Honoring a Musical Maverick: Peter Schickele Memorial Tribute Concert

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Amanda Sweet, Bucklesweet, amanda@bucklesweet.com
Website: https://schickele.com
Date: April 30, 2025

?? Honoring a Musical Maverick: Peter Schickele Memorial Tribute Concert

An Evening of Music, Laughter, and Remembrance Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Peter Schickele

New York, NY – On June 2, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., the New York Society for Ethical Culture will come alive with the sound of music, memories, and mirth as Karla Schickele & Friends present a heartfelt memorial tribute concert honoring the extraordinary life and work of Peter Schickele (July 17, 1935 – January 16, 2024) —the multi-Grammy-winning composer, satirist, and creator of the beloved alter ego P.D.Q. Bach.

Hosted by WQXR’s Elliott Forrest, this special evening will be a vibrant and eclectic celebration curated by Schickele’s daughter, Karla. Friends, family, and musical colleagues will gather to perform selections spanning Schickele’s expansive career—from his virtuosic classical parodies to poignant original works, including a haunting ballad written for Joan Baez who recently said "Peter Schickele was a marvel, so gifted and funny. It was a joy to work with him, creating some beautiful recordings."

"I first met Prof. Peter Schickele when he was a guest on my radio show in Kansas City around 1980. He was great fun, and we stayed in touch. Once I moved to New York, I would go onto interview him dozens more times on the radio and my A&E TV show, said Elliott Forrest. “In addition, I would perform with him many times on stage, including being the color commentator for his famous “Beethoven Sportscast” at Carnegie Hall. We even won a GRAMMY-award for the Comedy Album, WTWP CLASSICAL TALKITY TALK RADIO. He was a friend and mentor. I think the love and respect we all had for Peter will shine through in the celebration of his life on June 2nd."

One of the evening’s most touching highlights will be a rare performance: for the first time, three generations of Schickeles will take the stage together, sharing their musical legacy in tribute to Peter’s enduring spirit and influence.

“My dad’s music leaps across boundaries. His love of folk and bluegrass and jazz is everywhere in his work. He didn't care about what was considered highbrow or low brow, only what sounded good," said Karla Schickele. “I love that my father's satirical work appeals to people across generations, from long-time fans who remember seeing my dad swinging to the stage by a rope to band camp kids who are just discovering, through P.D.Q. Bach, that classical music has a silly side. He found as much beauty in slapstick humor as he did in a transcendent melody. His music bursts with joy. This night will be a celebration of that joy."

The tribute will also feature never-before-seen film footage and personal remembrances from some of the most cherished voices in music and comedy, painting a portrait of a singular artist whose wit and brilliance forever changed the landscape of American musical culture.

Performers include:

• Delicious Bass
• Elizabeth Mitchell
• M Shanghai String Band
• New York Pick-Up Ensemble (Special Ops Team)
• Schickele Family Denim Revue
• …and many special guests

As The New Yorker once wrote, Peter Schickele was “a latter-day Haydn…the one American composer whose name makes everyone smile.” This tribute concert promises an unforgettable evening in that very spirit—a joyous send-off for a man who made the world laugh and listen more deeply.

Tickets Now On Sale at schickele.com

• Patron/Sponsor: $150
  Includes premium seating, program listing, and exclusive invitation to the after-party
• Reserved Seating: $42
• General Admission: $18.07