Feature of Note PGS President
Paul Jackson Opens 2024–25
Third Sundays Series |
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Above: PGS President Dr. Paul Jackson and guests view manuscripts and letters during the September 15 Third Sundays event. |
On Sunday, September 15, Percy Grainger Society President Dr. Paul Jackson welcomed guests to the Percy Grainger Home & Studio (PGH&S) for the first Third Sundays presentation of the 2024–25 program year. Dr. Jackson explored the ways in which Grainger's collegial relationships with composers early in his career, especially those with Frederick Delius and fellow "Frankfurt Gang" composers Cyril Scott, Roger Quilter, Henry Balfour Gardiner, and Norman O'Neill, served as lifelong musical influences. This presentation was part of the PGH&S initiative, Third Sundays, offering tours that are part education, part interpretation, and a fun, informative alternative to the traditional historic house tour. While a room-by-room tour is included, the focus is always on one idea, with the collection providing the backdrop to illustrate and explore that idea. Follow this link to view additional photos and an overview of Dr. Jackson's September 15 Third Sundays presentation, |
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Above: PGS President Dr. Paul Jackson introduces his Third Sundays presentation with an excerpt from Grainger's Blithe Bells. |
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Membership HappeningsJohn and Richard Contiguglia Donate Manuscript Inspired by Percy Grainger
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In March 1950, a heavy snowfall welcomed renowned composer Percy Grainger to Auburn, New York, for a concert. Grainger’s arrival marked a turning point for local twins, John and Richard Contiguglia, who were to soon to share the stage with him. After being recognized at the train station, Grainger visited their home, where he enjoyed a simple breakfast and discussed music arrangements. During the concert, the twins performed pieces under Grainger's watchful eye, leading to a lifelong mentorship and a treasure trove of his music later sent to them. This unexpected encounter profoundly influenced their musical journey. PGS is delighted to receive an original manuscript arranged by the Contiguglia brothers into its collection. This gift joins the items donated in 2021. Read Richard Contiguglia's recollections here. |
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At the Home & StudioNew Blog Post: Little Treasures
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Percy Grainger meticulously documented the events of his life by keeping a daily journal and leaving detailed notes on items throughout his home in White Plains. We recently discovered a box in the basement containing a small envelope with a large history dating back to Percy's days courting his wife-to-be, Ella Viola Ström. Percy's handwritten notes provide context for the envelope's contents -- a small purse belonging to Ella. In our latest blog post (available here), we take a closer look at the connection between the purse and Percy's visit with Ella at her cottage in Pevensey Bay, England. A significant moment in their courtship, the visit is detailed from both Percy and Ella's perspectives in the latest issue of the Grainger Journal. If you haven't had a chance to read this special 60th anniversary issue, it is available to PGS members through this link and accessible to non-members here. |
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Save the DateOctober 17:
Sanctuary, Shelter, & Stage:
Exploring the PGH&S
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Join us Thursday, October 17 at 4 pm EST for the inaugural event of our three-part series, Sanctuary, Shelter: Exploring the Percy Grainger Home & Studio, where you’ll hear about our recent effort to honor Percy's spirit of innovation with sound, via GLOSS (the Grainger Library of Sampled Sound).
The discussion will be led by Curt Ebersole, one of our most active house tour guides, and Conductor and Music Director of the Westchester Symphonic Winds since 2008. He will present recent updates to the house and share fascinating anecdotes and insights from his experiences with visitors.
Board member emeritus, and originator of GLOSS, Mathew McGarrell, Director of Bands Emeritus at Brown University, will introduce the GLOSS program, reviewing the early years and the vision behind this groundbreaking initiative.
Professor Andrew Hugill's exciting presentation will showcase improvements to accessibility and ease of use to GLOSS. Follow this link to access Professor Hugill's new sample compositions using material from GLOSS.
The event also features an interactive demonstration of GLOSS program features, allowing attendees to explore this innovative technology on their own devices. A Q&A session with Curt, Matt, and Andrew will provide you with the opportunity to delve deeper into the topics that inspire you.
As we wrap up, we’ll invite your feedback through a follow-up survey, ensuring that we continuously improve our programs. Don’t miss out on this chance to connect with your passion for music and art, and stay tuned for upcoming events in this remarkable series! |
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Event KeyThe Percy Grainger Society is pleased to offer both live and virtual events. You can easily determine if the events listed in this newsletter are live or virtual by the color of the registration button: green for live events blue for virtual events
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The Percy Grainger Society
7 Cromwell Place | White Plains, New York 10601
Join/Renew
Donate
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Our mission is to promote the work and legacy of Percy Grainger with a membership community that preserves his historic house, encourages appreciation performance of his music, and promotes a deeper understanding of the cultural, social, and economic context of his life and work.
info@percygrainger.org
(914) 281-1610
www.percygrainger.org
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