About Our Organization: GraceNotes was founded in 2013 to bring classical chamber music concerts to inmates in correctional facilities in the region. Participating musicians have included conservatory-trained players who perform throughout the New York area and nationally. We have presented audience-friendly, varied, and colorful programs ranging from classics to jazz standards. Programs last approximately one hour, including a question and answer period where audience members can speak directly to the musicians. To date, we have played seven concerts.

Our concerts have been received with standing ovations, and prison staff and inmates alike request return visits. The concerts typically include music by Beethoven, Schubert, Mozart, Bartok, jazz standards, and several encores. The other musicians and I conduct a Q&A afterwards with excellent participation by attendees. We have been impressed and moved by the thoughtful, inquisitive, and highly appreciative responses we receive from the GraceNotes audience members, many of whom have never experienced this type of live music at close range, and we receive numerous requests to return.

GraceNotes was profiled by renowned writer Joe Queenan in The Rotarian.  The article can be found at the following link: https://magazine.rotary.org/rotary/march_2021/MobilePagedArticle.action?articleId=1664577&app=false&cmsId=3893185#articleId1664577 

Cynthia Peterson, DMA

GraceNotes Outreach (914) 262-7893