The alphorn, the iconic Swiss instrument heard across the mountains, will bring the sounds of the Alps to the Eastman School of Music’s Kilbourn Hall during this year’s World Music Concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 14.
A favorite among local audiences, the concert by local musician Mitzie Collins and friends has become an annual tradition. This year’s event features the 10 members of The Alphorn Society of Western New York, the Eastman Community Music School’s Striking Strings Hammered Dulcimer Ensemble, directed by Collins, and bagpiper Peter Watson of Avon.
The program includes the Striking Strings and Alphorns presenting music for the Swiss hackbrett, an instrument similar to the American hammered dulcimer that’s been played in Switzerland for more than 500 years.
Watson will perform on the Great Highland Bagpipe, first greeting the audience outdoors as they arrive, and then playing in the concert hall. He will also play the Scottish small pipes, which are smaller and more mellow than the Highland pipes, with the air pumped by a bellows.
This year’s performance is the 20th World Music Concert organized by Mitzie Collins, and she says it will be her last in this series. “I have enjoyed creating these programs – and I want to go out on a high point,” she said. “I think that 20 years is a significant legacy. I will continue to teach hammered dulcimer and music history through the Eastman Community Music School, and I will also continue performing. I look forward to having a little more space in the summer for out-of town festivals.”
Tickets are $10, with a discount for University of Rochester ID holders and students. They are available at the Eastman Theatre Box Office, 433 East Main St.; by phone: 585-454-2100; online: https://www.esm.rochester.edu/concerts/ . For more information visit https://www.esm.rochester.edu, or contact the Eastman School of Music Concert Office, 585-274-1110, or the Eastman Community Music School office, 585-274-1400, community@esm.rochester.edu .
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Saturday, July 14
Summer@Eastman Community Concert – Mitzie Collins & Friends, World Music. Striking Strings Hammered Dulcimer Ensemble; Alphorn Society of Western New York; Peter Watson, bagpipes.
7:30 p.m.
Kilbourn Hall, 26 Gibbs St.
Tickets $10; free to students with ID; discount with UR faculty/staff ID. Available at the Eastman Theatre Box Office, 433 East Main Street; by phone: 585-454-2100; or online at www.esm.rochester.edu/concerts