A word about Community Concerts

Just announced to the media today is our brand new Community Concert Series for 2012-13.  I am so excited about our new season for a couple reasons.  One is that our announcement comes on the heels of a fantastic concert we just finished this past Saturday with Livingston Taylor and the Voices of Unity Choir.  It also comes right before our last Community Concert of this season on May 11 with Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack show.

I know, I say that nearly every concert is going to be good; trust me!  I have friends (one who lives in Rocky River) who read this column and remind me of the fact.  However, I just have to say that I told you that you were going to really enjoy the Voices of Unity Choir with Livingston Taylor and I doubt many were disappointed.

The other reason I am excited about next season’s Community Concerts is because of the line-up.  I know a few have seen the Lennon Sisters, but for most of us, this is a chance to see real legendary entertainers we grew up with watching on TV actually perform in person in Van Wert.  Not only that, they still look and sound very good!  You’re going to really like them- see, I told you so!

The rest of the series is filled with variety and talent galore.  Even if you haven’t heard of some of the names, I can guarantee they will be winners.  We have another surprise in store with Rodney Mack and the Philadelphia Big Brass.  You will hear more later!  Igudesman & Joo is a name perhaps few have heard of, but their YouTube has gone viral.  They have become so popular that they just finished performing at Carnegie Hall and will soon be performing with pianist Emanuel Axe in Symphony Hall in Chicago.  For those who enjoyed Victor Borge over the years, Igudesman & Joo may be the second coming.

We remembered how blown away the audience was with the American Spiritual Ensemble two years ago, so when we had the chance to bring them back on their way up north, we invited them back.  This group of world-renown singers, whose mission is to keep alive the spirit of the Negro spiritual, is a must-see (again!)

It only seemed appropriate that we showcase our beautiful Baldwin SD10 Concert Grand Piano with someone who can really play.  That would be Thomas Pandolfi.  This Julliard double grad pianist performs equally adept on Liszt, Rachmaninoff, and Gershwin.  You will hear our piano sing this night.

Community Concerts had been in existence in Van Wert County for 54 years, mostly at the Marsh Auditorium.  And great years they were!  When the opportunity to move came with the opening of the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, funds generated by the Community Concert Association were used to purchase the beautiful Baldwin Grand Piano.  It may have been one of the wisest gifts given to the NPAC.  When you think about the number of artists who have used this piano over the past four years, it has been a wonderful investment.  Thank you to all the loyal supporters over the years.  We look forward to many, many more!

Now- for a word about renewing seats for next season.  It is no secret that not every seat in an auditorium is located on the aisle.  We know that many people prefer an aisle seat while some people need an aisle seat.  We try to accommodate people’s wishes when possible, but not everyone can end up on an aisle.  Otherwise, we would need 1,200 aisles!  So, we appreciate everyone’s cooperation as we try to fill the seats in a timely and efficient manner.  Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to a great year.

Good luck to the Van Wert High School Bands and Choir as they compete in State OMEA competition this Friday.  FINÉ.