BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

POTSDAM -- In what could be his final performance in the North Country, violinist John Lindsey is slated to play a smaller, more personal show for patrons on November 20. 

The duet with cellist Alisa Woods will consist of all original pieces, with Lindsey playing his own music throughout the entirety of his performance. 

Though Lindsey is in the latter years of his career, he says he is playing better now than he ever has. 

"I feel like I am 30 again and I still love to play. Now that I have more time to practice my playing is better than it ever has been before," he said. 

Lindsey had a teaching career that spanned nearly 50 years, including full-time positions in the Dallas Public Schools, Baylor University where he was Chairman of Strings for three years, as well as the University of Kentucky where he was String Chairman for six years. 

North County residents likely know him best for his many years at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, which he joined in 1981 before retiring in 2016. 

While at Crane, Lindsey played a pivotal role in the violin department and served as String Chairman for 15 years. 

Lindsey received the SUNY Distinguished Service Professorship during his tenure, one of only two Crane faculty to receive the award at the time. 

Lindsey also played in numerous string quartets in his career, as well as with the Orchestra of Northern New York. 

He was a cofounder and founding Concertmaster for ONNY for 37 years before resigning in 2025.

Internationally renowned, Lindsey has played some of the most prestigious events and festivals around the world. 

This time, however, he is playing closer to home with a more intimate duo with Woods as he marks the end of his tenure in the North Country. 

The event, which begins at 2 p.m. at the Potsdam Public Library, will begin with Lindsey's original compositions followed by Woods' original compositions. 

Lindsey said the event will prove to be a unique event with a visual art piece complementing the music as they play. 

"It will be a larger experience that incorporates both visual art with photographs to accompany each piece. I think it will make for a beautiful, moving experience for everyone in attendance," Lindsey said. 

One piece Lindsey wrote is entitled bellissima, written for his daughter. 

"That piece in particular is quite moving and very personal. I'm very excited to play them all but that one especially," he said. 

Lindsey said Woods also brings a unique approach and style, using a modern looping method when playing. 

"The layers and texture she is able to add is incredible. She brings a very interesting approach to each piece," he said. 

Lindsey said he will also play one of the biggest pieces titled "Home Sweet Home" during the concert. 

"Home Sweet Home is the biggest piece we will play and it is an interesting progression about the history of a home and the life made in it. I don't want to give too much away but the visual elements that will accompany it will create a fuller picture for everyone," Lindsey said. 

Though his distinguished career in the North Country is coming to a possible close, Lindsey said "never say never" on a future show. 

"I don't want to say I won't ever return but this could very well be my last show here. I just hope we will have a great audience who can come to enjoy the show," he said.