Honoring Aaron Copland’s Legacy

It’s truly magical how some good things happen, not just in Westchester, but around the globe.

Usually, it’s not just about money—although, to be sure, money helps. Most often, it starts with a dream and becomes a matter of vision and leadership. That is the story of the Copland House cultural center and the tenacity of its founder, Artistic Director Michael Boriskin.

When I first came to Westchester more than 33 years ago, a group of residents from up-county visited me, hoping I could help them save the home of musical genius Aaron Copland. The house was nestled in the woods of Croton and, after Copland’s death, there was some doubt as to how his legacy would be continued. That doubt persisted until Michael Boriskin came along. Boriskin, a dedicated and talented musician himself, knew the importance of Aaron Copland on the world of music and the American musical idiom.

For years, Boriskin not only worked to keep Copland’s music alive but also to honor Copland in Westchester, where he wrote much of his American music. Boriskin calls the development of Copland House a “true communal effort,” made possible with support from municipal officials in Cortlandt, especially longtime Supervisor Linda Puglisi, local and civic-minded residents and others. Now, thanks to Michael’s audacity, Copland House has acquired a new campus at the nexus of Westchester, Rockland and Fairfield, Connecticut. This new home, a former school, was purchased for $3.2 million through funds raised by its dedicated board. This is huge for Aaron Copland’s legacy, but it’s also significant for Westchester County, which has grown to have a serious and precious cultural presence of its own in honor of the composer.

What’s so special about Copland House and the new building is that it will allow the organization to continue its support and mentoring of young musicians, just as Aaron Copland did during his lifetime. I’d say this is a win for leadership, tenacity, audacity and big dreams. See and hear for yourselves on September 22 when Michael Boriskin and the Copland House team offer a sneak peek of Bluestone Farm, complete with a reception and concert by Copland House Ensemble.