The Concordia Parish Library will be hosting a concert duo featuring harpist Heidi Krutzen and cellist Ariel Barnes at the Concordia Bank lobby in Vidalia at 7 p.m. Thursday.

What a wonderful opportunity for our community to experience another live performance. I’ve always been impressed when attending these concerts of the down-to-earth manner of the artists. They inform and educate us about their music in such a way that everyone has a better understanding of what is going to be performed — which makes a very pleasant experience.

Parents, as a music educator and musician, I challenge you to give your children the gift of music and the arts of the classics.

So many times we overlook the opportunities that our community offers families with school-aged students. We take the time to take our children to live sporting events that inspire them to work harder at the sport, but then forget to expose them to opportunities, such as attending a live concert or play, that could spark this same inspiration.

Seeing an artist perform can ignite interest in young children to want to sing or play an instrument. Research supports the idea that music helps our concentration and therefore improves learning. Parents, by exposing your children to the arts you may help your child find an outlet that will help them excel in life!

Evan Drachman established The Piatigorsky Foundation in 1990 in honor of his grandfather Gregor Piatigorsky. Piatigorsky deeply believed in the healing and inspiration power of classical music.

He once said, “Music makes life better. Music is a necessity. It is rich. It is imaginative. It is magnificent. And it is for everyone.”

The Piatigorsky Foundation is committed to carrying on Piatigorsky’s mission by evoking cultural curiosity through educational and accessible live performances. And we have been given these opportunities right here in our own community.

Heidi Krutzen, our featured harpist is a founding member of Vancouver’s Turning Point Ensemble, principal harpist of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, and former principal harpist of the CBC Radio Orchestra. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music, Heidi now teaches at the University of British Columbia.

Internationally acclaimed cellist Ariel Barnes enjoys a diverse career as a soloist, chamber and orchestral musician.

The Concordia Public Library is delighted to work with the Piatigorsky Foundation once again to bring a new and exciting musical experience to the area. This concert is scheduled to last approximately one hour.

This event is free and open to the public and is co-sponsored by Concordia Bank & Trust Co.

We hope to see you there!

 

Kathleen Mackey King is a music educator.