Caramoor to mark official opening of Sonic Innovations sound exhibit with free “Soundscapes” event

Caramoor Center for Music & The Arts in Katonah announced Thursday that it will open its grounds for the 2023 summer season with “Soundscapes,” a free afternoon of events beginning at noon on June 4. The event will feature live performances along with this season’s Sonic Innovations sound art exhibition.

Sonic Innovations features nine sound art pieces, including new and returning works. Sonic Innovations expands Caramoor’s programming with an annual exhibition of sound art from artists working with sonic materials outside the traditions of concert music. Sound art allows each artist to draw inspiration from their chosen location and its unique characteristics – acoustic, historic, architectural, or natural – and has been an integral part of Caramoor’s programming since the exhibition In the Garden of Sonic Delights in 2014, which won Arts Westchester’s Innovation Award.

“Soundscapes” performances will include Thereminist Dorit Chrysler performing and leading workshops on the world’s oldest electronic instrument. Jonny Allen will interpret Iannis Xenakis’ multi-percussion piece “Rebonds,” as well as play and jog between nine suspended bells in excerpts of Tom Johnson’s "Nine Bells." Pianist Conor Hanick will “prepare” a grand piano by inserting bolts, screws, bits of rubber, and other items between the strings for John Cage’s complete Sonatas and Interludes.

Image courtesy of Caramoor Center for Music & the Arts

Caramoor's summer concert season kicks off June 17 with a performance by vocalist Audra McDonald with the Orchestra of St. Luke's led by Andy Einhorn and continues with over 40 concerts through August 18 when piano rocker Neal Francis performs on Caramoor's Friends Field.