Rosemarie & Robin Russell Family Concert Series Continues - Enjoy Schumann, Bach and Mozart on Roosevelt Island, Saturday May 17

Image from rr concerts

The second Rosemarie & Robin Russell Family Concert Series will be held this Saturday, May 17, 8PM at Roosevelt Island's Chapel of the Good Shepherd with a classical music program of Schumann, Bach and Mozart. Can't go wrong with those guys!
The musicians playing will be:

• Benjamin Hochman, piano
• Ralph Allen, violin
• Iris Jortner, cello

The first Roosevelt Island Russell Family Concert was a great success. Some comments from concert goers were:

• "...the program choices are great, the performers energetic and the space is great for chamber music." 3 viewers betw ages 20 to 59.
• "Wonderful music and musicians. It's rare to hear string trios; that was a real treat. I like the balance of Baroque, classical and contemporary pieces. Church acoustics were just right - not too echoey for the selection they played. And it was free! Great turn out; great flyers; great musicians! Thank you!!". From 2 visitors from New Jersey ages 20 to 59.
• "This event is comparable to a performance at Carnegie Hall or Lincoln Center! Thank you for sharing such a wonderful concert with our community." From 3 local people betw ages 0 to 59.

Admission is free. Here are the directions.

Some background on Rosemarie and Robin Russell:

The late Rosemarie and Robin Russell together organized numerous concerts and events on Roosevelt Island; they wanted to encourage music education and appreciation. Robin spoke about organizing a concert series which would bring music to Roosevelt Island on a regular basis.

After Rosemarie passed away, Robin continued their mission on Roosevelt Island and founded the Island Arts Music School. He established programs with the new Roosevelt Island communities at Southtown and Octagon. He had just started Musikids, a music and dance experience class for toddlers. Music was the catalyst and the reward. Robin was the director, secretary, accountant and one of the teachers at the school. Robin died unexpectedly in February, 2007, leaving our community at a tremendous loss.

In 2007, staff and students of Island Arts Music School rallied together to held three events: a concert in Robin’s memory, a final student recital dedicated to Robin and finally a holiday event presented as a gift from the musicians to the community. The audiences responded warmly with appreciation, enthusiasm, and support in remembrance of what the Russell Family brought to Roosevelt Island.