In December of 2021, Binghamton Philharmonic was awarded multiple MusicianFest grants for the purpose of bringing live classical music to local senior living communities and senior centers. These exclusive performances were funded by the Music Performance Trust Fund, a program in collaboration with the American Federation of Musicians, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and the Warner Music Group. The grant applications were prepared by Local 380 of the American Federation of Musicians.
Over the past few months, Binghamton Philharmonic soloist musicians played privately for residents at the following locations:
Binghamton: Saint Louise Manor
Johnson City: United Methodist Homes, Wells Apartments, and Johnson City Senior Center
Vestal: The Hearth at Castle Gardens
Endwell: Good Shepard Village
Ithaca: Bridges Cornell Heights (Craftsman and Tudor House)
"We just had the pleasure of having J.J. Johnson here at UMH Hilltop Campus. Our residents loved him! He is so very talented! Thank you very much for making this happen!" Faye Clark, United Methodist Homes
"The residents loved the performance and are still talking about it. Thank you very much!"
Paula Francisco, The Hearth at Castle Gardens
"We had a total of 20 residents attend. Feedback besides the obvious that it was absolutely fantastic!
'It was excellent. Not only did he play well, but he explained each piece to us.' Eleanor
'Blown away, loved it' Connie
'He was really wonderful. Such a talented musician but also had a wonderful personality. I really enjoyed it.'"
Katherine Micha, United Methodist Homes
"J.J. provided a delightful performance and was very informative about the music he chose. The residents and staff really enjoyed his performance and wished it was longer. As J.J. played, more and more residents came out to listen. This was a wonderful opportunity for our residents to enjoy some classical music, as they do not get many chances to see a performance." Kristina Casey, Well Senior Housing
In the coming months, Binghamton Philharmonic soloist musicians will continue to perform for residents at the following locations:
Binghamton: Good Shepherd Fairview Home
Endwell: Marian Apartments