West Branch International Music Festival (Sept. 13th and 20th, 2009)
I love to flyfish! In fact, the passion borders on a sickness. When I’m not practicing feverishly for the next upcoming date, I’m either fishing or thinking about fishing. I suppose there could be worse vices, although my wife may not agree!
Over the years, I’ve cultivated a close friendship with the Batschelet family, who own and run the West Branch Resort (www.westbranchresort.com) near Deposit, NY. A few years back, I started to give impromptu performances for some of the guests up there. The response was overwhelming and Matt Batschelet and I began discussing the possibility of formal concerts and a music school at the resort. This September’s festival is a result of months and months of planning and a considerable investment on both of our parts.
Joining us for this year’s inaugural concerts are colleagues of mine from around the world, including America, South America, and Israel. The theme for this year’s concerts honors the bicentennial of the birth of Mendelssohn, although there are some other works included for variety’s sake.
But the real thing that sets this festival apart is the ambiance of one of the most beautiful parts of the Catskill Mountains and the one-of-a-kind accomodations, food, and wine that the resort offers. Weekend packages include lodgings, the concert, heavy hors d’oevres and wine tasting as well as the option of adding guided flyfishing or sporting clays to your weekend. What a way to stretch out summer for two more weekends! The prices are so low, you’d normally have to spend more for the rooms alone. If you only want to go to the concert, heavy hors d’oevres and wine tasting, the price is $40 per person. Reservations are required for the concert and for weekend packages. Relaxation guaranteed!
The musicians are world-class, the wines are from legendary Finger Lakes vintner, Constantine Frank and the excellent food, courtesy of Executive Chef John Cox. All that’s missing is you.