The Journal

Issue date: 4/19/07 Section: LifeStyle

Media Credit: Audrey Burke Mark O'Connor, violin, Andra Voldins, viola, and Mike Block, cello, perform the inaugural concert in the new Community Music School April 15.

Patrons packed the lobby of the new Community Music School for a pre-show reception as hor d'oeuvres circulated and a string quartet added early ambiance before the audience was seated in the concert hall.


After more than a year of construction, the concert hall debuted to a sold-out audience of 490 people April 15.


Special Events Coordinator Jennifer Willis said Mark O'Connor's "Appalachia Waltz" was selected especially for the Grand Opening celebration because of O'Connor's notoriety. As a violinist and composer, O'Connor is known for his ability to meld different genres and create new, influential American classical music.


"He's known for breaking down barriers between different styles of music," said Carol Commerford, director of the CMS. "He's noted as having a completely different style that's all his own."


O'Connor's Appalachia Waltz Trio also included violist Andra Voldins and cellist Mike Block. The trio performed "Appalachia Waltz," one of O'Connor's most famous compositions, inspired by Scandinavian and Appalachian folk fiddling.


"He's renowned as one of the greatest violinists," said Wally Ayers, an audience member. "It's well known that he toured with Stephane Grappelli, one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century."


Grappelli was a French pioneer jazz violinist who founded the Quinette du Hot Club de France, one of the first all-string jazz bands.


A Gala package was available to patrons and featured a cocktail reception and building tours both before and after the concert and dinner. About 180 people attended the Gala, which raised more than $80,000 in proceeds to go to the Community Music School Endowment Fund. The Fund provides future programming for events such as concerts and scholarships, Willis said.


Much of the Gala's success was due to the hard work of Cheri Fromm and Veronica McDonnell, Gala co-chairwomen who recruited sponsors for the event. Major sponsors included the Centene Corporation, Brown Shoe Company and Edward Jones.


"We have 180 guests who have generously donated to the Community Music School and are part of the Gala," Willis said.

Continued...

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