Music education and performance

Arts & Culture , Music

The third annual bach cello suites workshop was held august 13-19, 2017. The week long workshop took place at the dominican retreat center in niskayuna, new york. Artistic director, zuill bailey, headed the faculty composed of professional cellists, phoebe carrai, melissa kraut and timothy roberts. Together they taught technique and musical expression to 29 adult cellists focusing on the iconic six suites for cello by johann sebastian bach. Additionally, the participants played in small chamber ensembles, both formally and informally throughout the week. Cellists were drawn from many different parts of the united states and canada. Some participants are themselves teachers who are taking this opportunity to continually advance their own skills. Others are dedicated amateurs who enhance their technical skills and interpretation while learning more about the history and background of j. S. Bach. On wednesday, august 16, cellist abby newton provided a mid-week change of pace presenting a session on improvisation with the cello. Her emphasis was on truly listening to fellow musicians and creating a compatible part. The week ended with several public performances. The participants were divided into 7 separate ensembles and along with the faculty played afternoon concerts at three medical facilities in schenectady, new york associated with ellis hospital. Following this outreach, the faculty played a free 'pop-up' concert in the lobby caf of the popular proctor's theater in downtown schenectady which was open to everyone. A recital was held on august 12 at bush memorial hall at the russell sage college campus in troy new york. A cello orchestra consisting of the participating cellists performed works they prepared during the week. The second part of the concert consisted of music performed by the faculty. This concert was open to the public and was attended by area residents.