Op. 11

Featuring: Elinor Freer, piano; Spencer Myer, piano; Sylvan Winds (Svjetlana Kabalin, flute; Kathy Halvorson , oboe; Pascal Archer, clarinet; Erik Holtje, bassoon; Nancy Billman, horn); The Ying Quartet (Frank Huang and Janet Ying, violin; Philip Ying, viola; David Ying, cello)

Friday, August 27 – “White Nights” – Part II
First Presbyterian Church, 97 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles
8:00 PM
Tickets: $16 to $23, free for children 12 and under

Liadov Eight Russian Folksongs, Op. 58
Rimsky-Korsakov Quintet in B-flat Major for Piano and Winds
Shostakovich String Quartet No, 9 in E-flat Major, Op. 117

Featuring: Spencer Myer, piano; Sylvan Winds (Svjetlana Kabalin, flute; Kathy Halvorson , oboe; Pascal Archer, clarinet; Erik Holtje, bassoon; Nancy Billman, horn); The Ying Quartet (Frank Huang and Janet Ying, violin; Philip Ying, viola; David Ying, cello)

Saturday, August 28 – “White Nights” at Brook Farm
Brook Farm, 2870 West Lake Road, Skaneateles
7:30pm
Tickets: $20 & $26, free for children 12 and under
(Rain location: after 3pm, call 315-685-7418 or visit www.skanfest.org

Borodin Nocturne
Stravinsky L’Histoire du Soldat (A Soldier’s Tale)
Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings in C Major, Op. 48

Featuring: Joshua Weilerstein, conductor and the Festival Chamber Orchestra

Wednesday, September 1 – “FamilyFest: The Birds and the Beasts!”
First Presbyterian Church, 97 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles
11:00 AM
Tickets: FREE

Join Artistic Directors David Ying and Elinor Freer for a musical parade of feathered and furry creatures. We’ll hear musical portraits of animals by composers like Saint-Saens, Rimsky-Korsakov, Faure, Rameau, and others. After the music you’ll get to take part in our own instrument petting zoo, where you can see, touch, hear, and play a wide variety of musical instruments. Fun for the whole family!

Thursday, September 2 – “Hilary & Friends” – Part I
Skaneateles High School, 49 E. Elizabeth St., Skaneateles
8:00 PM
Tickets: $16 to $23, free for children 12 and under

Kodaly Duo for Violin and Cello, Op. 7
Liszt Totentanz for solo Piano, S. 525
Mendelssohn Trio No. 1 in D minor

Featuring: Hilary Hahn, violin; Valentina Lisitsa, piano; Shauna Rolston, cello

Friday, September 3 – “Hilary & Friends” – Part II
Skaneateles High School, 49 E. Elizabeth St., Skaneateles
8:00 PM
Tickets: $16 to $23, free for children 12 and under

Beethoven Sonata for Violin and Piano in F Major, Op. 24 “Spring”
George Antheil Sonata No. 1 for Violin and Piano
Tartini/Kreisler Variations on a Theme by Corelli
Franck Sonata for Cello and Piano in A minor

Featuring: Hilary Hahn, violin; Valentina Lisitsa, piano; Shauna Rolston, cello

Saturday, September 4 – “Festival Finale with Hilary Hahn”
Skaneateles High School, 49 E. Elizabeth St., Skaneateles
7:30 PM
Tickets: $24 and $30, free for children 12 and under

CPE BACH Sinfonia No. 3 in C Major
Mozart Violin Concerto No. 5 in A Major, K. 219
Schubert Symphony in B-flat Major, D. 485

Featuring: Hilary Hahn, violin, Daniel Hege, conductor and the Festival Chamber Orchestra

For more information: 315-685-7418 or www.skanfest.org

Join us at the beautiful Lago Vista Farm, home of Arleen and Loren VanRiper, for majestic lake views, gourmet food and drink, camaraderie, and of course, a sampling of beautiful music from Lionheart.

Wednesday, August 18th 6:30-9pm
4740 West Lake Road Skaneateles
$70 per person

Click Here to Order Tickets

Order early – capacity is limited!

View Map

Contributed by: Laura Briel

Excerpt below from: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

Click here to read the full article!

“The Skaneateles Festival was born on the back porch of the Robinson family’s stately home on Skaneateles Lake. Thirty years later, the highlight of the festival, among the talented artists it attracts, remains the lakeside setting at the Robinson estate, known as Brook Farm.

“The house is kind of the nerve center of the festival,” says Elinor Freer, the Eastman School of Music assistant professor who, with colleague David Ying (of the Ying Quartet), serves as artistic director.

That setting allows the festival — which opens Wednesday — to keep close to its roots while expanding its reputation.”

Contributed by: Skaneateles Festival

Click here for a more detailed performance schedule!

Week One: Musical Memories

Although the Skaneateles Festival is only 30 years young, our audiences treasure our rich musical traditions. Join us for a look back at the early years of the Festival, spotlighting performers and music heard in our first seasons.

