"Among local summer music festivals, Tanglewood may have the bigger name, but the music making at Sevenars is just as distinguished, the venue is a lot more intimate, and the repertoire on any one program is likely to be a good deal more eclectic." July, 2017
Sevenars Concerts, established in 1968 in Worthington, Massachusetts, has been called "one of the six best small music festivals in the USA
" by Time Magazine. It has presented more than 300 guest artists since 1976, including world-renowned performers and prizewinning newcomers. Concerts are held in the landmark Academy established in 1895 by Russell Conwell, founder of Temple University and author of the famous "Acres of Diamonds" lecture. Sevenars Music Festival has been called cultural "Acres of Diamonds" and listed along with Tanglewood and the BSO among the significant musical attractions in Massachusetts (Farlex online). Sevenars was founded by pianists Robert and Rolande Schrade and their musical family, the first family of pianists listed on Steinway's global artist roster. Concert admission is by suggested donation (suggested amount $20), including refreshments. Parking free on site. Some comments from the press:
"Although the musicians may “relax” with their audience, which they view as their guests and friends, their playing is in no way relaxed or scaled back; it is serious, world-class professional...It is the combination of all of these elements, the fine music, the unique attractive and charming venue with good acoustics in its lovely setting, the musicians (hosts, hostesses, and visiting), the warm welcome and ambiance, and the personalized touches that make this festival at the same time different from so many others and so very special, and have kept people coming back regularly (sometimes persistently!) for so many years. If you find yourself in Western Mass on a summer Sunday afternoon and want a rewarding and satisfying experience, head to So. Worthington to hear a Sevenars concert." From the feature article " The Sevenars Concerts: Forty Years of Love and Devotion" in Classical Voice of New England, 2008
(For complete article, see www.CVNewEng.org)
About the founding family: "Generations of audiences have thrilled at the many recitals of this highly spirited group -- be it a full family affair or a solo performance when one of them takes the stage alone." Harris Goldsmith, New York Concert Review, Vol 9, #2
"The music may be high-powered, but on concert day the ambiance is still down-home and family." The Boston Globe (feature)
"The ambiance at Sevenars is as important as the music. The lovely New England setting and the warm presence of a closely-knit and musically-dedicated family bring us back to values in danger of neglect." Daily Hampshire Gazette
"The Schrade family, three generations of it, is filled with sound musicians." The New York Times
"Where the spirits are lively and the concerts even more so!"
Time Magazine
"a priceless gift to offer the world..." Springfield Union-News
"More than a concert--there is something profound at work. The Schrades' combination of musical and familial ties is strong medicine for a needful world." Springfield Union-News
Mailing Address:
Sevenars Concerts, Inc.
80 East End Avenue, 3G
New York, NY 10028
