The Jasper String Quartet is Caramoor's 11th Ernst Stiefel String Quartet-in-Residence. Somers High School participated in this year's Student Strings program. Below are some essays written by the students who experienced working with the quartet and their reaction to the Nov. 22nd concert.
Review #1 - The concert amazed me! I was surprised by my reaction to the music. I enjoyed it more than I expected. I enjoyed the wonderful music, the skills of these musicians and the stories behind the music.
I love the second piece! I can get the idea that it was written by a composer who was sand and depressed. It was dark and deep with a lot of crescendo in it. It’s a lot different from Beethoven’s music. There’s a lot of pp and subito forte in it. The cello gave a strong support while the violinist played the main melody. It became happier and brighter toward the end.
As an audience, I prefer the third piece of music. It’s from “The Life”. It has three movements. This piece is not as dramatic as the second piece. It’s easier to hear the melody of the music. It has a more narrow range than the last one. Most of the notes concentrate in the low-pitch area. In addition to the lower pitch, there’s more weight put on the cello. It makes this piece of music more powerful and energetic than the last one. The middle part of the second movement gives me a sense of comfort with humor and happiness.
I have been to a lot of concerts before. But these four musicians make me believe that music is not only an organized sound, but also a way to express emotion, share one’s ideas and tell a story.
Review #2 - I was very surprised at the concert. Usually when I thought of violins and cellos, I thought that it would be boring to listen to. But, it wasn’t as boring at all and I actually really liked it. The music was a lot brighter and more intense then I thought it would be. I also thought that the way the musicians performed very enthusiastically really brighten up the whole performance. I thought it was really cool how the musicians were able to use their instruments to sound like ice, a train, or like the accordion. I never knew how exciting the violin, cello, and viola really are. I thought I wouldn’t like it because it would be too classical for me, but I actually really enjoyed it.
Review #3 - When I walked into the auditorium, I expected an okay or so, so performance. When they began to play, I was blown away by their talent. This was the first time that I’ve seen a string performance up close. The energy and passion for playing was greatly shown when they were into the song. I enjoyed it way more than I expected to. It was an amazing and remarkable performance that I will remember for a long time. To me, the four musicians looked like they had a special and unique connection when they not only played with each other but when they were speaking to the audience. I would love to watch them play again. Music to them isn’t just their job, it’s what they are passionate for and their career. Mrs. Harris, I am glad that you gave me the opportunity to watch the Jasper String Quartet perform.
Review #4 - This concert was not what I expected it to be because it was more interesting than I thought. I was surprised by the music because they played their song on the bridge of the instruments. I enjoyed it more because when I think of a concert I think of being bored, but they played some exciting things than I expected. I enjoyed the song where they played on the bridge because that gave me the feeling that I was experiencing what was actually happening.
Review #5 - The concert was much more interesting than I had originally thought it would be. It was very intense, I always pictured a string quartet as very dull and lifeless, however now, I see it as very emotional. I enjoyed the story aspect of it. I hate when I hear music and I just can’t grasp what it’s talking about. This quartet was like a journey. The man telling the story prior to the piece was also helpful. I would have to say that my favorite thing while listening to a piece like this is layering such as when the cellist plays a long, low note and the violins/violas are playing high, piercing ones, almost like notes that are dancing around. This was shown early in this piece.
Review #6 - The music was somewhat what I expected. I expected classical music but I didn’t know how much I’d like it. My reaction to the music did surprise me, due to the meanings of the songs but it made me happy. It was someway in which they played this supposed to be sad music in a happy way. I loved how they moved with such passion while playing. Also, how they were like a sports team; they worked together.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
TIme for the Top Ten
As the year ends, people like to look at top ten lists. Here are my favorite things about Caramoor’s 2009 season:
1. The Pops and Patriots Concert: musical fireworks inside the tent and a fabulous display outside for a wonderful Independence Day celebration.
2. Doc Wallace Trio Dancing at Dusk. Now every time my kids hear a banjo, they happily recall “that band we saw at Caramoor.”
3. Pam Frank’s exuberance when she works with Caramoor’s Rising Stars.
4. Béla Fleck and Oumou Sangaré: What a combination!
5. Susan Graham kicked off the Summer Festival and Sumi Jo kicked of the Indoors season.

6. Chick Corea, playing solo.
7. Paquito D’Rivera, playing anything with anybody anytime.
8. Alisa Weilerstein plays Caramoor in July; The White House in November.
9. Peter and the Wolf--Gotta love that Wolf.
10. The Caramoor Cavalcade. Even in the rain Caramoor shines!

Yes, I know I’m over the limit. But 2009 was an especially good year!
Christina Horzepa, Caramoor Contributor
Monday, November 30, 2009
Mission Possible
We are so close to reaching our $500,000 goal set forth in a matching gift challenge made by Mr. and Mrs. Donald M. Kendall! The gifts we receive in support of this challenge help to further Caramoor’s mission of presenting exhilarating year-round performances, reaching thousands of children annually through our arts-in-education programs, and mentoring the next generation of talented musicians. In these uncertain times, we are finding that Caramoor is even more essential to concert-goers, musicians, school children, and families, and we are so thankful for the support of our donors for making our mission a reality.
