Chamber music lends café concert panache

Part of the Weekend of Chamber Music’s Summer Festival HAWLEY — The Weekend of Chamber Music’s Summer Festival 2008 - Music for All Time will arrive at The Settlers Inn for “Café Concert with Panache!” on Tuesday, July 22 at 6 p.m. The concert will include a summer supper in The Settlers Inn Undercroft Room followed by the music of Bach, Schubert, Pleyel and other legendary composers performed by flutist Judith Pearce, violinist Mark Rush, cellist Caroline Stinson, and fortepianist Kenneth Hamrick. Cost is $55 per person; reservations are suggested. “We are delighted to host ‘Café Concert with Panache!’ which will feature some of our region’s premiere musicians in an intimate and artful setting,” says Settlers proprietor Jeanne Genzlinger. Judith Pearce, Founder and Artistic Director of WCM, has been described by The New Yorker as “a rare and beautiful performer who can transport listeners with a single note.” Pearce has played in many great concert halls including the Lincoln and Kennedy Centers, London’s Festival Hall, La Scala Milan, Berlin’s Philharmonie, the Beethovenhalle, Bonn, and the Sydney Opera House. Violinist Mark Rush is a soloist, chamber musician and teacher whose diverse career encompasses many interests and musical disciplines. Educated at Yale School of Music, his many honors include a Fulbright Award to study in Brussels. Since 1981, he has collaborated with his wife, pianist Tannis Gibson, in recitals and ensembles, most notably with the Monticello Trio. Cellist Caroline Stinson is the winner of the 2007 J.B Watkins Prize from the Canada Council for the Arts. She dedicates equal time to traditional and contemporary repertoire and has become known for her expressive and personal interpretation of new works. Fortepianist and harpsichordist Kenneth Hamrick is a conductor, keyboard soloist and musicologist who has garnered top prizes at many major festivals and competitions. Hamrick has performed with soloists and ensembles from the NY Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera, and has also collaborated with tap legend Savion Glover and the Limón Dance Company on projects involving both baroque harpsichord concertos and jazz improvisation. The chef-owned Settlers Inn offers exquisitely prepared food and exceptional service. For more information or reservations for “Café Concert with Panache!” visit WCMconcerts.org or call 845-887-5803.