By Chris Falcone
The University’s American Chamber Ensemble (ACE) will be performing at Carnegie Hall, illustrating to the campus community that beautiful music resides right across the Unispan.
Marilyn Sherman Lehman, music professor and alumni, said there is no place more thrilling to perform for a musician than Carnegie Hall, especially while in the midst of their 40th anniversary celebration of the formation of ACE.
“The hall is truly beautiful and it really means something to be invited to perform there,” Naomi Drucker, also a music professor and alumni, said. “Everything there is great, including the acoustics. It will be our seventh annual concert there and absolutely the culmination for all of us.”
Founded in 1965 by Blanche Abrams and Drucker, the ACE has come a long way from their first performance at the South Nassau Unitarian Church in Freeport. The group has grown in prestigie over the years, which is reflected in their performance at the highly touted National Gallery in Washington, D.C. Abrams said they are now recognized nationally due to the excellent artists that have performed as part of the ensemble, along with the release of their sixth CD. A pianist, Abrams also attributes their location and following to the growth of the group.
“Our audience has been very devoted to us in growing to love what we do,” Abrams, who has been at the University for 35 years, said. “And we have benefited from having a sense of place being here on Long Island, although we have played in many other places and cities.”
The ensemble identifies with the area and Drucker said they have labeled themselves as “Long Island supported.” For this reason they have made a conscious effort to show that local composers and artists exist and deserve to be recognized.
Currently the ensemble performs three times a year, including a performance in the Monroe Theater during the fall and spring semesters. Rehearsing about four times per concert, the ACE is made up of two pianists, a clarinet and a string quartet consisting of two violins, a cello and a viola. The ensemble can be accompanied by other woodwind instruments such as a flute, French horn, bassoon and singers.
Taking residence at the University in 1978 under the Cultural Center, Drucker has seen ACE as well as the University’s music department grow immensely. Today, under the auspices of the music department, the enrollment stands much larger with students coming from all over the world. Drucker and Lehman agree that for all who teach, it has been a privilege and an honor to be a part of the music faculty and the development of students.
“What is unique about this department is not only the outstanding faculty, but the forming of lifelong relationships between teacher and student,” said Lehman, who as a pianist has been a member of the ensemble for 25 years. “Most classes are very small and many students take part in one-on-one studies. Also anyone can study an instrument on campus, without having to be music majors.”
Drucker, who plays clarinet, believes the University is extremely grateful and supportive of their endeavors. The students, especially from the music department, come to concerts and are enthusiastic about the group, from attending rehearsals to even having former students perform with the ensemble, she said. Lehman has even had her daughter, a sophomore at the University; perform with the group on numerous occasions.
“They are aware and respond to the opportunity to hear chamber music at a very high level of performance,” Drucker said.
ACE will be performing at Carnegie Hall on March 12, and in the Monroe Lecture Center on March 20.
The American Chamber Ensemble found a home at the University 40 years ago and now will play at Carnegie Hall this month. (Photo Courtesy Music Department)