The love of music, friends and tradition will come together once again when the Guilford Free Library presents a 'cello concert on Saturday, September 7, at 7:00 p.m., at the historic Guilford Center Meeting House, 4042 Guilford Center Road, followed by a dessert reception where the audience will have the opportunity to meet and talk with the musicians. This concert series benefits the Library and was first presented in 2013, featuring a 'cello duet, and evolved into a 'cello trio, then a quartet over the years. It has not taken place since 2019 for several reasons: the pandemic; and the condition of the Meeting House, the traditional venue, which had been closed for renovations and just reopened in late spring so this year there is even more reason to celebrate another wonderful experience.

Once again the concert will feature celebrated musicians Judith Serkin, of Guilford, Elizabeth Tuma, Peter Wiley and Theodore Mook who will present a wide-ranging program including music from the late 16th century to the late 20th century.

Since their inception the 'cello concerts have been organized by Ms. Serkin who made them possible by inviting her associates to perform with her for local audiences. "It's a great opportunity to play 'cello music we love with people we love in a town that I love," she said. "This place means a lot to others as well because they keep coming back to play."

The musicians are longtime friends: Ms. Serkin began her studies at The Curtis Institute in 1968 with Elizabeth Tuma and Peter Wiley and has known Theodore Mook since 1972. They have impressive pedigrees and generously donate their time for the benefit of the Library.

Elizabeth Tuma received her formal training at the University of Michigan with Oliver Edel, The Curtis Institute of Music, with David Soyer, and studied with the Guarneri and Budapest Quartets. She pursued post-graduate studies with Laurence Lesser at the Peabody Conservatory. Ms. Tuma retired from the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra in 2017 after 42 years.

Peter Wiley also studied at The Curtis Institute with David Soyer. He co-founded the Opus One Quartet, was cellist with the Beaux Arts Trio and in 2001 succeeded his mentor, David Soyer, as cellist of the Guarneri Quartet. He has been awarded an Avery Fischer Career Grant, nominated for a Grammy Award in 1998 with the Beaux Arts Trio and in 2009 with the Guarneri Quartet. Mr. Wiley teaches at the Curtis Institute of Music and Bard College Conservatory of Music.

Theodore Mook is a versatile performer in a variety of musical styles and has been a particularly active proponent of new music since 1980. He teaches at the University of Rhode Island, the University of Massachusetts at Lowell and the Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School. Mr. Mook has performed at the New England Bach Festival in Marlboro, Vermont, and for many years with the legendary Blanche Moyse at the Marlboro Festival. He performs on period instruments as well with a variety of groups.

Guilford resident Judith Serkin began her studies with Marta Casals Istomin in San Juan, Puerto Rico and continued at the Curtis Institute of Music with David Soyer and the Guarneri Quartet. She was also a student of Mischa Schneider. She has been a member of the Iceland Symphony, the Guilford and the Hebrew Arts (now known as the Mendelssohn) String Quartets, and a participant at the Marlboro Music and Yellow Barn Schools and Festivals over a period of many years. Ms. Serkin has toured extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan. She has been a teacher for over 40 years, serving on the faculty of American University in Washington, DC, and at the New England Conservatory Preparatory Department. Ms. Serkin was a founding member of the Brattleboro Music School where she still teaches.

"Judith Serkin's goodwill has provided opportunities for the town to gather and celebrate its dedication to our library," said Laura Lawson Tucker, Library Board of Trustees Co-President. "Since its founding in 1892 Guilford Free Library has become an important resource for our residents." In addition to the growing collection of books and materials onsite and the increasing online outreach, the Library offers a variety of programs, including story time for young children, summer camps for school age children, monthly book groups for adults, astronomy club for all ages, cribbage club, community storytelling, gardening parties for families, and a pen pal activity to build community connections. Library patrons who want to explore the countryside can now rent e-bikes from their own Library.

Tickets at $25 are available online at https://www.guilfordfreelibraryvt.org/events/autumnal-cello-celebration-2024, or at the Library, 4024 Guilford Center Road.

For more information, please call the Library at 802-257-4603 or 802-257-7024 or contact Laura Lawson Tucker at laura@theatreadventure.org.

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