Music among the wildflowers

WHITE MILLS n New York City in the wonderful Wildflower Woods? Was that possible? Indeed, it was. New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players (NYGASP) opened the 25th Wildflower Music Festival on Saturday, June 23, on the grounds of the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary in White Mills, just west of Hawley. The Wand’ring Minstrels, a group of five voices and one very talented pianist from NYGASP treated the audience to a two-part Gilbert and Sullivan feast. Part one was an abbreviated narrated version of “The Pirates of Penzance,” with each singer assuming multiple roles. The second part was a presentation of various selections from the Gilbert & Sullivan repertory in a spontaneous cabaret format. The Wand’ring Minstrels then performed impromptu renditions of audience requests. This was an astounding display of accomplishment on the part of the artists who knew every word of every Gilbert and Sullivan Operetta, as well as the Gilbert & Sullivan aficionados in the audience. In effect, it was a highly sophisticated and wonderfully professional version of “Try and Stump the Band ” and, much to everyone’s delight, the Wand’ring Minstrels could not be stumped. There were about 300 people in the audience; many from Pike, including sponsors. The setting was perfect with the huge trees and expanse of grass, and people sat on their blankets or lawn chairs, having picnics, drinking wine, and enjoying the surroundings and music. Joan Gillner, executive director of the Wildflower Music Festival, is excited about the success of the festival and its bright future. Gillner said, “When Wildflower began 25 years ago, the audiences were small and the friends who were invited spaced themselves so the performers would think there was a crowd. After a few years, word began to spread and before long the audiences have grown to hundreds.” The Wildflower season is eight weeks, from late June to the second week of August. Gillner said, “We are improving and adding, while always maintaining the essential beauty and quality of Wildflower. In addition to our 6 p.m. Saturday evening concerts, there will be two Sunday afternoon concerts at 4 p.m. this year. We are expecting about 700 for our special Preservation Hall Jazz Band concert this year.“ This weekend, Solid Brass will strike a patriotic theme. Tickets are $20, $30 for the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, either at the gate or by calling 570-253-5500. For more details, visit www.wildflowermusic.org .