Once again the tradition of sharing music and art was brought to fruition with the Gala Autumn Festival of Music and Fine Arts completing its 10th year. This event provides an opportunity for artists and musicians to share their talents with the community.
Each year, we have had a variety of talent, including presentations by budding young artists and musicians. The mixture of young participants and those of greater musical maturity provided a heartwarming experience for those in attendance.
We often hear comments in our community about the need for more cultural events and the invitation is always extended for suggestions of musicians and artists that are candidates for future performances. We express a special thanks to those who performed music or exhibited artworks this year.
The evening began with the opening of art show exhibits at 6:30 p.m. Water colors were exhibited by Shirley Gorham, Linda Parent, Tanya Griffith and Leona Wallam. Elda Miller displayed several pieces of oil paintings and her husband Ed displayed wood carvings. Mrs. Miller’s carvings of young ladies from single pieces of wood were real eye catchers. A larger piece of “work in progress” of a dancing girl was thought by many to be a finished product but he gave assurance that it will still take several hundred hours to complete. Mr. and Mrs. Miller came to Sweet Home about three years ago. Our belated welcome to a talented couple.
Extensive samples of calligraphy were displayed by the “Sweet Home Bunch”. They are really more mature students at Linn-Benton Community College, but have become a significant social group in the process. It is of interest that the “Sweet Home Bunch” hosted the state calligraphy convention here recently.
Jake Riker’s high school art class had a large display of mixed media. The white on black glossy paper works received much attention. Lisa Godell’s glass beach sand boxes were very interesting. Other artists included pottery from Moon Dance Studio and an assortment of art and creative works, quilts, etc. from Lorena Ruby of Seamingly Creative, Malia Allen and “Not Just Bears”.
The concert welcome was given by Bishop Dave Redden of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. An invocation was offered by Butch Adcock, pastor of the First Baptist Church. A multi-year tradition has been to have Father Andrew Harris of St. Helen’s Catholic Church give the benediction.
The program showcased the budding talents of younger musicians. Meaghan Shaefer performed “Mignon” on the violin with Marilyn Tyler accompanist. Madeline Tyler, 7, played a violin solo, “Go Tell Aunt Rhodie”, accompanied by her mother Marilyn. Sarah Tyler, 10, also played the violin and performed “Minuet No. 3” accompanied by her mother Marilyn. A piano duet, “Aria”, from Don Giovanni was played by Georgia and Oakley Tyler, ages 12 and 13 respectively.
Anna Parker performed two numbers, a vocal solo “Greater Love”, and a flute solo, “The Lord’s Prayer”.
Visiting us for the second year was Evan and Rebecca McAllister from Lebanon. Evan sang “Bon Jour, Suzon!”, accompanied by his wife Rebecca. He sang this in French, but gave the interpretation of a young man who had made a trip to Italy and upon his return tried to persuade a beautiful young maiden sitting at the window to open the door and allow him to enter. After a lengthy and unsuccessful attempt, he left and sang “Bon Jour, Suzon.” The performer and accompanist were then reversed, as Rebecca sang “The Silent Garden”, accompanied by her husband Evan.
Marilyn Tyler performed the Violin Sonata No. 6 by George Frederic Handel with four movements, accompanied by Jean-Marie van Bronkhorst. Marilyn, whose training and experiences in her musical career have included the Eugene Symphony Orchestra, is a crowning performance to such an event as this.
Jean-Marie van Bronkhorst performed two numbers, Etude-tableau, Op. 35, No. 2 by Sergei Rachmaninov, and a second number which he dedicated to his wife Rene’. Jean is a native of the Netherlands and a true musical professional. He recently moved from Sweet Home to Jefferson to accept a teaching position at Cascade High School. He and his family will be missed in our community but with some good fortune, we will get him back for future performances.
Henry B. Wolthuis performed the organ solo, “Andante” by George Frederic Handel.
The program committee, comprised of John Wittwer, Bruce and Mary Workman and Henry and Mollie Wolthuis express their appreciation to all of the participants, those who baked and donated refreshments, to the LDS church for hosting this community event and The New Era for photography and publicity.
When in our music God is glorified,
And adoration leaves no room for pride
It is tho’ whole creation cried, “Alleluia!”
Fred Pratt Green
The highest of all arts is the art of living well. Beyond the beauty of sculpture and painting, of poetry or music, is the beauty of a well-spent life. Her all can be artists.
Every man can be a hero.
Harold B. Lee