Courtesy of The Stissing Center and the artists
The shows will go on at the Stissing Center despite major construction it expects to begin in September. The center had initially believed it would have to stop performances — for possibly up to a year — because of the work, but the plans approved by the Pine Plains Planning Board on Aug. 9 will allow operations to continue with little interruption.
Brett A. Bernardini, the center’s executive director, said that the upcoming fall and winter season “promises an abundance of remarkable performances that will captivate and inspire audiences of all ages.”
Scaffolding will soon go up around the building as the center begins work that includes replacing the roof and adding a major addition at the rear of the building to house an elevator, stairs and rooms to serve the backstage area. The third floor of the historic building will become work spaces surrounding an art gallery. The Stissing Center is continuing its search for an appropriate space to relocate the laundromat that has been housed in the building for many years.
Courtesy of The Stissing Center and the artists
In a press release, Bernardini wrote, “as the organization prepares for the construction phase, it remains committed to connecting artists and audiences, providing a platform for creativity and cultural exchange that will leave a lasting, positive and uplifting impact on the community.” He expressed his excitement about the upcoming season, saying, “We are thrilled to offer more of the exceptional, world-class programming our audiences have grown to expect. While our building may soon be wrapped in scaffolding, the front door will remain open!”
Upcoming events include Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas on Aug. 18, featuring “the Michael Jordan of Scottish Fiddling” and cellist Natalie Haas, who together span the full spectrum between intimate chamber music and ecstatic dance energy; PUBLIQuartet on Aug. 27, a Grammy nominated quartet that will perform “What Is American,” a kaleidoscope of diverse genres that make up America’s rich musical history; Camarada’s Tango Obsession, on Sept. 17, which will showcase the rhythms and melodies of tango throughout history; and Cana Dulce Y Cana Brava on Oct. 21, a women-led group celebrating the traditional music of Veracruz, Mexico. A full schedule is available at thestissingcenter.org.