Access to Music

Our Access to Music program offers arts events such as free live concerts, music apprecation classes, open rehearsals, and interactive workshops to underserved communities and audiences who because of illness, age , lack of exposure, or economic means, are not capable of attending, or choose not to attend such events in traditional settings. It was inspired by the Community Service Fellowship Program at The Juilliard School, where students are given these types of performance experiences in exchange for educational stipends. Concerts are performed by our resident chamber music group, the Phoenix Ensemble.

We reach a large cross-section of people with our work, from all five boroughs of New York City, representing a wide range of ages and backgrounds. The choice of repertoire and the atmosphere we create for our projects differ greatly depending on the target audience, resulting in formal concerts, relaxed informal performances involving casual dress for both audience and musicians, or events involving enhanced audience interaction and participation. Our musicians connect with their audiences by talking to them during the performance and meeting them afterwards to answer questions, share thoughts about the concert, or just engage in casual conversation. When performing on a regular basis at the same venue or facility, our performers often develop friendships with concert-goers, becoming ambassadors for the arts, and valuable members of their community. Our intention is to break the traditional barrier that exists between the stage and the public, to create an enlightened and enjoyable atmosphere, giving an alternative experience to those who might find more traditional concerts undesirable or intimidating, and to provide enriching musical events to those that simply cannot experience them as traditionally offered.

Community Residencies & Partnerships

Our residencies and partnerships give our musicians an opportunity to make a true lasting impression on our audiences, and can run several weeks or a period of years. In establishing these long-term collaborations, we identify facilities that serve a diverse membership and surrounding community, and are in need of a creative presence. We then design short term and long range goals tailored to the specific needs of the venue. These projects always include a concert series presented by our Phoenix Ensemble, along with a mix of other events: music appreciation classes, open rehearsals, pre and post concert lectures, private and group lessons, and chamber music workshops for talented amateur musicians in the community. Over a period of time, the community takes ownership of our musicians and they become, for the term of the partnership, creative staff and a part of the culture of the facility. For a community in need of quality arts programming, establishing a lasting relationship with a group of artists is invaluable. Interacting with our musicians through these partnerships, our audiences acquire a deeper understanding and appreciation of the arts and the creative process, and in turn are more comfortable in making the arts a part of their lives.

Music for the Elderly Series

Ansonia Music Outreach and our Access to Music program continue to bring free classical music performances and music events to residents of nursing homes, senior centers, and senior care facilities in New York City, through our Music for the Elderly Series. There is a significant and continuing need for the presentation of music to these audiences. We provide enriching arts experiences where previously none were offered, and in many cases our musicians help maintain the quality of life that our audiences were used to when living in the community, as well as provide a therapeutic relief to those who are undergoing a difficult period in their lives. In addition, we offer biweekly music and opera appreciation classes to these seniors. Providing these classes makes a long term impact on the quality of their lives, encouraging them to discover something new, and inspiring them to experience even more enjoyment and benefit from the music they know and care about.