Lindsey Paro, Acting Membership and Special Events Associate
Lindsey Paro, Acting Membership and Special Events Associate
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Gift Giving (and Getting)
According to a recent New York Times article, this holiday season consumers are expected to cut their spending on gifts, which means I’m not alone in my quest to economize. I’ve decided to give practical gifts, yet I don’t want to appear stingy or sanctimonious.
My solution? Caramoor gift certificates, which will allow my favorite friends and family to experience a wonderful concert—of their choice—at a day and time that’s convenient for them. They’re available through the box office at 914-232-1252. While I’m at it, I’ll throw in a guilt-free gift for myself by purchasing a family membership, which allows access to Caramoor's grounds for picnics, deals on tickets, and other benefits.
As for my far-flung relatives who live too far away to visit Caramoor, I’m sure I can find something for them at the gift shop. Located near the Rosen House entrance and open during concerts and holiday musicales the shop offers a charming selection of art- and music-themed gifts.
Christina Horzepa, Caramoor Contributor
My solution? Caramoor gift certificates, which will allow my favorite friends and family to experience a wonderful concert—of their choice—at a day and time that’s convenient for them. They’re available through the box office at 914-232-1252. While I’m at it, I’ll throw in a guilt-free gift for myself by purchasing a family membership, which allows access to Caramoor's grounds for picnics, deals on tickets, and other benefits.
As for my far-flung relatives who live too far away to visit Caramoor, I’m sure I can find something for them at the gift shop. Located near the Rosen House entrance and open during concerts and holiday musicales the shop offers a charming selection of art- and music-themed gifts.
Christina Horzepa, Caramoor Contributor
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Making Progress
Since the matching gift challenge, issued by Mr. and Mrs. Donald M. Kendall, was announced to the public in early August, we have made great progress towards our goal of raising $500,000 before the end of 2009. It is very exciting to think of that little (or maybe not so little!) thermometer filling up, as we continue to receive gifts every day to help us achieve this ambitious matching grant. Because the Kendall’s will be matching all donations dollar-for-dollar, every gift we receive will have double the impact. With the continued support of our donors, we will fill that thermometer in no time!
Lindsey Paro, Acting Membership and Special Events Associate
Lindsey Paro, Acting Membership and Special Events Associate
Secret Spot
If you’re looking for a great spot for a party, here’s the best-kept secret: during select times when no concerts are scheduled, Caramoor’s beautiful venues are available to rent for special events.
So if you’re planning a lavish celebration for early spring or late summer, consider Caramoor. The neo-Renaissance terraces and courtyards—surrounded by lush gardens, rolling lawns, and majestic woodlands—offer a spectacular setting for any celebration. Not only is the location stunning, but it’s also easy to plan a party: Caramoor’s exclusive caterer, Great Performances, can help you design an event to accommodate the most creative needs.
Meanwhile, if you have something more modest in mind, here’s another secret: Caramoor’s Holiday Tea Musicales can be booked for groups. So if you’d like to host a few of your friends to an afternoon of tea and music, call in advance to arrange for group tickets.
Christina Horzepa, Caramoor Contributor
So if you’re planning a lavish celebration for early spring or late summer, consider Caramoor. The neo-Renaissance terraces and courtyards—surrounded by lush gardens, rolling lawns, and majestic woodlands—offer a spectacular setting for any celebration. Not only is the location stunning, but it’s also easy to plan a party: Caramoor’s exclusive caterer, Great Performances, can help you design an event to accommodate the most creative needs.
Meanwhile, if you have something more modest in mind, here’s another secret: Caramoor’s Holiday Tea Musicales can be booked for groups. So if you’d like to host a few of your friends to an afternoon of tea and music, call in advance to arrange for group tickets.
Christina Horzepa, Caramoor Contributor
Friday, November 6, 2009
Rising Stars ~ Day 5
This is last day of rehearsals for the group before their performances this weekend. Tickets are still available for Saturday and Sunday's concerts.
Three words to describe your experience at Caramoor:
Emily Deans: Caramoor = Crazy Cacophony of Contentment
Narek Hakhnazaryan: Amazing, Amazing, Amazing
Tessa Lark: Refreshing, (a) Blast, Inspiring
Laura Lutzke: Inspiring, fun, passionate
David McCarroll: Beautiful, Inspiring, Rewarding
Dimitri Murrath: Friends, Passion, "Stuff"
Arnaud Sussmann: Enchanted, Judy Evnin, Amazing
Yu-Wen Wang: Fun, inspiring, intense
Pam Frank: Inspiring, Intense, HOME
Three words to describe your experience at Caramoor:
Emily Deans: Caramoor = Crazy Cacophony of Contentment
Narek Hakhnazaryan: Amazing, Amazing, Amazing
Tessa Lark: Refreshing, (a) Blast, Inspiring
Laura Lutzke: Inspiring, fun, passionate
David McCarroll: Beautiful, Inspiring, Rewarding
Dimitri Murrath: Friends, Passion, "Stuff"
Arnaud Sussmann: Enchanted, Judy Evnin, Amazing
Yu-Wen Wang: Fun, inspiring, intense
Pam Frank: Inspiring, Intense, HOME
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