State of the Arts: Looking at performing arts at Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute
By: Chelsea Rarrick
Updated: May 1, 2012
It's the musical diversity, open atmosphere, and small community feel that keeps concert goer Matt Landers coming back to The Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute.
"You have an opportunity to see nationally known performers and acts here in Utica, which is fantastic," said Landers.
Mr. Landers has been to several concerts over the last few years, with every one still embedded in his memory.
"My favorite has been "The Keyboard Conversations." I really didn't expect to enjoy it as much because it was classical and I'm not that familiar with it.....but it really opened up a whole new avenue for me of appreciation of music," he said.
When it first comes to someone's mind, many might think of Munson Williams as more of a place with visual art.
But, the institute has forever been more than just a stuffy place to see art displays.
"It's important to be able to offer our community a broad base of artistic experiences.....art really appeals to so many different people in so many different ways that it touches your life whether you realize it or not. You just have to find your own way to connect with it," said Director of Performing Arts, Bob Mortis.
The Concerts in the Court series is one of many ways the community can connect with performing arts.
There are typically around three to six concerts per season in the series starting in September or October, and going through May.
"The Concerts in the Court series is a really intimate setting, a lot of one on one interaction with the audience and the artists. You can feel like you're experiencing a truly unique musical experience," said Mortis.
"They are just really fun programs. A lot of these people I've never heard of and yet they are fairly well known," said Steve Costanza, who frequently comes to the concerts.
Throughout the different performances at Munson Williams, the staff likes to stick with a certain philosophy for everyone at the institute.
"Everyone has to have a good time. From the people who pay to get in, to the people onstage, to the people running the show. We have a great time at these events and we hope that everyone does too," says Mortis
"You have an opportunity to see nationally known performers and acts here in Utica, which is fantastic," said Landers.
Mr. Landers has been to several concerts over the last few years, with every one still embedded in his memory.
"My favorite has been "The Keyboard Conversations." I really didn't expect to enjoy it as much because it was classical and I'm not that familiar with it.....but it really opened up a whole new avenue for me of appreciation of music," he said.
When it first comes to someone's mind, many might think of Munson Williams as more of a place with visual art.
But, the institute has forever been more than just a stuffy place to see art displays.
"It's important to be able to offer our community a broad base of artistic experiences.....art really appeals to so many different people in so many different ways that it touches your life whether you realize it or not. You just have to find your own way to connect with it," said Director of Performing Arts, Bob Mortis.
The Concerts in the Court series is one of many ways the community can connect with performing arts.
There are typically around three to six concerts per season in the series starting in September or October, and going through May.
"The Concerts in the Court series is a really intimate setting, a lot of one on one interaction with the audience and the artists. You can feel like you're experiencing a truly unique musical experience," said Mortis.
"They are just really fun programs. A lot of these people I've never heard of and yet they are fairly well known," said Steve Costanza, who frequently comes to the concerts.
Throughout the different performances at Munson Williams, the staff likes to stick with a certain philosophy for everyone at the institute.
"Everyone has to have a good time. From the people who pay to get in, to the people onstage, to the people running the show. We have a great time at these events and we hope that everyone does too," says Mortis
