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It's the new season: 2010 – 2011 So many changes have taken place. The only constant is the ARTS – music remains the same. It is the time to begin making plans for our Concert season. Whether you are a performer or a listener, NOW is the time to become a Patron of the Arts. Just Like Social Security The other day I read my 'Social Security Statement' that came in the mail. At the top is a circle with "75 Years!" in it – wow!. One of the paragraphs on the page says: Since 1935, America has kept the promise of security for its workers and their families. Now, however, the Social Security system is facing serious financial problems, and action is needed soon to make sure the system will be sound when today's younger workers are ready for retirement."Since 1935", that's what it says at the beginning of the web site – Community music since 1935. But that is not the only similarity. The Danbury Music Centre "is facing serious financial problems" also. This has not been the case in the past – at least not in the last 30 - 40 years. Individual membership is doing really well. In fact,the performing musicians do not get paid and most are also members. But there used to be more corporate sponsors. Every free concert needs to have a corporate sponsor in order to pay rental, music, and many other fees that add up to thousands of dollars for each performance. Part of the problem, in my opinion, is that there are fewer 'local' corporations. Many are owned by some larger company – a company that doesn't really care about the cultural environment of the greater Danbury community. If you are not a member, consider joining the Danbury Music Centre. But more important, if you know any business owners or corporate executives, talk to them about sponsoring individual concerts or just making a donation to benefit the programs of the Danbury Music Centre. To obtain more information, contact the DMC office. Walt SudikAs you may know, the DMC sponsors several 'Recitals' during the year. This year, several musicians have asked to use the facilities of the Marian Anderson Recital Hall to give benefit recitals. the first is Carlos Sousa and Men Without Instruments. There is also a Violin/Piano benefit recital by David Gale, and Alex Thompson bringing together over a dozen people playing Big Band music. DMC News
The Deming Family Scholarship WinnerThe Danbury Music Centre awarded the 10th annual Deming Family Scholarship totrombone player Antonia LoConte from Carmel, New York.  pictured left to right are John Cherry, Chairman of the selection committee, Antonia LoConte, and Larry Deming Antonia is a graduate of Carmel High School and is in her junior year at SUNY Fredonia majoring in Music Education. Larry Deming, son of Danbury resident Mary Deming, and the late Robert Deming, presented the award on behalf of his parents who have made these annual awards available in appreciation of the many musical opportunities the Danbury Music Centre provides for the community. The Deming Family Scholarship is awarded each summer to a student or students from the greater Danbury area attending an accredited college or university for advanced study in music. For information about the next round of scholarships, call Nancy F. Sudik at the Danbury Music Centre, 203-748-1716. Nancy F. Sudik Executive Director Danbury Music Centre
Nutcracker 2010 Auditions
Rehearsals Begin
The Ninth Annual Danbury Symphony OrchestraApplication deadline: October 12, 2010 |
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Men Without Instruments
a benefit recital
Saturday, Sep. 25, 2010256 Main St.
Carlos Sousa and his friends will present a benefit recital in the Marian Anderson Recital Hall. This group specializes in singing doo-wop music and has become extremely popular. It will be a very fun-filled evening. Early arrival is suggested.
The cost of $10.00 will benefit the programs of the Danbury Music Centre.
Advance ticket purchase is recommended. Contact the DMC office.
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A Letter to the Editor in the Danbury News-Times
from Jan.1, 2010
Handel’s ‘Messiah’ deserves kudos
If you were in the vicinity of downtown Danbury at precisely 10 p.m. on Dec. 21, that loud noise you heard was the thunderous applause accompanying the standing ovation being given to the Danbury Music Centre’s annual production of ‘Messiah.’ And well deserved, it was.
The location of this year’s performance was at First Congregational Church on Deer Hill Avenue, a departure from its usual venue of St. Peter Church.
No matter ... the smaller accommodations seemed somehow to only magnify the beauty of the production. I imagined Handel himself, smiling down on all in attendance and nodding in approval at the magnificent voices and the soaring orchestral sounds.
And who better to conduct this masterpiece than Richard Price. With his baton, he brings vibrancy, emotion and great joy to the performance. It is obvious that this gifted man enjoys “Messiah” and that all those under his baton respect and admire him. Danbury is privileged to have him.
If “Messiah” doesn’t reveal to you the true meaning of Christmas, then I don’t know what it would take. My husband and I have enjoyed attending virtually every performance over the past 30 years. It is one of the true highlights of our Christmas season.
Kudos to all — Mr. Price, the soloists, the Danbury Concert Chorus and the Baroque Chamber Orchestra. And Merry Christmas to all.
Margaret PielaNEW MILFORD
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