Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax to Headling Benefit Concert for Greenagers

Print Story | Email Story

EGREMONT, Mass. — Cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Emanuel Ax are returning to April Hill Conservation and Education Center to present a benefit concert for Greenagers, on July 24th at 6 p.m.

The event again takes place outdoors under a tent in front of the beautiful vistas surrounding April Hill. Top-tier ticket holders are invited to attend a pre-concert reception. Tickets can be purchased at greenagers.org/tickets.

This is the second year that these two musicians have offered a concert to support Greenagers' outdoor employment and education programs for teens and young adults in the Berkshires. The evening will include a continuation of a conversation with the musicians and Greenagers Executive Director, Will Conklin.

“Yo Yo and Manny are exemplars of grace, community service, humor, and mastery,” said Conklin.  We are so honored to have them back to showcase their talents and the good works of Greenagers.  To host purveyors of such beauty and sincerity reminds our constituents, supporters, and community of the fundamentals that drive us forward in our mission to support our region's youth through connection to our magnificent landscape and foodshed.”

“What an honor that we are again the beneficiaries of such great generosity by Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax,” said Greenagers President and Board Chair David Sheehan. “Experiencing their music last year in such an intimate setting was a real privilege and to have this opportunity again is humbling.”

Greenagers, based at the April Hill conservation property at 62 N. Undermountain Road in Egremont, provides jobs, apprenticeships and education programs for teens and young adults interested in environmental conservation, food security, trails management, and community service. Information: greenagers.org.

 


Tags: emanuel ax,   greenagers,   yo-yo ma,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

PHS Principal Stepping Down at School Year's End

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield High School Principal Maggie Harrington-Esko will step down at the end of the year after nearly 20 years in the building.

"I feel that it is important to let you know that this is a decision that I have come to on my own," she wrote to the school community on Monday evening.

Harrington-Esko is the second administrator to resign after the school became embroiled in a staffing scandal in December. Earlier this year, Superintendent Joseph Curtis announced that he would step down from his position effective June 30.

"This is not an easy decision because PHS is a place I love deeply," she wrote.

"For the past 18 years, this school has been my Home Under the Dome. It's where I've grown as an educator, a leader, and a person. It's where I've laughed, learned, and had the honor of standing beside so many of you through challenges, triumphs, and everything in between."

Harrington-Esko began her career at the high school in September 2006 as a social studies teacher, during which she also acted as a teacher leader, mentor, and adviser. After 11 years in the classroom, Esko was hired to the administrative team where she had multiple titles, including dean of students, vice principal, assistant principal of teaching and learning, and interim principal.

She was tapped as principal in 2022 and is "incredibly" proud of what the school has accomplished together.

"Our students have achieved amazing things — in the classroom, on the stage, in athletics, in service, and beyond," she wrote.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories