Phoenicia Festival of the Voice

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Calandra Cruickshank: 888-214-3063; c.cruickshank@PhoeniciaVoiceFest.com
Catskill Village Attracts “Met” Stars for New Summer Festival
Reviving a century-old tradition of Opera in the Catskills
PHOENICIA, NY (Aug 2, 2010): When diva Amelita Galli-Curci practiced singing at her Catskill Mountain retreat Sul Monte, she would literally stop traffic, or so the story goes. In the not-too-distant past, a town wasn’t considered “finished” until it had an opera house. From Poughkeepsie’s Bardavon 1869 Opera House to Woodstock’s Turnau Opera House to the Robert Jenkins House (1880) in Hudson, opera halls sprang up throughout the Hudson Valley, enjoyed by the “who’s who” of New York society and locals, alike.  Reviving the century old tradition of opera singers retreating to the Catskills, set by Galli-Curci, Robert Merrill, Beverly Sills and others, renowned Metropolitan Opera baritone Louis Otey and his wife, mezzo-soprano Maria Todaro, have made their home in the quaint hamlet of Phoenicia. Fellow baritone Kerry Henderson has followed suit with his family. But this trio is not content to swing in hammocks and throw the occasional cocktail party. Rather, they are “putting Phoenicia on the map” by creating the first annual “Phoenicia Festival of the Voice”.  The music world has taken note, and Otey, Todaro and Henderson’s efforts are now being supported by some of the greatest musical talents of our time, including Frederica Von Stade, Leon Botstein, Deborah Voigt and George Tsontakis, who have all recently joined the team’s board of advisors.  “The goal is to create a cultural destination in Phoenicia that complements the rich variety of attractions already available in the Catskills,” says Todaro, referring to adjacent music festivals held at Belleayre and Hunter ski centers, and applauding the efforts of the local Catskill Mountain Foundation, which is building the new Orpheum Theatre in nearby Tannersville.
The Phoenicia Festival of the Voice will present a three day, open air celebration of the glory of the human voice in a field in the heart of the little hamlet, August 13-15, 2010. The trio’s extravagant programming includes concerts, recitals and theatrical presentations featuring internationally acclaimed performers as well as popular local performers. Leading coloratura soprano Elizabeth Futral will open the Festival with a not-to-be missed gala performance, and the centerpiece of the weekend will be a concert version of Verdi’s much loved opera, “FALSTAFF”, conducted by Metropolitan Opera maestro Steven White.
Additional programming includes Grammy Award-winning Native American flutist and singer, Joseph FireCrow presenting a concert of native song, woodwind, and percussion. Noted pianist Justin Kolb will present pianistic pyrotechnics and outrageous spoken words with local favorite Jay Braman, Jr. The musical revue “Closer Than Ever” will run at the historic ShandakenTheatrical Society Playhouse featuring Broadway artists, and for children of all ages, there will be a fun-filled show by the everpopular “Uncle Rock”. The three-day Festival will wrap up with a glorious Choral Grand Finale.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can explore the picturesque hamlet of Phoenicia on a unique Musical Walking Tour, discovering the town’s charming local churches featuring Baroque and sacred music performances, as well as performances by critically acclaimed gospel singer Rozz Morehead and Mitchell Bach, a descendant of Johann Sebastian Bach. Visitors can also discover culinary and shopping delights from local restaurants, shops and galleries, and enjoy accommodations at local favorite inns, from the cozy and elegant Phoenicia Belle Bed & Breakfast to the award-winning Emerson Resort & Spa, which is offering VIP ticket packages for the event. For complete program scheduling, and list of dining and accommodations, visit http://www.PhoenciaVoiceFest.com.
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This project is made possible in part through support from the County of Ulster’s Ulster County Cultural Services & Promotion Fund administrated by Dutchess County Arts Council.

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