Senate Resolution No. 775

BY: Senator ANTONACCI

COMMEMORATING the 40th Anniversary of the
Skaneateles Festival

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those individuals and events whose commitment and creative
talents contribute to the cultural enrichment and entertainment of their
community and the entire State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Skaneateles Festival; and

WHEREAS, Since 1980, the Skaneateles Festival has brought
world-class musicians to the charming lakeside community of Skaneateles,
New York, for four weeks of chamber music, chamber orchestra and
children's concerts in the late summer; and

WHEREAS, The Skaneateles Festival was established by Lindsay Groves,
Claire Robinson, Beth Boudreau and the late David & Louise Robinson,
small town folks with a taste for good music; the informal setting,
innovative programming and community involvement make this an especially
nurturing spot for performers who are eager to return again and again,
and who are warmly embraced by the audience; and

WHEREAS, The first Festival performances were held in Library Hall,
a modest local performance space above the reception area of the
Skaneateles library; local performers with huge talent were the first
attractions on the stage, and continue to be today; and

WHEREAS, Although the Skaneateles Festival has grown exponentially
in number, range, and background of both performers and audience
members, the same spirit from four decades ago persists year after year;
and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 40-year history, and with the help
of its inspired artistic directors, the Skaneateles Festival has drawn
performers from all over the world; and

WHEREAS, Among the Skaneateles Festival's finest moments was the
first performance of a 12 year-old violinist named Hilary Hahn, as it
heralded a relationship which has lasted over 25 years, allowing
concertgoers to witness a skyrocketing career; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, such artists as Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz
at Lincoln Center Orchestra, pianists Joey Alexander, Peter Serkin,
Misha Dichter, and Garrick Ohlsson, bassist Edgar Meyer, conductor David
Zinman, as well as Time for Three and the Imani Winds, have also helped
bring the Skaneateles Festival to world recognition; and

WHEREAS, Today the Festival offers a full month of dynamic concerts
with record numbers in attendance; the popular outdoor Saturday night
concerts, held under the stars at the new Robinson Pavilion at Anyela's
Vineyards, often draws 850 to 1,000 listeners; and


WHEREAS, The Skaneateles Festival's striking combination of
community and high-profile musical talent has earned it countless awards
and accolades, including the CMAcclaim Award, three Adventurous
Programming Awards from ASCAP/CMA, a national prize from the National
Federation of Music Clubs and recognition from National Public Radio
with the Lucien Wulsin Award for best regional performance by a large
ensemble; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Skaneateles Festival is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its Artistic Directors Aaron Wunsch and
Julia Bruskin, as well as its dedicated staff, whose involvement is, and
always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled
enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all
endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, The treasured values of family unity and wholesome
entertainment for all ages are reflected in the Skaneateles Festival, an
event which helps to foster community spirit and cooperation and
preserves the beliefs, ideals and values upon which this great State and
Nation were founded; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Skaneateles Festival; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Aaron Wunsch and Julia Bruskin, Artistic Directors,
Skaneateles Festival.