The Gala Festival of Music and Fine Arts was outstanding experience for both the performers and audience.
The Festival was begun 12 years ago to provide an opportunity for individuals to exhibit their art work and perform musically for an appreciative audience.
A variety of artistic mediums were displayed for the hour before the musical concert. Oil paintings were displayed by Ann Balogh, Janice Taylor and Elda Miller. A popular choice among Taylor’s paintings was one of her own ranch on Brush Creek Road near Sweet Home. Miller had several nature scenes that were superb.
Photographer Tony Hayden’s redwoods were a winner as was James Basting’s collection of photos taken at forest fighting activities with the Oregon Department of Forestry. Pen and ink works were displayed by Dennis Edgerly. Another local artist shared his magazine art from “Western Illustrations of Al Martin Napoletano.”
Mixed media displays included Eddie Bennett’s metal works and Guido Bondioli with a new sculpture consisting of helix-like forms topped with a skull of small animal an his own unique paintings of individuals’ faces. A table of scrapbooks and cards were displayed by Sharon Bryant and Darla Palkki.
At the opening of the concert, Virginia Buhn was recognized as special guest and visitor. Mrs. Buhn had taught and inspired hundreds of young pianists from Sweet Home over the years prior to moving to Eugene.
Carmen Wolthuis Hall, one of her former students, traveled a long distance with four of her own students to participate in the concert.
The program began with the Singing Christmas Tree Children’s Choir led by Debbie Cooley. This budding group of youths sang several numbers, including “It’s a Small World” and “Go Tell it on the Mountain.” These young people are well on their way to a lifetime of good music.
Natasha Perry performed a fitting opening number of “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” and “I Love to See the Temple.” She was followed by her older sister, Sabra, playing “Spinning Wheel” and “Dandelion Rag.”
“Shifting Sand” was the number of choice for the Kisselburgh family, with father, Bill, at the piano and young Katie for vocal. Her brothers Joe and Ryan Kisselburgh played the guitar and hand drum. This was a great family performance.
Two other young pianists did a magnificent job. Madeline Tyler, 9, of Sweet Home played “Little White Church,” and Jared Hall, 9, of American Fork, Utah, played “Roundup.” Their perfection is a reflection of the talents and expectations of their mothers.
Some very relaxing music included “September Waltz” and “Slow Boat to China” performed by Theron and Betsy Yochelson on mandolin and guitar.
A repeat favorite has been the piano and string trio comprised of Bill Langdon, piano; Marilyn Tyler, violin; and Keith Scofield, cello. Marilyn and Bill have performed at several Galas over the past 12 years and bring a professionalism to our local list of talented musicians. We welcome Keith as the newest member of the trio.
Carmen Hall, also of American Fork, Utah, performed an Etude by Chopin. She and her father, Dr. Henry B. Wolthuis, then performed Concerto Pour Piano, Oeuvre 59 by Maurice Moszkowski on two pianos.
Evan and Rebecca McAllister hail from Lebanon. Rebecca sang “Simple Song” from The Mass, accompanied by her husband, Evan. They then sang a vocal duet, “Lead Kindly Light,” arranged by Mack Wilberg, assistant director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. They were accompanied by Dr. Henry Wolthuis on the organ.
The final and crowning numbers performed with eight hands on two pianos were “Allegro Deciso from Water Music” by Handel and the famous John Phillip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever” arranged by Mack Wilberg. This quartet includes Justin Smith, Lindsey Robinson, Lauren Bangerter and Emily Sheffield. Those outstanding young musicians are students of Carmen Hall and traveled with her from American Fork, Utah, for this occasion.
Benediction was given by Father Andrew Harris of St. Helen’s Catholic Church. Father Harris brings a sense of love and unity and has now been a longstanding tradition for the benediction.
Appreciation is to be expressed to all of the artists and musicians who have spent so much of their lives preparing the talents they shared this evening. A special thanks also goes to Mollie Wolthuis and Carol Redden for their beautiful and artistic arranging of the art show and to the many individuals who provided and helped with the refreshments.
This outstanding community even brings an exceptional program to an appreciative audience without charge. The artists and musicians are equally appreciative of their audience. Individuals who would like to participate in next year’s program are encouraged to contact the organizing committee made up of John Wittwer, Henry and Mollie Wolthuis and Bruce Workman. Suggestions and comments are also welcome.