Knickerbocker Club, East 62nd Street

In a special kick-off to our 11th season, the Knickerbocker Chamber Orchestra is pleased to announce an exclusive performance of “John Adams in Amsterdam: A Song for Abigail,” music by KCO Music Director Gary S. Fagin, libretto by Terry Quinn, on the evening of Monday, February 11, 2019, at the famed Knickerbocker Club.

A limited number of reservations are available for this unusual 35-minute performance, which will include an introductory talk by renowned financial writer and Wall Street analyst James Grant as well as a sumptuous dinner at the club. 

Backed by a KCO string quartet, baritone Peter Kendall Clark will sing the part of John Adams – but first, Mr. Grant (author of “John Adams: Party of One” and other best sellers) will set the scene, describing the tumultuous years between 1780 and 1782 when the future president worked to gain European leaders’ support for the new United States of America. After months of resistance from French and Dutch officials, John Adams finally secured necessary treaties and a loan of five million guilders from Amsterdam bankers that would prove crucial to the outcome of the American Revolution. Through it all, he wrote to his beloved wife Abigail – and it is on these letters that librettist Terry Quinn and composer Gary S. Fagin based their music drama.

This special performance will take place at the private Knickerbocker Club, located in a landmark building just off Fifth Avenue on 62nd Street. Connected by name only, the Knickerbocker Chamber Orchestra and the Knickerbocker Club are partnering for the first time. The name "Knickerbocker," which has become a byword for old fashioned New York, was coined by writer Washington Irving in 1809.

If you would like more information about this event, or to make reservations, please contact Alison Simko at alisonsimko@knickerbocker-orchestra.org or 917-929-8375