ONEONTA, NEW YORK – Springbrook, a New York nonprofit serving individuals with developmental disabilities, presents An Evening of Music at The Morgan Library & Museum in Manhattan on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. The evening will begin with cocktails and hors-d’oeuvres at 6:30 p.m., followed by a chamber music concert at 7:30 p.m. in Mr. Morgan’s Library, and a dinner reception at 8:30 p.m. All proceeds from the evening will benefit Springbrook’s lifelong programs for adults with developmental disabilities.
This year’s concert features a performance of the Quintet in A major for Clarinet and Strings by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The event is once again organized by world-renowned musicians Carmit Zori and Robert Rinehart, whose son, Daniel, is a resident of one of Springbrook’s Community Homes, and a graduate of Springbrook’s Tom Golisano Center for Autism. The concert was conceptualized by Zori and Rinehart as their way of “giving back” to Springbrook while raising awareness about the organization’s services for individuals living with autism and other developmental disabilities. Zori is a violinist who regularly appears as a soloist and chamber musician around the world and currently serves on the faculties of Rutgers University and SUNY Purchase. Rinehart is a violist and member of the New York Philharmonic, co-founder of the Ridge String Quartet, and a faculty member of the Manhattan School of Music.
Joining Zori and Rinehart on stage will be clarinetist Alan Kay, cellist Julia Lichten, and violinist Todd Phillips. Kay is Co-Principal Clarinetist and former Artistic Director of Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. He also serves as Principal Clarinet with New York’s Riverside Symphony, the Little Orchestra Society, the American Symphony, and the Orchestra of St. Luke’s. Cellist Julia Lichten is a member of the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. She has toured as a soloist with Orpheus as well as with Musicians from Marlboro and the American Chamber Players. Violinist Todd Phillips is in equal demand as soloist, chamber musician, orchestra leader/conductor, and teacher. He has appeared with many orchestras throughout the United States, Europe, and Japan. Like Zori and Rinehart, each musician has performed across the globe and currently serves on the faculties of colleges throughout the New York area.
“This wonderful collaboration focuses on music’s power to transform lives, reflecting Springbrook’s mission to support and enhance the lives of the hundreds of children, adults, and families the organization supports,” explains Carmit. “Robert and I look forward to the opportunity to share our story with guests at the concert, and to giving back in this special way to a place that has such a positive influence in the life of our son, Danny.”
Springbrook’s supports and services span a person’s lifetime, from birth through the end of life. “Adult programs like Springbrook’s Community Homes provide support in a 24/7/365 setting, ensuring each resident is treated with dignity and respect as they choose their unique path through life,” shares Patricia Kennedy, Springbrook’s Chief Executive Officer. “However, these programs are often underrepresented in state and federal funding.” Proceeds from An Evening of Music will benefit Springbrook’s lifelong programs for adults with developmental disabilities. Last year’s charity concert raised over $30,000.
“Through the generosity of our attendees and donors, we are hoping to surpass last year’s total and enable Springbrook not just to meet, but to exceed the expectations of each person who chooses to be part of our programs,” Kennedy says. “Many thanks to Carmit, Robert, Mr. Kay, Ms. Lichten, and Mr. Phillips for sharing their extraordinary talents and volunteering their time to contribute to our mission in such a heartfelt way. We’re looking forward to a wonderful evening.”
Tickets for An Evening of Music are $1,000 per couple. For more information, contact Stacey Grady, Springbrook’s Director of Development, at gradys@springbrookny.org, or by phone at 607-286-7171, ext. 283. The deadline to RSVP is Friday, November 9, 2018. Each ticket purchased will serve as a tax-deductible donation to Springbrook.