Beautiful Music Indoors and Out

HUDSON – Pianist Gili Melamed-Lev, co-founder of Jazz and Classics for Change, starts each season by assembling a stellar group of musicians for each concert.  Often, she works with Eugene Drucker from the Emerson String Quartet and professionals affiliated with the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, one of the classical industry’s most sought after sources.

For this Saturday’s presentation, Melamed-Lev will be joining St. Luke’s colleagues and others to present what she anticipates will be a beautiful and joyful concert.  “Dvorak’s Piano Quintet is one of the great masterpieces of chamber music repertoire,” the pianist explains. “No less than Johannes Brahms was a fan of his work.  Then we’ve selected an Intermezzo by Kodaly.  And finally, a contemporary composition by Seth Grosshandler – a sonata for violin and piano that he wrote during the pandemic.”  The ensemble includes Krista Benion Feeney – violin, Anthony Bracewell – violin, David Cerutti – viola, Sarafim Smigelskiy – cello and Melamed-Lev.

“JCFC is dedicated to bringing music to everyone,” the Ghent resident added.  “Besides our public concerts, we also have an extensive outreach program.  Through “Kids Need Music” – founded and run by Craig Bender, we provide musical instruments to students of all ages.   And we also perform before those with special needs, seniors in elder care facilities and children of the incarcerated.  We want to reach people beyond race, gender, age or ethnicity and not be limited to one genre, or to a single geographical place.”

And, that’s one reason this week’s concert is being held in a barn.  “It’s a beautiful farm that we originally learned about during the pandemic.  Doors open on all sides and people can hear the birds in the background.  Those who’d like can bring blankets and sit on the lawn and enjoy nature.” 

Music lovers Brian and Lindsay Shea, owners of Tydeman Farm, 564 County Route 10, Germantown, are opening their [barn] doors to these classically trained musicians and the public for the day.  “This concert is open to all, in a barn open to all.  We hope the audience will appreciate great music in a wonderful setting.” The concert begins at 4PM.  Reservations are recommended. Go to www.JazzandClassicsforChange.org.