B Sharp Concert to Reveal Major Piano Scholarship Winner in Utica

A historic local musical club prepares an evening of classic and contemporary performances at Grace Episcopal Church.

The heartbeat of a community is often found in its artistic traditions, and few local organizations carry that rhythm quite like the B Sharp Musical Club. On Monday, July 6 at 6:00 PM, residents will have a unique opportunity to witness this legacy firsthand. The highly anticipated B Sharp Concert to Reveal Major Piano Scholarship Winner will take place at the historic Grace Episcopal Church, located at 6 Elizabeth Street in Utica. This free public event promises to balance a celebration of world-class instrumentation with a powerful investment in the future of the local arts scene.

For over a century, local musicians have gathered under the B Sharp banner to keep classical, jazz, and contemporary music alive in Oneida County. This upcoming performance honors that history while shining a bright spotlight on young talent through the presentation of the McGinty Piano Scholarship Award. Whether you are a lifelong classical enthusiast or a neighbor looking for an inspiring evening out, this concert represents the best of Utica’s enduring cultural spirit.

A Century of Supporting Local Arts

To understand the weight of this event, one must look at the history of its host. The B Sharp Musical Club was founded in 1903. For more than 120 years, the organization has dedicated itself to enriching the Greater Utica Area by removing the financial barriers often associated with high-caliber music.

“The B Sharp Musical Club supports music and the arts in the Greater Utica Area by hosting free concert programs, mentoring young musicians, awarding scholarships, and providing outreach to underserved communities.” — B Sharp Institutional Mission

By consistently keeping their concert programs free and open to the public, the club ensures that equitable access to the arts remains a reality in Central New York rather than a luxury.

A Diverse and Eclectic Musical Program

The July 6 program highlights the immense versatility of the region’s premier instrumentalists and vocalists. The evening’s repertoire spans eras and styles, jumping from European romanticism to 20th-century American theater and modern avant-garde compositions.

Classical Masterpieces and Theatrical Drama

The performance lineup features works designed to challenge the performers and captivate the audience:

• Franz Schubert’s “Der Hirt auf dem Felsen” (The Shepherd on the Rock): A brilliant, sweeping nineteenth-century masterpiece written for a soprano voice, clarinet, and piano.

• Wright and DeForrest’s “Fate”: A dramatic, narrative-driven selection taken directly from the beloved 1953 Broadway musical Kismet.

• Amy Beach’s “Summer Dreams”: A lush, evocative piano duet composed by one of America’s pioneering female classical figures.

Modern Innovation and Rhythmic Energy

Moving beyond strict classical traditions, the concert will feature boundary-pushing compositions and jazz crossovers:

• Sam Pellman’s “chromatic aberrations”: A contemporary piece honoring the legacy of late Hamilton College composer Sam Pellman, known for blending traditional structures with sonic exploration.

• Jehan Alain’s “Litanies”: A powerful, driving piece written for the organ, bound to utilize the full acoustic depth of the Grace Episcopal Church sanctuary.

• Claude Bolling’s “Suite for Cello and Jazz Piano”: A lively, rhythmically sophisticated crossover suite that perfectly bridges the gap between classical elegance and jazz swing.

Featured Artists and Performers

The concert features a diverse roster of local musicians volunteering their time and immense talents. The scheduled performers include:

• Vocalists & Woodwinds: Holly McCormack (soprano) and Anne Contino (clarinet).

• Strings & Percussion: Joanna Robertson (cello), Claire Wilcox (violin), Ethan Coburn (bass), and Sam Robertson (drums).

• Keyboard & Organ Artists: Mary Holzhauer (organ), alongside pianists John Krause, Peter Costianes, Avery Ellerbruch, Mary Coburn, Colleen Pellman, and Tina Toglia.

The McGinty Piano Scholarship: Investing in the Future

While the music itself is a major draw, the emotional peak of the evening will undoubtedly be the announcement of the McGinty Piano Scholarship Award.

Scholarship programs like the McGinty Award serve a critical role in regional arts development. By providing financial backing to dedicated students, the B Sharp Musical Club helps young talent secure the private lessons, sheet music, and instrument maintenance required to pursue higher education and professional careers. It turns local potential into sustainable creative achievement.

Event Logistics and Attendee Information

If you plan to attend this community celebration, keep the following details in mind to ensure a smooth evening:

1. Arrive Early for Seating: The doors at 6 Elizabeth Street will open prior to the 6:00 PM start time. Because admission is free, seating inside the Grace Episcopal Church sanctuary is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

2. Acoustic Etiquette: Due to the delicate nature of pieces like Schubert’s chamber music and the intricate textures of Bolling’s jazz suite, attendees are encouraged to silence cellular devices before the first note.

3. Learn More and Support: For those unable to attend who still wish to discover more about year-round mentorship opportunities, community outreach, and student application windows, comprehensive details are available at the club’s digital portal at http://www.bsharpmusic.org.

Artistic communities do not survive by accident; they flourish because local citizens actively show up to support them. Mark your calendar for July 6, bring a neighbor, and celebrate the incredible sounds and bright futures defining the Greater Utica area.