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The FIRSTatFIRSTatFOUR Young Artist Showcase
recognizes the tremendous talent of young performers throughout
Lower Fairfield County. It was developed to nurture the dreams
and celebrate the excellence of our next generation of artists.
Established in the spring of 2004, the showcase
originated as a musical talent show. Organizers anticipated that
aspiring musicians age five to college-years, would take the stage
to perform for a receptive, enthusiastic audience. Admission to
the public was free.
"We planned this show as a result of hearing
from voice and instrumental teachers in Stamford, Greenwich, Norwalk,
and surrounding communities that there is a dearth of public performance
venues for youngsters and young adults with hopes of musical careers,"
said John Stoddard, local businessman and the series committee
chair.
"After each FIRSTatFIRSTatFOUR concert,
our featured vocalists and their accompanists mixed with the audience,
especially students, their parents, and private teachers. We realized
that these events provided invaluable interaction, offering kids
the kind of musical relationships and resources not usually available
at professional concert venues," Stoddard continued. Before
long, the idea for a youth talent show took shape.
Organizers did not have to look far for support
for the talent show idea. Singers Teresa Vicario
and Vaneese Thomas and pianist/composer
Douglas Kostner, performers in the FIRSTatFIRSTatFOUR
series, stepped forward to help identify music educators and conduct
auditions. Paul Haller Piano of Stamford, an early supporter of
the series, donated the use of a concert grand piano rent-free.
The Stamford Symphony volunteered to give two tickets to a future
symphony concert to every student who auditioned.
"This show succeeded in bringing different
parts of the community together in exciting ways," recalls
the Rev. Dr. Douglas McArthur, senior pastor
of host First United Methodist Church. "There's extraordinary
talent in Fairfield County. We wanted to bring more of it to light.
When we did, we were astounded and blessed by the passion, dignity,
and outstanding artistic gifts the students displayed."
This year's Young Artist Showcase renews
our commitment to encourage and celebrate tomorrow's performers
today.
(RELEASE TO
THE STAMFORD ADVOCATE/GREENWICH TIME) |
