Maybe a little cultural expansionism?

For your "long hair" musical edification:

Matt Batschelet
West Branch Resort
West Branch International Music Festival
FAX 607-467-5525 VOICE 607-467-2215 matt@westbranchresort.comhttp://www.westbranchresort.com/

The West Branch Angler Resort & Internationally Acclaimed Violinist Odin Rathnam to Launch International Music Festival.

Hancock, New York, September 13th & September 20th 2009:
On two consecutive Sunday afternoons, the luxurious and intimate setting of the West Branch Resort will become home to the first annual “West Branch International Music Festival,” featuring renowned classical artists from the United States, Israel, South America, and Europe. The inaugural season’s theme will pay homage to Mendelssohn, in his bicentennial year. Each program will focus on various aspects of Mendelssohn’s prolific and prodigious contribution to the classical literature. There will also be a few surprises. Rathnam will be joined by members of the Sweet Plantain Quartet, Pianist Michael Sheppard, Violist Adriana Linares, emerging Israeli violinist Netanel Draiblate, and others.

Sunday September 13th
Mendelssohn Piano Trio Mendelssohn String Quintet Intermission Mendelssohn Octet in E flat Major

Sunday September 20th
Mendelssohn Sonata for Violin & Piano Prokofiev Sonata for Two Violins Intermission Latin Jazz Fusion Music featuring the “Sweet Plantain String Quartet”

“Combining my passion for fly-fishing with the opportunity to draw artistic inspiration from these incredible surroundings made the establishment of a music festival inevitable. It is my hope, as the festival grows, that its impact on the lives of those who attend will be as profound as the awe I felt when I first experienced the beauty of this area in 1998.” ~ Odin Rathnam- concertmaster of the Harrisburg Symphony

“Over the past few years, Odin and I have frequently discussed launching a truly unique & intimate music festival. It is my sincere hope that the people of our communities will be able to find the same inspiration from these absolutely uplifting and memorable concerts as our guests and I have found every time Odin shared his art with us. Our goal is to provide world-class music, up close and personal, in a setting unlike any other in the nation. Especially these days, presenting art that represents the best in mankind provides valuable perspective and encouragement to all of us. This is much more than just good business.” ~Matt Batschelet- General Manager West Branch Angler Resort

The West Branch International Music Festival will be hosted by the West Branch Angler Resort, all concerts taking place at the River Run Restaurant. Offering a truly unique and intimate setting, the room boasts amazing acoustics, with its log cathedral ceilings. Guest will also enjoy the ambience of a 50 ton working fire place, which will be lit for the entire evening. Pairing this concert with an evening of amazing food and wine tasting will make it an event to remember. On both dates the concerts will begin at 4:00 P.M. Each concert will last approximately 2 hours. Following each show there will be a large assortment of hand crafted delicacies from our Executive Chef John Cox as well as a wine tasting, featuring some of the best wines from the Finger Lakes region. All of this is included in the ticket price of $40.00 per person. A cash bar will also be available afterwards. We strongly urge all attendees to stay after the concert and mingle with Odin Rathnam & his colleagues. Seating is limited to 130 attendees making it a truly intimate and unique evening. Reservations are required. Business Casual attire is requested.

West Branch Angler Resort:Is a family owned and operated resort sitting in the pristine Catskill Mountains adjacent to the world famous fly fishing mecca “The Delaware River.” The Resort has over two miles of River frontage, sporting 26 brand new log homes varying in size and amenities. The West Branch Resort also hosts a wide variety of outdoor activities including hiking, canoing, bird watching, sporting clays, fly fishing, upland bird hunting and much more. Now, through its collaboration with acclaimed violinist Odin Rathnam and the West Branch International Music Festival, the resort adds outstanding musical experiences to its already diverse array of offerings. This one-of-a-kind destination provides the perfect weekend getaway for relaxation, fun and entertainment.