Forte Duo performing an informal house concert at Weatherwatch Farm
The Forte Duo – superb Russian violinist Artur Kaganovskiy and Hungarian violist Eszter Szilveszter – were in residence with us December 6-12. Their project was to record core repertoire for violin-viola duo: works of J.S. Bach, Handel, Pleyel, and Mozart. Our good friend, Adirondack sound technician extraordinaire, Les Parker transformed the spacious music room at Harvey’s Cottage into a practical recording studio. For four solid days they holed up and laid it all down!
Artur and Eszter with composer Peter Kelsh and recording engineer Les Parker
Composer Peter Kelsh had a parallel retreat the same week to focus on his current works-in-progress. He also wrote a short work for the duo, Hill and Hollow Hoe-Down, which was enthusiastically received by them, intensively rehearsed, performed at the soirée, and ultimately included in the recording.  Program notes have been commissioned from musicologist David Ossenkop. If all goes according to plan, a wonderful CD will be produced and should be available to the public by May – we’ll keep you posted!
Forte Duo in Saranac Elementary School
In addition to the recording project, The Forte Duo spent a day in the Saranac Elementary School to give children in grades K-5 their first taste of live classical string music “up close and personal.” Forte Duo also performed a beautiful, intimate house concert at Weatherwatch Farm for around 50 chamber music enthusiasts, which was followed by a delicious buffet supper – a most convivial evening was enjoyed by all!
