Bach, Bartok & Brahms Classical Music Program At Roosevelt Island's Rosemarie & Robin Russell Family Concert Series - Saturday Night At 8

Bach Bartok Brahms Cello Image From R&R Concerts

The second 2009 Rosemarie & Robin Russell Family Concert Series will be held this Saturday, April 18, 8PM at Roosevelt Island's Chapel of the Good Shepherd (543 Main Steet) with a free classical music program of Bach, Bartok & Brahms. The musicians performing are:

• Jean Schneider, piano
• Gilad Harel, clarinet
  
• Ralph Allen, violin
• Iris Jortner, cello

Their previous Roosevelt Island concerts have been excellent and well attended. Among the comments from prior concert goers:

• "...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.

Some background on the Concert Series:

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 hold three events: a concert in Robin’s memory, a final student recital dedicated to Robin and 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....