The Syracuse-based Society for New Music is one of the few community-based new music organizations in the United States and the only such year-round group in New York state outside Manhattan.
Founded in 1971, the society acts as a catalyst for the growth of the Central New York musical community by commissioning works by regional composers.
On Saturday, June 7, at 6 p.m. the society celebrates its 42nd consecutive season with an elegant supper served at Clear Path for Veterans at Eagle Ridge in Chittenango. The gala is called “From the Heart of New York.”
Eagle Ridge is located at 1223 Salt Springs Road in Chittenango, five miles east of the village of Fayetteville. Tickets cost $50 per person, or $125 for patron couples. Seating is limited to 75. For information, call 446-5685.
Music written by Marc Mellits and Duke Ellington and arranged by Dexter Morrill will be performed by the Society All-Stars alternating with readings by members of the Syracuse University Veterans Writers Group.
Tributes will be made to lawyer/composer Harris Lindenfeld of Cazenovia and lawyer/pianist Kevin Moore of Syracuse, each of whom have given invaluable legal assistance to the society over the years.
“Outstanding music, an elegant buffet and a gorgeous location will make this gala an event to remember,” said society spokesperson Terry Delevan.
In addition to commissioning new music, the society advocates for the performance of those works, and by providing regional musicians an opportunity to perform the music of their peers in order to gain new skills and techniques which can then be shared with their students.
“We try to bring new music to as broad an audience as possible, through performances, broadcasts and cable TV,” Delevan said.
The society will again host Cazenovia Counterpoint, an annual summer festival of contemporary music, art and writing July 9 through 19 in Cazenovia.
For more information visit societyfornewmusic.org.
Russ Tarby is an Eagle Newspapers contributor.