Wednesday, August 12 – Workshops for Music Students
Thursday, August 13 - Musical Memories – Part I
Friday, August 14 – Musical Memories – Part II
Saturday, August 15 – Musical Memories at Brook Farm

Contributed by: Skaneateles Festival

Villas, Vittles & Fiddles!

Join us at the magnificent lakeside home of :
Henry and Helga Beck

for gourmet hors d’oeuvres & drink,
camaraderie, and of course, a sampling of
beautiful music by the Parker Quartet.

Wednesday, August 19th
6:30-9 PM

Order tickets
More information

Thanks to our sponsors:
Henry and Helga Beck
Constellation Brands
Creekside Books & Coffee
Elderberry Pond
Fins & Tails
Joelle’s French Bistro
Joe’s Pasta Garage
P&C Fresh
Sherwood Inn

Contributed by: Skaneateles Festival

This season (August 12 – September 5) will be a 30th Anniversary celebration with memorable performances featuring some old Festival friends.

Mark Kaplan, Steve Doane, Michelle LaCourse and Andres Cardenes will all be back and renowned guitarist Eliot Fisk will give a solo recital.

We will celebrate music from New York for an entire week, called “I Love New York,” with music by composers who lived in or were inspired by New York, including Michael Torke, Nathaniel Dett, Samuel Barber, Virgil Thompson, and Sergei Rachmaninoff. The centerpiece will be a world premiere by young composer Carter Pann that celebrates life in Central New York.

Contributed by Skaneateles Festival

A Tour of Vintage Europe in Skaneateles, NY will take place from August 20 – 23. Departure Point: First Presbyterian Church and Destinations: Paris – Vienna – England – Norway – Germany – Switzerland. To order your tickets click here.

Itinerary:

Wednesday, August 20
2:00 pm – Get a sneak peak of this week’s upcoming performances as Festival musicians join forces to rehearse a chamber music masterpiece.

8:00 pm – Experience an authentic Turn-of-the-Century Organ Recital with David Higgs.

Thursday, August 21
8:00 pm – Mahler and Brahms will lead us through the most glorious concert halls and music salons of Vienna.  Featuring: Melvin Chen, piano; Elinor Freer, piano; Alexis Pia Gerlach, cello; Randall Scarlata, baritone; Ittai Shapira, violin; David Ying, cello; and Phillip Ying, viola.

Friday, August 22
7:00 pm – Professor Amy Wyngaard will delight us with fascinating stories of literary and artistic life in turn-of-the-century Paris.
8:00 pm – We tour Paris in all its musical glory with Debussy, Satie, Vierne, Turina, and Franck. Featuring: Melvin Chen, piano; David Ying and Elinor Freer, cello and piano; Alexis Pia Gerlach, cello; David Higgs, organ; Michael Larco, viola; Tai Murray, violin; Randall Scarlata, baritone; Ittai Shapira, violin; Phillip Ying, viola

August 23, departing from Brook Farm
8:00 pm – Tonight’s tour guides include Vaughan Williams, Grieg, Elgar, and Wagner in an all-inclusive journey of Europe’s musical capitals.

Don’t forget to visit the Skaneateles Festival website to order your tickets!

Contributed by Susan Mark / Skaneateles Festival

The Skaneateles Festival presents this summer’s special event: Villas, Vittles & Fiddles!

Join us at the magnificent lakeside home of Don and Chacea Sundman for gourmet hors d’oeuvres & drink, camaraderie, and of course, a sampling of beautiful music.

Date and Time: Wednesday, August 13th, 7PM – 9PM

For more information visit our website here.

Thanks to our sponsors:

• Hiscock & Barclay
• Don and Chacea Sundman
• Constellation Brands
• Fins and Tails
• Blue Water Grill
• Joelle’s French Bistro
• P&C Foods
• Sherwood Inn

Contributed by Susan Mark / Skaneateles Festival

Skaneateles Festival: World Class Music By The Lake

SKANEATELES FESTIVAL UNVEILS 2008 SUMMER SEASON
Four weeks of music that will transport you!
Jazzing it up with Grammy–winning Turtle Island Quartet
The grandeur of the Concert Organ with David Higgs
Imani Winds, Tai Murray, Miró Quartet, and more international sensations

Skaneateles NY – There’s nothing quite like the sound of an oboe amidst the crickets, or a piano concerto floating over lake water. Nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, the Skaneateles Festival brings the magnificence of chamber music in all its forms to summer nights. The results, hailed as “world class”, have galvanized over 7,000 eager listeners each season and garnered close attention and bright acclaim from The New York Times, Boston Globe, Bon Appetit, The New Yorker, and The Wall Street Journal. All this, right in Skaneateles’ own beautiful Presbyterian Church, or (Saturday nights) outdoors under the stars, where listeners are welcomed to the elegance of the sloping lakeside lawn at Brook Farm – and are encouraged to celebrate with their own summer evening picnic!