(Sept. 7, 2017) The expanded Chamber Music by the Sea series from Aug. 29 to Sept. 3 in Berlin, Snow Hill and South Point was a hit, according to artistic director Elena Urioste.
Urioste said all performances were well attended and ample funds were raised for the Worcester County Educational Foundation.
She was joined by cellist Brook Speltz, violinist Melissa White, violist Milena Pajarovan de Stadt and pianist Tom Poster during concerts in two area homes and at two local churches.
“My incredible colleagues all played their hearts out in every single piece – no small feat, as I threw each of them an enormous amount of work and responsibility over the course of the week,” Urioste said. “The audiences were all unbelievably warm, supportive, and enthusiastic, proving that chamber music really is a connective experience.
“Each and every one of the concerts was full of special moments, from the thrill of getting to make music on each of Ron Geesey’s spectacular instruments, to the otherworldly ambience of Philip Bogosian’s home, to performing with outstanding local young violinists at Buckingham Presbyterian Church, to the glowing sounds and rapt silence within All Hallows Episcopal Church. I will remember the entire week forever,” she added.
Urioste said fundraising and ticket sales far exceeded her goal, which bodes well for the future of the festival.
“It is my sincere hope that Chamber Music by the Sea will be an annual event. It is an absolute gift to be able to bring my colleagues and their beautiful music to the Eastern Shore and play for this warm, receptive community of people,” she said.
The exact amount raised for the foundation has yet to be determined, Urioste said.
“Our goal was to provide memorable performances and raise money for the Worcester County Educational Foundation … I know for a fact that we achieved our goal,” she said. “Our community can help both Chamber Music by the Sea and the Worcester County Educational Foundation by supporting programs for the arts, attending public performances, encouraging others to support the arts, and by ‘liking’ the Chamber Music by the Sea Facebook page to receive updates on upcoming events and performances in the area.”
The Worcester County Educational Foundation funds teacher grants, helps supplement technology needs and ensures that students have supplies they need to be successful during the school year, according to foundation member Melissa Reid.
Urioste thanked the local businesses and members of the community who sponsored the series.
A personal highlight, she said, was the day-long master class she and the other musicians hosted for student players at Zenna Wellness Studio in Berlin last Thursday. The students joined the professional musicians during the concert at Buckingham Presbyterian Church Friday night.
“I want to extend a special thank you to Chrissy Ehrhart for lending us her magical studio for the day, and to all of the young violinists for being so open and receptive,” she said. “Without them, classical music would have no future, but fortunately there is no danger of that on the Eastern Shore. It was an honor to share ideas with the next generation of musicians.”
For more information on the series, visit www.facebook.com/ChamberMusicbytheSea.
Urioste said all performances were well attended and ample funds were raised for the Worcester County Educational Foundation.
She was joined by cellist Brook Speltz, violinist Melissa White, violist Milena Pajarovan de Stadt and pianist Tom Poster during concerts in two area homes and at two local churches.
“My incredible colleagues all played their hearts out in every single piece – no small feat, as I threw each of them an enormous amount of work and responsibility over the course of the week,” Urioste said. “The audiences were all unbelievably warm, supportive, and enthusiastic, proving that chamber music really is a connective experience.
“Each and every one of the concerts was full of special moments, from the thrill of getting to make music on each of Ron Geesey’s spectacular instruments, to the otherworldly ambience of Philip Bogosian’s home, to performing with outstanding local young violinists at Buckingham Presbyterian Church, to the glowing sounds and rapt silence within All Hallows Episcopal Church. I will remember the entire week forever,” she added.
Urioste said fundraising and ticket sales far exceeded her goal, which bodes well for the future of the festival.
“It is my sincere hope that Chamber Music by the Sea will be an annual event. It is an absolute gift to be able to bring my colleagues and their beautiful music to the Eastern Shore and play for this warm, receptive community of people,” she said.
The exact amount raised for the foundation has yet to be determined, Urioste said.
“Our goal was to provide memorable performances and raise money for the Worcester County Educational Foundation … I know for a fact that we achieved our goal,” she said. “Our community can help both Chamber Music by the Sea and the Worcester County Educational Foundation by supporting programs for the arts, attending public performances, encouraging others to support the arts, and by ‘liking’ the Chamber Music by the Sea Facebook page to receive updates on upcoming events and performances in the area.”
The Worcester County Educational Foundation funds teacher grants, helps supplement technology needs and ensures that students have supplies they need to be successful during the school year, according to foundation member Melissa Reid.
Urioste thanked the local businesses and members of the community who sponsored the series.
A personal highlight, she said, was the day-long master class she and the other musicians hosted for student players at Zenna Wellness Studio in Berlin last Thursday. The students joined the professional musicians during the concert at Buckingham Presbyterian Church Friday night.
“I want to extend a special thank you to Chrissy Ehrhart for lending us her magical studio for the day, and to all of the young violinists for being so open and receptive,” she said. “Without them, classical music would have no future, but fortunately there is no danger of that on the Eastern Shore. It was an honor to share ideas with the next generation of musicians.”
For more information on the series, visit www.facebook.com/ChamberMusicbytheSea.