Ebony and Hemlock: Echoes of Trees

Marianne Gythfeldt, bass clarinet

Sunday, July 26th, 2026 at 3pm 

Naumberg Chamber Music Award winner Marianne Gythfeldt will give a rare solo recital of contemporary music for bass clarinet inside the Widow Jane Mine, a large cave with stunning natural acoustics. The program will feature the world premiere of Jason Eckardt’s composition “Eastern Hemlock, ” the latest in his series “A Compendium of Catskill Native Botanicals. ”

“Gythfeldt is setting a new standard for her instrument.”
 - FANFARE

In a unique opportunity to hear the deep, resonant sound of a bass clarinet played by an acclaimed virtuoso in the spectacular acoustic setting of the Widow Jane Mine, performer Marianne Gythfeldt and composer Jason Eckardt present a concert that will be remembered. Set in a cave with a small stage in front of an interior pond, audiences will hear music based on local botanicals including Jo Kondo’s “New Buds On the Elderberry Tree” and the world premiere of “Eastern Hemlock, ” a work commissioned through an Arts Mid-Hudson Grant.

Eckardt’s composition acknowledges the unusual and sometimes troubled local history of the Eastern Hemlock tree, from its overlogging by the tanning industry in the 19th century to the more recent threat of the invasive Woolly Adelgid. Despite these challenges, the Hemlock, a “foundation species,” remains the third most common tree in New York. The trees provide food and homes for many animals and are natural filtration systems for forest streams.

Please dress warmly as the mine is a constant 55°.  We have approximately 100 chairs for rent this year but feel free to bring your own chairs and blankets on the ground are also fine. Wear sturdy shoes for the walk to the mine on gravel roads. Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow time to park and walk to the mine.