This afternoon I had the immense pleasure of performing for a benefit luncheon for the Anson County Arts Council in Wadesboro, NC. For quite some time now, plans had been underway for this event-and I was very honored to be able to participate.
The Arts Council has been such an incredible means of encouragement and support to me as a student artist- providing me with performance opportunities, helping me gain exposure etc... When approached by one of the board members about being the guest performer for this afternoon's lunch, I was thrilled accept!
For the past few years, the Arts Council has been putting on three "Bach's Lunches" over the summertime in an effort to gain support for their renovation project of the old Ansonia Theatre ( a wonderful historic theatre in downtown Wadesboro with an intensely rich biography!)
In appreciation for all that has been afforded me through the council and its kind board members, I composed a special piece of music for this Bach's Lunch and titled it "Ansonia". I do believe it was received well...:)I consider my time spent with the council as a truly sweet time in my life. Now, as I prepare to begin my professional career as a composer, all the memories and faces of gentle souls who warmly prodded me along as a child and into my young adult years flood back to me, and the Arts Council holds many such dear faces.
May the most remarkable and enduring of blessings be with these kind people, and may their efforts to strengthen and encourage the youth of our community through the world of art never be forgotten.
Affectionately Yours,
Kate
p.s. I hope you enjoy a few of the photos I have enclosed below!
My mom and I arrived at the church at around 11:20 a.m. Imagine our surprise when we saw this sign outside! It was a pleasantly warm afternoon, brimming with promises of a beautiful time of fellowship and music. What a combination!
Haha- can you tell that I talk with my hands??? This shot was taken from across the dining table by my mother, who thought my engrossing account of how music is built around "themes" would make for an...interesting photo. Thanks, mom. :) (Although now that I think of it, I don't look very excited, do I? Just a thought...)
I played altogether six pieces of music, ranging from the first song I ever performed as a student composer, all the way to a piece that I finished two nights ago-"Ansonia". I composed and dedicated this music to the Anson County Arts Council, and performed it in honor of the future young artists who will one day grace the stage of the renovated Ansonia Theatre...
A very kind gentleman complimented my playing and asked me if I wanted to go to New York one day to pursue my endeavors there---now, do I ever??
Following the performance, I had the opportunity to talk with some of the wonderful people who came to the luncheon. We shared a good deal of smiles and hugs and made promises to meet again. I intend to keep that promise!
