GREENE COUNTY
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Festival Hall unveiled its new Steinway piano during a Piano and Art Celebration July 19. CONTRIBUTED
Festival Hall in Greensboro unveiled its new Steinway piano during a Piano and Art Celebration, July 19.
Festival Hall’s celebration and piano recital welcomed Hall supporters and donors, while paying special honor to Isabel B.
Jackson for gifting her beloved Steinway and Sons Model A 1895 grand piano to the venue. The celebration also honored the collective of artists named the Lake Country Artists that have decorated the walls of Festival Hall’s lobby for many years.
Festival Hall Executive Director Nicole Chillemi welcomed guests to the celebration while Board Chairman Blayne May and Board Vice Chairman Justin Cullifer provided attendees an overview of Festival Hall’s history, mission, and ways the community can get involved to support the Hall. Chillemi also presented a plaque of appreciation to Jackson’s daughter, Reverend Meg Jackson Clark. Rev. Clark “anointed” the piano with a musical piece she learned in childhood from her mother, a selection from Kinderszenen, Op. 15, “Scenes from Childhood,” by Robert Schumann (1810-1856). Greensboro’s Carter Cadwallader returned to Festival Hall’s stage in collaboration with pianist Kathy Gage to perform a lovely duet, Andante, D. 968 by Franz Schubert (17971828). Local resident Dr.
David Shuey performed pieces by one of Jackson’s favorite composers, Johannes Brahms (18331897), Intermezzo in E Major, Op. 116 No. 4 and Intermezzo in A Major, Op. 118 No. 2. Concluding the recital was famed Atlanta jazz pianist, Louis Heriveaux, who played an improvised medley of jazz favorites.
“This event brought together many of the ideas that were envisioned for (what was) the old high school gym.
Celebrating having a grand piano donated, played by very talented local musicians, as well as a professional from Atlanta, all in the same evening was wonderful to witness,” attendee and local businessman Dan Jones shared.
“Community events like this add to the list of reasons we enjoy living in this small town.”
Attendees mingled with the artists and enjoyed appetizers catered by House of Jack before and after the recital.
Area residents interested in upcoming events and supporting Festival Hall are encouraged to visit FestivalHallGA.com for more information or contact info@festivalhallga.com.