Scarsdale Music Fest To Premiere Local Cantor's Piano Composition

SCARSDALE, N.Y. -- “The Ocean of Peace,” a piano quartet composed by Gerald Cohen, will have its world debut next month during a Scarsdale school’s annual music fest, say organizers.

Scarsdale cantor and American composer Gerald Cohen's piano quarter, "The Ocean of Peace," will be premiered at the Hoff-Barthelson Music School’s festival in Scarsdale in May.
Photo Credit: *Provided*

Carol Reif

04/18/2016 6:00 a.m.

Cohen, a Copland House Fellow, was commissioned by the school to write the piece for a student ensemble.

The Hoff-Barthelson Music School’s festival, “Celebration 2016: The Music of Our Time,” runs from Monday, May 9, through Sunday, May 15.

Cohen, who is the cantor at Shaarei Tikvah in Scarsdale, has been recognized with numerous awards and critical accolades, the school said.

His work has been hailed by "Gramophone" magazine for its “linguistic fluidity and melodic gift.”

His compositions have been performed by the Pittsburgh, San Diego, and Riverside Symphonies, Westchester Philharmonic, Plymouth Music Series Orchestra, Borromeo String Quartet, New York Concert Singers, and Princeton Pro Musica.

Also featured in the festival will be student and faculty recitals plus performances by the Festival Orchestra, Viola Clubs, Jazz Ensembles, Junior Voices, and Chamber Choir.

All performances but one will take place at the school at 25 School Lane, Scarsdale.

The May 15 concert will take place at the Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 468 Rosedale Ave., Scarsdale.

For the full calendar of festival events, click here.

For more information about the school, visit its website, www.hbms.org; or call (914) 723-1169, or email hb@hbms.org.

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