BridgeMusik, founded in 2018 by Rockland County residents Tanya Witek and Krystof Witek, is a community-centered musical initiative that has made a profound impact on students, professional musicians, and the broader community. Both Tanya and Krystof, accomplished professional musicians with doctorates in Musical Arts from The Juilliard School, envisioned an organization that would empower young musicians by providing accessible opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and performance. BridgeMusik’s mission is deeply rooted in inclusivity and excellence, aiming to nurture talent and inspire a lifelong appreciation for music. Since its inception, BridgeMusik has conducted over 80 public events, involving more than 400 students and approximately 120 acclaimed musicians. The program’s emphasis on inclusivity ensures that students from various skill levels and backgrounds can participate. Without requiring formal auditions, placement is determined collaboratively with the student’s music teacher, fostering a supportive and encouraging environment. Students from Rockland, Westchester, Orange, Dutchess, Putnam Counties, as well as New York City and Long Island, have joined the program, showcasing its broad reach and appeal. A hallmark of BridgeMusik’s offerings is its commitment to live performance, although the organization adeptly adapted to virtual programming during the pandemic. Professional musicians featured in BridgeMusik events include members of prestigious ensembles such as the Lincoln Center and Broadway orchestras, as well as faculty from renowned institutions like Manhattan School of Music, New York University, Purchase College, and The Juilliard School. The organization also promotes contemporary music by collaborating with living American composers, including Amanda Harberg, Nicole Mitchell, Beata Moon, Pedro Giraudo, Thomas Cabaniss, and Philip Wharton. This commitment to performing new works highlights BridgeMusik’s role as both a preserver and innovator within the classical music tradition. One of BridgeMusik’s distinguishing features is its dedication to intergenerational connections. During the pandemic, the organization continued to engage with aging populations by sharing remote programming and, when possible, resuming live performances at senior citizen homes. This effort underscores the organization’s belief in the transformative power of music to unite diverse segments of the community. The BridgeMusik Summer Festival 2024 exemplifies the program’s evolving mission and innovative vision. This seventh annual festival expanded its scope to include a dedicated week of jazz, reflecting BridgeMusik’s commitment to embracing diverse musical genres. The festival began with a concert featuring renowned jazz singer and Rockland County resident Shirley Crabbe and Her Jazz Trio, performing alongside BridgeMusik faculty and students. Under the direction of Bill Hughes, Director of Music for the South Orangetown Central School District, students had the unique opportunity to collaborate with professional jazz musicians during the festival’s first week. This introduction to jazz complemented the program’s classical music focus, fostering well-rounded musical education and appreciation. The festival’s second week highlighted classical music, welcoming students aged 7 to 19 to engage in solo, chamber, and orchestral repertoire. The culminating performances, held from August 2 to August 4 at Tappan Zee High School’s 800-seat auditorium, were the largest in BridgeMusik’s history. These multimedia events featured live narration by actor Keith Buterbaugh and video projections, enhancing the audience’s experience of Sergei Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf and Camille Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals. Conducted by Diego Garcia, the performances united 28 professional musicians and 24 students in an inspiring display of collaboration and artistry. A particularly groundbreaking aspect of the 2024 Summer Festival was its commitment to serving neurodiverse audiences. The Saturday, August 3rd concert was specially designed for individuals with developmental disabilities, marking a significant milestone in BridgeMusik’s efforts to engage this often-overlooked community. In partnership with Jawonio, a local organization supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, the concert incorporated sensory-sensitive adjustments to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment. This event, which involved advanced high school students receiving specialized preparation, exemplified BridgeMusik’s dedication to creating meaningful connections through music. BridgeMusik’s focus on inclusivity extended to the participating students, who performed alongside professional musicians in the final concerts. The most advanced students played original orchestral parts, while younger participants performed specially arranged parts by Co-Artistic Director Krystof Witek. This approach ensured that students of all skill levels could contribute meaningfully to the performances, reflecting the organization’s commitment to fostering a sense of achievement and belonging. The 2024 Summer Festival also broke new ground in scale and impact. With its largest faculty to date, an increased number of college fellowships, and a record 35 students, the festival underscored BridgeMusik’s growth and continued relevance. Despite logistical challenges, such as non-functioning air conditioning at the venue, the team’s professionalism and dedication ensured the success of the events. BridgeMusik provided free water and personal fans to attendees and participants, demonstrating its commitment to community care and resilience. In addition to the artistic achievements, the festival’s impact on the local community was profound. Free-of-charge, family-friendly concerts enabled individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds to enjoy high-quality cultural events. By collaborating with local agencies like Jawonio, BridgeMusik promoted inclusivity and raised awareness about the importance of accessibility in the arts. For neurodiverse individuals, the concerts offered a rare opportunity to experience live music in a supportive setting, contributing to their cultural enrichment and overall quality of life. Audience members expressed heartfelt gratitude for these performances, which provided moments of joy and connection for individuals and families alike. BridgeMusik’s efforts to engage with the community extended beyond the neurodiverse audience. The concerts served as an educational experience, introducing audiences to iconic works of classical music and inspiring future generations of musicians and music enthusiasts. By fostering social connections and promoting a shared appreciation for music, BridgeMusik reinforced its role as a cornerstone of the Rockland cultural landscape. The jazz component of the 2024 Summer Festival further demonstrated BridgeMusik’s commitment to innovation and inclusivity. By incorporating jazz into its programming, the organization provided students with a broader musical perspective and the chance to collaborate with esteemed jazz artists. This initiative not only enriched the students’ musical education but also celebrated the diversity of Rockland County’s musical heritage. Looking ahead, BridgeMusik continues to evolve while remaining true to its mission of fostering collaboration, mentorship, and performance opportunities for young musicians. The 2024 Summer Festival stands as a testament to the organization’s vision and dedication, showcasing its ability to bring together students, professional musicians, and the community in a celebration of music’s transformative power. By prioritizing inclusivity, innovation, and excellence, BridgeMusik ensures that its programs remain impactful and relevant for years to come.
