by Sharon Webb
Preview
The Smithfield Church announces the appearance of New York Philharmonic organist Kent
Tritle at its historic tracker organ, in concert with acclaimed New York cellist Arthur Fiacco,
Jr. on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 3:30 pm. The Smithfield Church, located at 656
Smithfield Valley Road, Amenia NY, is proud to offer the opportunity for nearby residents
to hear world-class organist Kent Tritle in this annual benefit for the Oratorio
Society of New York which has been offered for the past ten years.
The program will feature a variety of musical selections, from classic to modern, enhanced by
Kent Tritle’s signature lively commentary. Selections will include a mix of solo organ works and
duets with cello by classical favorites J.S. Bach, Antonio Vivaldi, and Felix Mendelssohn. In
addition, there will be two works by modern composers: the late Canadian organist and composer
Rachel Laurin, and native New Yorker Adolphus Hailstork.
A beloved performer of Smithfield Church concert-goers, Mr. Tritle’s Keyboard mastery is renowned. In addition, he is hailed as music director of several award-winning choral ensembles, including Musica Sacra and The Oratorio Society of New York, and is also Director of Cathedral Music and Organist at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.
This year, Mr. Tritle will be in concert with Arthur Fiacco on cello, with whom he has performed many times, usually with Tritle at the conductor’s podium and Fiacco leading the orchestra’s cello section. However,
it will be a rare treat to hear these two superb musicians play in an intimate duet—within the beautiful sanctuary of Smithfield Church.
Hailed as a “distinguished chamber musician of impressive virtuosity” by Consort Magazine,
cellist Arthur Fiacco, Jr. is principal cellist of the Musica Sacra Orchestra, the Orchestra of the
Oratorio Society of New York, and the Orchestra of the Cathedral of St John the Divine. He is
also a member of the Orchestra of St. Luke’s. Mr. Fiacco has performed at the Caramoor,
Tanglewood, Ravinia, Mostly Mozart, Marlboro, Music Mountain, and Lincoln Center Festivals.
As soloist, he has appeared with Broadway legend Patti LuPone, harpsichordist Igor Kipnis,
performance artist Meredith Monk, conductor Kent Tritle and the Mark Morris Dance Group.
Mr. Fiacco plays a cello by Venetian master Carlo Tononi, dated 1730.
Suggested donation is $25 at the door. A reception with the musicians will follow. The
Smithfield Church is handicapped accessible.