Community Performance Series Celebrates 36th Season, with Award-Winning Artists Set to Perform at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music

A Season of Sound: Community Performance Series to Welcome Rising Organist James Kealey, Grammy-Winning Imani Winds & Groundbreaking Artist Mathis Picard for Fall 2025 Season

Potsdam, NY (09/04/2025) — The Community Performance Series will launch its 36th season with three distinctive performances by award-winning artists at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music this fall.

"The Fall 2025 season of the Community Performance Series is one built on relationships with our colleagues at The Crane School of Music, incredible guest artists, SUNY Potsdam students, and the committed donors who make each event possible. This fall, we look forward to welcoming both returning and new audience members to campus to experience the exceptional talent right here in the North Country," said CPS Executive Director Vanessa Vaverchak '27.

25th Annual L. Felix & Helen Miller Ranlett Organ Recital & Encounter

A rising star in the world of classical music, James Kealey, will perform a solo recital on Sunday, Sept. 14, at 3 p.m. in the Helen M. Hosmer Concert Hall. In advance of the concert, Kealey will give a free public pipe organ encounter on Saturday, Sept. 13, also at 3 p.m. on the Hosmer stage. This unique informal talk and demonstration will offer an intimate perspective on the artistry, mechanics and power of the pipe organ. In celebration of the 25th milestone year of the recital, both events will be free and open to the public.

Experience the extraordinary artistry of James Kealey, winner of both the first prize and audience prize at the 2022 American Guild of Organists' National Young Artists Competition in Organ Performance. He has captivated audiences across the U.S., the U.K., and Europe with performances at iconic venues, including Westminster Abbey, St. John the Divine, and the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. His dynamic playing and deep musical insight have earned him recognition as one of The Diapason magazine's "20 Under 30." Currently the director of music at Third Presbyterian Church in Rochester, N.Y., and a doctoral candidate at the Eastman School of Music, Kealey brings a masterful blend of technical brilliance and emotional depth to every performance. Join for an unforgettable afternoon as he brings the pipe organ to life in a solo recital showcasing a wide-ranging repertoire, from timeless classics to bold modern works.

44th Annual McElheran Visiting Artists

In conjunction with the Crane School of Music Woodwind Summit, CPS will welcome Imani Winds in concert on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 7:30 p.m. Fresh off their 2024 GRAMMY win for "Passion for Bach and Coltrane," the powerhouse ensemble Imani Winds will bring their genre-defying sound and electrifying presence to the Sara M. Snell Music Theater. Leading up to the stand-out culminating performance, the ensemble will lead masterclasses and work directly with Crane students, offering an extraordinary opportunity to engage with one of the most innovative chamber groups of our time.

For more than 25 seasons, Imani Winds has redefined what a wind quintet can be, merging classical tradition with bold, contemporary storytelling. With four GRAMMY nominations and performances from Carnegie Hall to the Kennedy Center, they have captivated audiences across the globe through adventurous programming, high-energy artistry and fearless innovation. Their repertoire ranges from reimagined chamber works to newly commissioned pieces that speak to the moment, including collaborations with jazz legends and modern composers alike. Their performances are anything but ordinary-they're immersive experiences that blend virtuosity with cultural relevance. Whether you're a lifelong classical fan or a curious newcomer, Imani Winds is a musical force you won't want to miss.

45th Annual McElheran Visiting Artist

Pianist and composer Mathis Picard will return to the Community Performance Series for the third time -- this time, as a solo artist. He has previously traveled to Crane as part of the Jazz at Lincoln Center tours, "Songs with Love" and "Sing and Swing." Picard will return for a captivating show on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 3 p.m., in Snell Theater. The French-Malagasy pianist, composer, producer and bandleader has been hailed as one of the most original voices of his generation. Currently based in New York City, Mathis blends classical technique with jazz improvisation, global rhythms and cinematic storytelling. He will also lead workshops with Crane students leading up to the show, providing a remarkable opportunity for Crane students and piano enthusiasts alike to learn from an internationally recognized artist whose work bridges classical, jazz, and improvisatory traditions.

Critics describe Mathis Picard as "a knockout, as dynamic a personality as he is virtuosic on the keys" and "one to watch." His debut solo piano album, "Live at the Museum," and recent full-length release, "Heat of the Moment," have garnered critical acclaim, including a five-star review from The New York Times.

Picard is a graduate of Juilliard and an ASCAP Next Generation Songwriter, with performance highlights ranging from Westminster Abbey to NPR's "Jazz Day." He has collaborated with an extraordinary range of artists, including Ron Carter, Lillias White, Wynton Marsalis, Christian McBride, Cyrille Aimee, Braxton Cook and Etienne Charles. Don't miss this this opportunity to hear one of jazz's most compelling rising stars! His return highlights SUNY Potsdam's ongoing commitment to fostering meaningful connections between students, leading performers and the community.

Tickets for the Fall 2025 Community Performance Series season are on sale now, and can be purchased online at www.cpspotsdam.org. Youth, senior and military discounts are available.

In-person ticket purchases at the SUNY Potsdam Box Office, located in the Performing Arts Center lobby, are also now open. The Box Office is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Thursday by appointment.

About Community Performance Series:

The Community Performance Series is a college-community partnership presenting distinctive and renowned performing artists and arts education opportunities in Northern New York. This rich mixture of programming links communities, classrooms and audiences of all ages and preserves access to the performing arts for future generations. For more information, visit www.cpspotsdam.org.

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