Senate Resolution No. 775 BY: Senator ANTONACCI COMMEMORATING the 40th Anniversary of the Skaneateles Festival WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay tribute to those individuals and events whose commitment and creative talents contribute to the cultural enrichment and entertainment of their community and the entire State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Skaneateles Festival; and WHEREAS, Since 1980, the Skaneateles Festival has brought world-class musicians to the charming lakeside community of Skaneateles, New York, for four weeks of chamber music, chamber orchestra and children's concerts in the late summer; and WHEREAS, The Skaneateles Festival was established by Lindsay Groves, Claire Robinson, Beth Boudreau and the late David & Louise Robinson, small town folks with a taste for good music; the informal setting, innovative programming and community involvement make this an especially nurturing spot for performers who are eager to return again and again, and who are warmly embraced by the audience; and WHEREAS, The first Festival performances were held in Library Hall, a modest local performance space above the reception area of the Skaneateles library; local performers with huge talent were the first attractions on the stage, and continue to be today; and WHEREAS, Although the Skaneateles Festival has grown exponentially in number, range, and background of both performers and audience members, the same spirit from four decades ago persists year after year; and WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 40-year history, and with the help of its inspired artistic directors, the Skaneateles Festival has drawn performers from all over the world; and WHEREAS, Among the Skaneateles Festival's finest moments was the first performance of a 12 year-old violinist named Hilary Hahn, as it heralded a relationship which has lasted over 25 years, allowing concertgoers to witness a skyrocketing career; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, such artists as Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, pianists Joey Alexander, Peter Serkin, Misha Dichter, and Garrick Ohlsson, bassist Edgar Meyer, conductor David Zinman, as well as Time for Three and the Imani Winds, have also helped bring the Skaneateles Festival to world recognition; and WHEREAS, Today the Festival offers a full month of dynamic concerts with record numbers in attendance; the popular outdoor Saturday night concerts, held under the stars at the new Robinson Pavilion at Anyela's Vineyards, often draws 850 to 1,000 listeners; and WHEREAS, The Skaneateles Festival's striking combination of community and high-profile musical talent has earned it countless awards and accolades, including the CMAcclaim Award, three Adventurous Programming Awards from ASCAP/CMA, a national prize from the National Federation of Music Clubs and recognition from National Public Radio with the Lucien Wulsin Award for best regional performance by a large ensemble; and WHEREAS, The success of the Skaneateles Festival is in direct correlation to the efforts of its Artistic Directors Aaron Wunsch and Julia Bruskin, as well as its dedicated staff, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, The treasured values of family unity and wholesome entertainment for all ages are reflected in the Skaneateles Festival, an event which helps to foster community spirit and cooperation and preserves the beliefs, ideals and values upon which this great State and Nation were founded; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Skaneateles Festival; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Aaron Wunsch and Julia Bruskin, Artistic Directors, Skaneateles Festival.