Yes, that was Litchfield Arts Council Treasurer, poet, and internationally recognized award-winning musician Thomasina Levy performing at Carnegie Hall last Sunday, Jan. 18, in a landmark event for the Mountain Dulcimer community on one of the world’s most prestigious stages!
The 17th Annual Performing Arts Educators (PAE) Invitational, a festival-style matinee showcase designed to celebrate diversity in music and dance, took place in the Isaac Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall.
The dulcimer performance featured a specialized ensemble of renowned Mountain Dulcimer artists who brought the traditional Appalachian instrument into a contemporary spotlight, demonstrating its versatility across various genres.
The ensemble, which also included an accomplished flute player, performed a Bach Minuet, (The Lover’s Concerto), four traditional fiddle tunes, and some clips of modern songs, all to highlight the diversity of the music a Mountain Dulcimer can make.
The musicians included some of the most prominent figures in the modern dulcimer world:
- Elaine Conger: A versatile musician and educator known for her “Dulcimer Hygge” approach and professional background in musical theater.
- Thomasina Levy: A former Connecticut State Troubadour and award-winning instrumentalist.
- Robert Brereton: A highly respected teacher and performer known for his technical precision and classical arrangements.
- Sam Edelston: Famous for his “Rock Dulcimer” style, pushing the boundaries of the instrument with contemporary and rock covers.
- Nancy Galambush & Carol Crocker: Accomplished players and educators who have been instrumental in the dulcimer community’s growth.
While Carnegie Hall frequently hosts orchestral and choral works, the inclusion of a dedicated Mountain Dulcimer ensemble under the PAE banner highlights the instrument’s evolving status in the professional arts world.
Learn more about Thomasina on her website: https://thomasinalevy.com/