FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Arts Council of Rockland
(845) 937-3660
Cheryl Baun, Executive Director
Beth E. Brown, Membership Coordinator
www.artscouncilofrockland.org
Arts Council of Rockland Announces
2020 Arts Awards Honorees
ACOR Annual Gala to be held on May 7, 2020
(Garnerville, NY, March 5, 2020) - The Board of Directors of the Arts Council of Rockland (ACOR) announced today the honorees for the 2020 Arts Awards to be presented at ACOR’s Annual Gala on Thursday, May 7, 2020 at the Pearl River Hilton in Pearl River, New York. This year’s honorees include the award-winning jazz vocalist Shirley Crabbe, Philip Hagemann, Conductor of the Rockland County Choral Society, and the Hilton Pearl River Corporation.
Award-winning, Rockland-er, jazz vocalist, voice-over artist, and educator, Shirley Crabbe has been hailed as possessing a voice that “must surely appeal to all who love good jazz singing.” She is the 2009 Rockland County Executive Performing Artist awardee, and winner of the 2008 Stanton Bronze Medalist at the American Traditions Vocal Competition. In 2011, Shirley released her debut recording HOME, featuring the legendary tenor saxophonist, Houston Person. Her latest project, BRIDGES, a Top 50 album, earned her the “2019 New York Bistro Award for Outstanding Recording.” Crabbe is also a veteran music teacher with over 30 years of experience as a choral conductor, NYSSMA adjudicator, and private voice instructor. She is a former board member for the Arts Council of Rockland, serving for nine years, with the last three years as the Chair.
Philip Hagemann was Conductor for the Rockland County Choral Society for over 50 years. He has published over 75 choral compositions, one of which, written with Penny Leka Knapp, titled “Fruitcake” has sold several hundred thousand copies and was used on the TV show Nip/Tuck a couple of years ago. In addition to choral works, he has written 10 one-act operas, one full-length opera, and an adaptation of Debussy's “L'enfant Prodigue”. He is currently working with Pegasus Opera and will be conducting a third production with them at the historic Greenwich Theatre.
Hilton Pearl River is also being honored this year. The family-owned and family-operated hotel has provided 30+ years of genuine and exceptional hospitality, for which the hotel has been ranked #1 in Overall Service of all Hiltons in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut for 9 of 10 years. The company is also being recognized for its support of the local arts community, in particular, the hotel’s recent guest room renovations that feature and highlight the work of artists from around the Hudson Valley.
In addition to celebrating these honorees, Arts Awards will be given in 6 categories: Arts Educator, Arts Leadership, Visual Artist, Literary Artist, Performing Artist, and Lifetime Achievement. The Arts Council of Rockland is proud to celebrate this year’s honorees and awardees and welcome all to attend the 2020 Arts Awards. Come and support our local artists! TICKETS ON SALE NOW! For more information about tickets, sponsorship, and award nominations please visit www.artscouncilofrockland.org/arts-awards.
The Arts Council of Rockland is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the arts, culture and the role of artists in our community.
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