Mount Kisco Concert Association

Welcome to the website for the Mount Kisco Concert Association (MKCA), based in Mt. Kisco, NY.  Below is some basic information about our organization and you may use the site map above to move around our website to learn more.         

Mission:

Mount Kisco Concert Association (MKCA) has a mission to bring world-class classical music to small audiences in a unique intimate way--in beautiful private homes.

Background:

Started 43 years ago, MKCA offers classical music performed by world-class artists in beautiful homes—the way classical music was originally intended to be heard.Given the proximity to New York City, MKCA attracts artists when they are performing at New York’s most venerable concert halls by offering them an opportunity to play in an intimate setting. This provides both artists and audiences alike with a unique musical experience. The close proximity of the players allows the concertgoer to respond to their musical gestures and dialog.  The musicians in turn are touched by the responses of the audience, an experience typically lost in a large, impersonal concert hall.

The interaction does not just end with the performance. With the “Meet the Artists” reception following each concert, audience members can talk with the artists, discussing their music, their backgrounds, etc.Rarely is such musical intimacy available with world-class musicians. The musicians love this format so much that they play for reduced fees and frequently request to be invited back.  Here are some comments by a few of the artists who have performed for MKCA in recently:

    " The afternoon was absolutely delightful, and we were so honored to be part of it!  The space was so welcoming and friendly (perfect for chamber music), the house was exquisite, everyone I met and spoke to was wonderful, the lunch was fantastic, and the reception was truly spectacular!  What a treat for us all around.  We cannot thank you enough for all your efforts to make this happen.  We would be thrilled to come back again to play for the series".

                                 Nelson Lee, violinist of the Jupiter String Quartet

  "We had such a wonderful time playing on your series!   I was energized by the warmth and appreciation the audience exuded.  I'm so glad you enjoyed the pieces on the program.  We would love to come back to your series any time.   Best wishes"      

                                                                 Madalyn Parnas, violinist of the Duo Parnas   

      "It was truly a pleasure playing in such an intimate setting for such an appreciative audience.  I wish we hadn't had commitments back in the city and we could have stayed a while longer with them.  Maybe next time!  All the best".   

                                                     Sara Sant'Ambrogio, cellist of the Eroica Trio

"The joy of playing for the Mt. Kisco Concert Association is that we are able to revisit the spirit in which the great works of chamber music were conceived.  In this salon atmosphere, we can bring to life the music of Haydn and Mozart in the way their first audiences probably heard these works, and such an intimate setting for the Brahms Clarinet Quintet allows all of us, performers and audience, to meet and commune with the music at once".

                                                          Jason Calloway, cellist of The Biava Quartet

"It was really so great to play in such an intimate setting for  music lovers.  It reminds me of the 'good olden days' of classical, where it was appreciated in a living room or a salon where everyone could see the artist up close, and hear every shading without straining or feeling removed. There is something special about the intimacy of that, in which anyone can partake without feeling that there is an institution involved (and maybe even with a glass of wine in hand -- all the better!)....That is why I loved playing for you all!"

                                                        Leila Josefowicz, violinist                                                   

"I've had the privilege of playing on the Mt. Kisco Concert Association Series in previous seasons and feel it is so important to keep series like this one thriving. Nowadays there are so few concert associations that provide venues that are meant for chamber music in the original sense of the word. There is something very special about playing with a small ensemble in such an intimate setting. You feel as if you are truly sharing your music with each and every person in the room, which is a feeling that can easily be lost in a large concert hall. This is a wonderful organization that I always look forward to working  with!"

                                                                    Julie Albers, cellist of The Albers Trio

This season MKCA presents three outstanding concerts (Click on "2011-2012 CONCERT SERIES " in the site map above for detailed information).

Subscriptions:

Subscriptions to the 3-concert series are currently limited and available on a first-come first-served basis.  A subscription costs $125 and includes a "Meet the Artists" reception immediately following the performance.

More information is available by clicking on "SUBSCRIPTIONS" in the site map above.

Board of Directors:

President                                    Tom Glum

Vice-President                           Ann Johansmeyer

 Secretary                                 Christopher Burdick

 Treasurer                                 Connie Levene

 Artist Selection Co-Chair         Michael Rothenberg

 Artist Selection Co-Chair          Dede Rothenberg

 Membership Chair                     Barbara Lewis

 Concert Host Liaison                 Maren Hexter

Counsel to the Board                   Joseph DeSalvo

Board Members-at-Large:

                                           Sarah Faschina

                                           Annette Gilman

                                           Hope Levene

                                           Pat Levy

                                           Patricia Thompson 

Other Information:   See the site map at the top of the page.