Remember Caramoor, The Smaller, More Intimate Music Festival

   Can’t make it to Tuscany this summer? Volcano ash disrupting that family trip to Spain? Then consider a shorter hop down to Katonah, NY, where the Caramoor Festival is turning 65. At the sumptuous estate nestled among Italian cedars this summer’s concertgoers can choose from a wide variety of international events from opera to chamber music, orchestral performances, children’s programs and even belly dancing.

   More intimate than Tanglewood, Caramoor is a place to picnic, explore the museum, and listen to music. For starters, try “Extreme Chamber Music†on July 2 at 8 p.m., by a group called “2 Foot Yard,†with Carla Kihlsted, a Juilliard-trained violinist and vocalist. She is backed by two other musicians alternating among cello and vocals, percussion and guitar. A mix of pop song, Ivesian chamber music and edgy art rock, this is a wonderful way to introduce young people to something other than their iPods. On July 9 the amplified string quartet “Ethel,†a favorite in New York’s downtown scene brings music by Philip Glass, Terry Riley and other new composers to the Spanish Courtyard.  

   For children under 6 there is “Soundworld,†a journey through rhythmic activities, improvisation and movement led by young members of the New York Philharmonic on July 17 at 1 p.m.  Or, at the same time, a family concert in the Venetian Theater with Sandra Wong and the New Trad Trio offers a complete tapestry of folk music from all over.

      The gala season opener on June 26 brings together the formidable pianist Mitsuko Uchida and the Orchestra of St. Luke’s under the direction of Michael Barrett for an all-Mozart evening: symphonies No. 25 and 34 and the Piano Concerto No. 27, K. 595.

   

   For complete information, go to www.caramoor.org or call 914-232-232-1252.

      

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