White Plains, NY – The Music Conservatory of Westchester welcomes New York Philharmonic Associate Principal Bassist Jon Deak for a February concert lineup that celebrates world renowned musicians and budding young artists alike.  Joined by violinist Joanna Jenner, founding member of Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and noted piano soloist and chamber musician Zeyda Ruga Suzuki, the trio presents “Serious But Not Stuffy,” classical music with a twist of humor, on Friday, February 26 at 7PM. The following day, February 27 at 3PM, “Piano, Percussion, and Harp” will offer children a fun, informative, and hands-on introduction to the instruments with music written and performed by Conservatory composition students.

Also a prominent composer, Jon Deak’s compositions have lead to Pulitzer Prize nominations as well as commissions and premieres by the New York Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra, and numerous chamber music groups and festivals. “Serious But Not Stuffy” will feature Deak’s work mixed in with familiar favorites – Mozart, Chopin, and a variety of short salon pieces.

“Jon has gained great success in his unique educational efforts on behalf of young composers,” said Joanna Jenner, violin faculty member at the Conservatory. “Zeyda and I love playing his music as much as audiences of all ages enjoy hearing it!” Deak will also perform a solo of his own, B. B. Wolf, that engages the audience through music, speech and even a little acting.

“It’s really exciting – and valuable – for students to learn about how music is created as well as performed,” said Jean Newton, the Conservatory’s Dean of Students and Faculty. “We’re thrilled to have faculty like Joanna Jenner, who perform at the highest level and also really enjoy teaching kids. We’re also thrilled that Mr. Deak will be coming to work with our students as well as perform with Ms. Jenner.”

On February 27, Deak will offer a free children’s composition workshop at the Conservatory. The workshop, which begins at 12:30PM, is open to the public. Advanced registration is requested.

Later that afternoon, “Piano, Percussion, and Harp” will teach audience members about what the three instruments have in common through engaging demonstrations and original compositions written and performed by Conservatory students. Children also have the opportunity to see, touch, and try out the different instruments prior to the concert at 2:30PM.

Performances are held in the Conservatory’s Helen Demetrios and Michael Stadther Recital Hall. Tickets for “Serious But Not Stuffy” and “Piano, Percussion, and Harp” are $15; $10 for students and senior citizens; and free for Conservatory students and faculty. For tickets or to register for the composition workshop, call the Box Office at (914) 761-3900 x155. Tickets may also be purchased online: seriousbutnotstuffy.eventbrite.com or kidsoncentral.eventbrite.com. All tickets are held at the door and may be retrieved one half-hour before a concert. Reservations are recommended.

In addition to its Live on Central season, the Music Conservatory of Westchester also presents a Noonday Getaway series in conjunction with Downtown Music at Grace. Concerts are free, open to the public, and held at Grace Church, 33 Church Street in White Plains, NY at 12:10 p.m. On February 24, Conservatory faculty guitarist Thomas Flippin performs works by living composers in “The Modern Guitar” as part of the series.

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.musicconservatoryonline.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.

About the Music Conservatory of Westchester
The Music Conservatory of Westchester is a non-profit community school of the arts, providing outstanding music, musical theatre, and music therapy programs for people of all ages and abilities. The Conservatory’s 36,000-square-foot facility in White Plains offers a Recital Hall and 43 acoustically designed classrooms and teaching studios. The Conservatory is chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, a member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts, and is one of only 19 non-degree granting institutions in the country to be fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

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