Classical/rock violinist Daisy Jopling was born in London, and now lives in NY. She has toured to 54 countries around the world and recorded nine albums, two with BMG RCA Victor. Daisy was the first international violinist to perform a major concert at the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
She has collaborated with many international stars, including Bobby McFerrin and Hollywood’s Hans Zimmer, and her Solo work has included playing a concerto at the Royal Albert Hall in London at the age of 14, playing twice before 30,000 people at the opening of the Vienna Festival, touring with her band to 53 stunning concert halls in China, creating “Illuminance” on Bannerman Island, NY which aired on PBS in 2021 and 2022, and performing her own “Awakening” Concert at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center.
“The Northgate Story” is a musical celebration of history through music presented by Daisy Jopling and her Band. The concert will present the story of the historic Stern/Cornish estate, part of the Hudson Highlands State Park located in Cold Spring, NY. With narration and performance, Daisy will tell us about the families who owned the site and how they shared their time and estate with youngsters. This event will support music education as local music students will perform as part of the event.
Daisy tell us The Northgate Story.
Over ten years ago, local historian, artist and set designer Thom Johnson decided to clear out the overgrowth around the Stern/Cornish Estate ruin at Northgate, just north of Cold Spring, NY. In his mind, Thom knew this could be a wonderful place for extraordinary musical performances.
When the space was ready, Thom called me, and we went up to the side together. I was in awe at the breathtaking beauty of this stunning, truly magical place. I was hooked.
We have created a wonderful experience for our audience. They can either hike up the hill, but it is a steep one mile hike, or they can arrive in shuttle buses at the site. They will then be given a historical tour by Thom Johnson, and walk in groups with an usher to three different sites around the property to watch fantastic students perform on instruments and dance. Every performance has been created specifically for this site.
They will then experience a Daisy Jopling Band performance on the ruin itself, as Daisy emotionally and historically underscores the Northgate Story with her music, elevated by two gorgeous dancers, Elisa Toro Franky and Belle Torres.
What makes this concert so unique?
It is happening in an abandoned ruin where concerts have never happened before! We are creating magic in a popular hiking destination, with a stunning view of the Hudson River, Storm King Mountain and Breakneck Ridge. We are bringing our local environment alive with the transformative and uplifting energy of the power of the arts. The audience will learn the history of this site, support music education and experience art of the highest caliber in a breathtaking natural setting.
Tell us about the history of Northgate?
This is on our ticket website, written by Thom Johnson:
Northgate the Stern/Cornish estate
Northgate also known as “the old Cornish estate” located in the Hudson Highlands State Park north of Cold Spring N.Y. is a popular hiking destination in the Hudson Valley. First put together by Sigmund and Dove Stern starting in the early 20th century by purchasing small farms near and around the Surprise Lake Camp. The Sterns were connected to the camp and Mr. Stern served on the board and would donate land to them. After Dove’s passing in 1915 the site was leased then sold to Edward and Selina Cornish in 1917. The estate became a gentleman’s dairy farm under Mr. Cornish till shortly before his passing in 1938. The Cornish family did not use the site much and in 1958 a fire destroyed the residence. Central Hudson purchased the estate to build a power plant in 1963, but heard the public wishes that it not be built and it was sold and given to N.Y. State parks to be part of the Hudson Highlands State Park in 1967.
How will people be transported to the concert grounds?
They can either hike up the hill, but it is a steep one-mile hike, or they can take a shuttle bus from Cold Spring, NY train station.
What are you must looking forward to as an artist regarding this concert?
It is truly rewarding for me to experience the thrill of seeing our audience members have the time of their lives, we have produced so many shows where people say that this was the best show they’ve ever been to. We know this is something they will never forget. Also, seeing how this opportunity transforms our students, and inspires them to realize they can create whatever life they want – even in an abandoned, ruined mansion! It is a joy beyond words for me to perform with the genius musicians of my band, and I know that together with all the performers, crew, volunteers and audience members we will have a wondrous experience we will remember forever.
What can your audience expect?
Bring comfortable shoes! You will not be walking far if you take the shuttle bus, but you will be outside in a stunning, rustic setting, and you will want to feel free and enjoy yourself. Expect a joyous, inspirational and uplifting experience beyond your wildest dreams!
“The Northgate Story” will be performed at the Stern/Cornish Estate at Northgate, which is located in the Hudson Highlands State Park, in Cold Spring, NY from July 12th-14th, 2024.
Get your tickets for this amazing show here: