06/08/2023
Off The Dock Chamber Festival is thrilled to announce its inaugural season, a four-day celebration of classical music and talent, taking place from July 6 to July 9 in Skaneateles, NY. This festival showcases an exquisite program of four captivating concerts and two enlightening lecture recitals, featuring esteemed artists from renowned music conservatories across the country.
Joe Hagen, a Skaneateles native and one of the founding members of Off The Dock Chamber Festival, proudly serves as the festival’s executive director. Inspired by his deep-rooted love for classical music and fueled by his experiences as a concertgoer and volunteer at the renowned Skaneateles Festival, Joe is dedicated to sharing the beauty of classical music with others.
Assembled with meticulous dedication over the past year and a half, Off The Dock Chamber Festival is a testament to Joe’s commitment to classical music and his desire to provide emerging artists with a platform to showcase their skills. Furthermore, the festival owes its existence to the invaluable partnership of Natalie Pang (pianist), Collin Holloway (guitarist), and Luke Benedict (pianist). Their collaborative efforts, honed during their time together at Eastman, have been instrumental in bringing this festival to fruition. As frequent collaborators, they have shared the stage in numerous projects and concerts, showcasing their remarkable synergy and passion for music. About a year and a half ago, their paths converged once again when they embarked on recording the Muse Duo’s first official album “Experiments.” This creative endeavor reignited their shared vision and sparked discussions about establishing a music festival of their own. It is through their unwavering dedication and shared commitment that the Off The Dock Chamber Festival has become a reality.
This year’s season brings together a plethora of talented musicians from prestigious institutions including Berklee College of Music, Oberlin Conservatory, Northwestern University’s Bienin School of Music, the Maryland Opera Studio, the Juilliard School, and the Eastman School of Music. [Artists – Top to Bottom, Left to Right – Sam Smith (Bass), Katherine Krebs (Soprano), Muse Duo, Matthew Payne (Baritone), Berwick Fiddle Consort, In Nomine) Skaneateles, known for its rich cultural heritage, will be the perfect backdrop for this remarkable series. Audiences can look forward to experiencing the exceptional talent of musicians who call Skaneateles their hometown, including Katherine Krebs, Matthew Payne, Jimmy Drancsak, and Sam Smith. Their performances, combined with the brilliance of artists from across the country, will create an unforgettable chamber music experience.
The Off The Dock Chamber Festival not only brings world-class music to the Skaneateles community but also fosters a deep sense of pride among the organizers and performers. It serves as a reminder of the immense talent that originates from this small but vibrant town. With unwavering dedication, the festival aims to share the passion and joy of classical music with the local community, creating a profound and lasting impact.
Don’t miss this remarkable opportunity to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of live music and witness the brilliance of emerging artists jumping “off the dock” into their careers. Join us from July 6th to July 9th in Skaneateles for an unforgettable chamber music experience. Looking to the future, the Off The Dock team plans to continue expanding the festival’s reach, promoting even more artists, spreading the love of classical music, and touching the hearts of all who come to listen.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Off The Dock Chamber Festival website at www.offthedockchamber.com. Secure your spot now and become part of this extraordinary musical journey. [Individual concerts $25, season pass $75]
More on Joe Hagen (Executive Director):
With a strong musical foundation, Joe pursued his bachelor’s degree at the esteemed Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, studying viola performance under the tutelage of Grammy Award-winning violist Philip Ying. He also gained valuable skills in audio engineering from Grammy Award-winning audio engineer Stephen Roessner. Continuing his academic journey, Joe completed his master’s degree at Eastman’s Beal Institute, studying Producing/Composing for Film and Media. This program allowed him to learn from internationally recognized jazz composer Dave Rivello, 6-time Emmy award-winning film composer Mark Watters, and 19-time Emmy-nominated and 5-time Emmy Award-winning film composer Jeff Beal.
Currently based in Los Angeles, CA, Joe runs his music production studio, Joe Hagen Music, LLC. His diverse range of skills as a multi-instrumentalist, music producer, composer, and music entrepreneur reflects his dedication to bringing people together around the creation, love, and culture of beautiful music. Joe’s work embodies the power of music, promoting talented artists and serving the many diverse communities he is involved in.
Off The Dock Chamber Festival is a prime example of Joe’s community outreach. Skaneateles is known for its community’s deep love of classical music, and Joe has grown aware of a strong desire to see more emerging artists in the area. The festival aims to showcase incredible talents native to Skaneateles and the surrounding areas, providing them a platform to perform at a world-class event. Moreover, the festival seeks to expand the classical music scene in Skaneateles, ensuring that beautiful music is accessible throughout the summer. By creating this festival, Joe and the team hope to establish a new center for up-and-coming talents, offering emerging artists an opportunity to break into the classical music community while contributing to the deep legacy of music in Skaneateles.
