Hancock, NY (MMD Newswire) June 9, 2010 - - There's been a lot of noise over the last couple of years about the cost of different stimulus programs, with increasing cynicism about their actual benefit to communities. One man, internationally acclaimed violinist Odin Rathnam, has orchestrated (so to speak) a stimulus program that uses no taxpayer money, promotes the efforts of young virtuosos, and has the potential to pump a significant amount of money into a depressed Catskill community at the same time. It's a stimulus package even the TEA Party can love.
The event, the West Branch International Music Festival, will be held July 18 to August 1, 2010 at the beautiful West Branch Resort in the picturesque Catskill Mountains. It will offer a musical experience not typically seen in this small tourist locale, as well as an opportunity for gifted young musicians to further develop their already considerable skills through being mentored by, and performing with, an impressive roster of renowned musicians.
The idea for the festival was born from a series of impromptu one-man concerts Odin Rathnam performed at the West Branch Resort, one of his favorite places to unwind and get in some trout fishing. From the first time he played at the resort he was deeply impressed with the acoustics in the main lodge, declaring the venue to be ideally suited for string playing. The owners and other guests were equally impressed with his music, and it didn't take much to persuade Rathnam to perform at corporate retreats. Eventually he had the idea to invite other musicians, and the idea grew from there, with the first music festival being held in September of 2009.
Even more than the beauty of the place, Rathnam is impressed by the fact that even a small rural community, struggling under the weight of a broken economy, remains appreciative of classical music and hopeful for the future of the young virtuosos who will carry on the tradition of performing it. Inspired by the community's response to the music as well as to their clear need for some kind of economic boost, Rathnam has put together - and committed $100,000 to - the second West Branch International Music Festival & Academy. Says Rathnam, "I am so proud to be in the position to use the art form I love so deeply, and a few personal resources, to benefit both the students attending our Academy and the audiences who will share in these world-class performances with some of my most distinguished colleagues."
West Branch Resort owner Matt Batschelet agrees wholeheartedly, and is excited about the economic and cultural potential that the festival can provide to the community. He shares the worries of a community that has seen its commerce deteriorate, especially during the recent economic downturn, and also knows that it is rare for the citizens and tourists in such a small community to be offered a sampling of this level of musicianship.
The festival is almost entirely privately funded. While significant scholarship assistance is being provide by the Else Borges Foundation for Artistic Initiatives, the Anker Buch Prize (established by the renowned Danish violinist), and the Hall Foundation, the remainder of the budget is guaranteed by tuition dollars and by Rathnam himself. Almost all of the students come from rigorous training programs at such institutions as Juilliard, the New England Conservatory, Temple, the Royal Danish Academy, the Royal Icelandic Academy and more. Accordingly, the West Branch Academy's faculty consists of internationally acclaimed artists, in addition to Odin Rathnam they include Anthony McGill (the clarinetist who played at President Obama's inauguration), opera soprano Arianna Zukerman, cellists Wendy Warner and Sara Sant'Ambrogio, violinist Kurt Nikkanen, pianist Robert Koenig, and many more.
Rathnam is passionate about this festival, intending it to be a deeply rewarding experience for all who participate and attend, while providing a healthy infusion of revenue into local coffers. And that should be music to the ears of anyone who still holds out hope that a small group of passionate and determined folks can create something big and truly worthwhile.
For more information or to purchase advance tickets, visit the festival website at www.westbranchfestival.org.
Media Contacts:
Odin Rathnam
Artistic Director
West Branch International Music Festival & Academy
www.odinrathnam.com
odinrathnam@comcast.net
Michele Conrad
Executive Director
WBIMF&A
info@westbranchfestival.org
Matt Batschelet
General Manager/owner
West Branch Resort
www.westbranchresort.com
matt@westbranchresort.com
Sidebar:
Watch Matt Batschelet's interview about the festival
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