Carol Shiffman with Nita Lowey. Photo/Mike Lee
The Music Conservatory of Westchester recently kicked-off their milestone anniversary year with an 80th Anniversary Celebration. The event recognized the dedication of Conservatory families, community partners, and alumni, with performances by faculty and students, award announcements, and a message from the new Executive Director, Carol Shiffman, about the Conservatory’s future directions. Lori Sheldon of Entergy, U.S. Congresswoman Nita Lowey, State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer, and County Executive Andrew Spano were honored for their continued support of the arts.
“This event was a great beginning, kicking off a year of festivities marking our 80th anniversary,” said Shiffman. “I have been here since July, and am inspired daily by the energy, vitality, and
deep sense of community that is so palpable here. Now is the time to honor our past, celebrate the present, and build our future.”
A series of special anniversary events, planned throughout the Conservatory’s 2009-2010 academic year, was announced. New York artist Rebecca Allan’s recent exhibition, Painting Music, was also unveiled and will be on display through the end of the year in the Conservatory’s Recital Hall. Guests enjoyed a slice of birthday cake and coffee service, graciously donated respectively by City Limits Diner and Tuscany Café. In addition, the Conservatory’s newly installed Faculty Recognition Wall with photographs of each of the 80 faculty members was on display. The Wall will be formally dedicated to former
Executive Director Lisa Deutsch during a special tribute concert on December 5. Deutsch has transformed the cultural landscape in Westchester and has touched the lives of many thousands of people. The Conservatory is thrilled to participate in honoring her for her achievements.
The Conservatory will also honor four longtime faculty members, Juliet Gopoian, Dorothy Jonas, Harold Jones, and David Krieger, at the December 5 event with 2009 Teaching Awards.
“The four faculty honorees are the finest examples of great teaching, consummate artistry, and dedication to their students. They epitomize our school’s educational values,” said Jean
Newton, Dean of Students and Faculty.
Anniversary programming will culminate with a gala concert on Saturday, May 8, 2010 featuring world-renowned concert pianist and Conservatory alumnus Garrick Ohlsson. Founded in 1929, the Music Conservatory of Westchester is the oldest and largest community arts school in a five-county region. “Although it was certainly a difficult time to create a new school, we were serving a clear need in the community. With support from a dedicated group of people, including the esteemed cellist and conductor Pablo Casals, we grew,” noted Shiffman.
Today the Conservatory serves 3,700 students ranging in age from two to 87 years, representing more than 30 nationalities, and hailing from 102 communities. A variety of program packages are offered and financial assistance is available for qualifying students. Registration is always open. For more information, or to learn about 80th Anniversary sponsorship opportunities, contact Jon Chattman, Communications Manager, at jon@musiced.org. The Music Conservatory of Westchester is located at 216 Central Avenue in White Plains, NY. They can be reached at (914) 761-3900 or by visiting www.musicconservatory.org. Follow the Conservatory on Facebook (Westchester MusicConservatory) and Twitter (@MusicCW), or check their new blog (www.musicconservatoryblog.org) for the latest news and updates.
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