From June 27 through July 4, the Oyster Bay Musical Festival once again brings the next generation of world-class musicians to Long Island for a week of mostly free concerts in historic, charming, and unusual landmarks along the Gold Coast.
Each OBMF concert is an energetic variety show featuring inspiring musical selections from a performing cast of around 25 prize-winning musicians – including vocalists, pianists, strings and wind players. With almost every performer in their 20s, the Festival’s unique style of concert programs present a breathtaking and eclectic approach to experiencing live music that is not to be missed.
The festival’s 13th season features anticipated return appearances by festival favorites and introduces exciting performers making their Long Island debut. The tightly packed eight days include 10 free concerts, two ticketed events, four outreach programs, a public masterclass for flutists, and a pre-concert lecture.
Returning musicians include the pianist Maxim Lando, a Long Island native who has made international headlines performing around the world. He has been lauded by the New York Times for his “brilliance and infectious exuberance” along with a certain “wild-eyed danger.” Joining him are the
German violinist Tassilo Probst and the French/Viennese double bassist Marc André all intend to change the world of classical music. Probst is making a strong presence in Europe’s major concert halls.
Marc André is redefining the possibilities of the double bass, reaching millions of people through social media with a devoted, international fan base that continues to grow. Also returning to OBMF after several years is National Symphony Orchestra flutist Matthew Ross.
Originally from Long Island, Ross earned top prizes in young artist competitions across the country, many of which he has gone on to judge in recent years. Among the new talent this season is the celebrated bassoonist Eleni Katz and gifted pianist
Joshua Mhoon. Hailed for her virtuosity and vibrant musical spirit, Katz is an astonishing solo bassoonist whose career has catapulted since winning the 2022 Concert Artist Guild Competition.
Mhoon is a Young Steinway Artist and Silver Medalist at the inaugural Nina Simone Piano Competition in 2023. Other returning favorites include the always popular OBMF Singers, the Zandieh Trio – three Juilliard-trained brothers who grew up in Oyster Bay, and violinist Michelle Stern.
OBMF has developed somewhat of a cult following among its devoted audience members, many of whom try to make every concert. In addition to the varied repertoire and exciting talent featured on each concert, the creative programs also have non-traditional flourishes. A few will feature performances from
Dale Stuckenbruck is one of the few musical saw masters left in the world. Teddy Siegel, an OBMF soprano and the creator of Got2Gonyc, will host an evening of bathroom stories, humor, and great music in a program titled “When Nature Calls!”
On one program, the piano will be featured with eight hands playing at the same time, and throughout the festival, the OBMF Singers will delight audiences with their unique mix of opera arias and Broadway hits.
Local institutions serve as the venues, and this season’s “concert halls” include The Wooden Boat Shop, Building Lot J at the waterfront, Christ Church, Raynham Hall Museum, and Congregation L’Dor V’Dor in Oyster Bay; St. John’s Episcopal Church in Cold Spring Harbor; Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset; Cedarmere Estate of William Cullen Bryant in Roslyn, the Red Ballroom of Old Westbury Gardens, and at the 59th Huntington Summer Arts Festival on Chapin Rainbow Stage, Heckscher Park in Huntington.
Every concert is free and no tickets are required, with the exception of two.
Complete concert listings are available at oysterbaymusicfestival.org.
