World-Class Musicians & Unbelievable Concerts at the Luzerne Music Center
This article is sponsored by the Luzerne Music Center.
Tucked away in a beautiful corner of the Southern Adirondacks is an outstanding music facility where you can see top-notch concerts each summer: the Luzerne Music Center. If you're a classical music buff, you simply must make the Luzerne Music Center a priority to visit this summer. This music institution draws only the best of the best from the music world, including their own President and Artistic Director, the world-renowned Elizabeth Pitcairn.
A Legendary Violin Soloist & A Violin With an Incredible Back Story
Elizabeth Pitcairn is more than just a great violinist. She has earned a reputation as one of the best violin soloists in the entire country, she tours around the world, and she brings her fierce passion for music to the Luzerne Music Center. Specifically, Pitcairn has a deep commitment to teaching young people about the wonderful world of music, and not just at the Luzerne Music Center. When performing on tour she makes time for school visits and leads master classes for impassioned music students.
Perhaps one of the most fascinating aspects of Pitcairn is the instrument she uses, and the captivating story behind it, because this is no ordinary violin! When Pitcairn was just 16-years-old, her grandfather gifted her the Red Mendelssohn Stradivarius of 1720. The instrument was crafted by Antonio Stradivari, who is considered to be the most famous violin maker of all time. And, the violin is believed to be one of the best sounding and most beautiful of Stradivari's violins.
Shortly after the violin was constructed it vanished for over 200 years. It turned up in Berlin during the 1930s, was bought by a New Yorker in the 1950s, and from there it was put up for auction anonymously in London, where it was purchased and ultimately gifted to Pitcairn. The mystery behind this amazing violin and where it disappeared to for so long sparked the inspiration for the film The Red Violin, which came out in 1998.
Given how huge Pitcairn is today in the classical music world, it seems incredibly fitting that one of the world's most legendary violins ended up in her hands. Pitcairn kept the identity of the violin a secret for many years, until her career really soared after decades of working with the most reputable violin teachers on the planet.
Pitcairn ended up playing with the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Academy of Music, has performed at Alice Tully Hall with the New York String Orchestra, and has performed in halls all across the world. She is a true gem to the Luzerne Music Center, which named her Artistic Director in 2011 and President/CEO in 2012.
What to Expect at the Local Venue
There are several different ways to enjoy concerts at the Luzerne Music Center: The Faculty Artist Series, Free Student Concerts, and the Luzerne Chamber Music Festival.
The Faculty Artist Series shines a spotlight on the talented Luzerne Music Center faculty and features curated programs. The Student Showcases are all free and open to the public and include Student Showcases and the Piano Prelude and Luzerne Symphony Orchestra. Finally, the popular Luzerne Chamber Music Festival welcomes renowned guest artists each year, with VIP tickets available for reserved seating in the front portion of the Jack Lawrence Performance Lodge. See full details about upcoming performances on their website!
More Than Just Spectacular Concerts
The Luzerne Music Center was founded in 1980 by renowned musicians, Philadelphia Orchestra cellist Bert Phillips and Steinway pianist Toby Blumenthal, with the intention of creating a place where passionate young people can learn how to hone their talents through world-class music instruction.
This mission has been accomplished tenfold, as now musicians ages 9 to 18 come from all over the world to train at the music center, including through their innovative Summer Music Camp.
The Luzerne Music Center attracts ambitious young people, talented musicians and instructors, and audiences open to new experiences. This is a full hub of musical activity and excitement, and it's right in our own backyard! Make sure to check out one of their thrilling concerts before the season is over.