The majestic sound of music filled The Ark Family Church January 19th for The Rotary Club of Lake Conroe’s “Concert For The Park”. More than 400 Montgomery County residents gathered for an evening of art, music and fellowship, all to benefit the soon to be Memory Park at The Charles B Stewart Library in Montgomery.
Our musicians, Italian Rotarian Francesco Attesti and Matteo Galli, along with their touring assistant Michela Bollini, found themselves trapped in Fort Stockton, TX, two days before the concert, with 300 miles of I10 closed due to snow and ice. Finally able to travel on Thursday, the delay caused the cancellation of the planned visits to area schools. Thankfully, the trio made their entrance midway through the Patron’s Reception at Bernhardt Winery that evening, a bit road weary, but happy to have arrived.
While everyone waited for the guests of honor, vocalist Rob Schroeder and pianist Joe Burlison, known professionally as Burlison-Schroeder, entertained with a wonderful variety of music. The Bernhardt’s, always the perfect hosts, poured their wines generously to accompany a delicious light dinner from The Italian Deli.
The next evening, a colorful Art Show from the talented artists of The Conroe Art League, and beautiful music from 4 talented flutists from the Conroe Symphony Orchestra, Stephanie Harris, Suzanne Pearce, Jody Westerhold, and Kim Bellini, greeted concertgoers in the lobby of The Ark. Young ladies from The Montgomery High School Interact Club and The Montgomery Monarchs Chapter of The National Charity League served as ushers.
Master of Ceremonies Wayne Hickman opened the evening for the long awaited concert. The first sounds from the stage were the voices of young angels in the form of The Brabham Middle School Choir. The very popular Montgomery High School Choir followed with an outstanding performance, proving once again why they have garnered so many awards.
Francesco and Matteo then began The Requiem – a very intense piece, physically demanding, powerful - made all the more wonderful by the state of the art video system of The Ark, with close ups of the fast moving octaves and the non verbal communication between the musicians. Gary Parker filmed the concert, photographer (Conroe Rotarian) Beth Bolac provided the still photography, and Rotarian Malcolm Pepper spent his evening in the control booth with the awesome crew from The Ark.
The concert was sponsored in part by Amegy Bank, Edward Jones and Company, Starrock, LP, and of course, by our host, The Ark Family Church.
When the evening wrapped, it became apparent that something much more than fundraising had transpired. RCLC, without experience producing such an event, reached out to the community for guidance. The response was humbling as professionals answered the call, expecting nothing in return. Such generosity and caring, far beyond our expectations, is what Memory Park is all about, and proves once again that we are truly blessed to live in this community.
FUNDRAISING:
"The Concert For The Park"
January 2007
Hosted By:
The ArkFamilyChurch
Performers:
Matteo Galli, organ
Francesco Attesti, piano
Flute Ensemble, from The Conroe Symphony Orchestra
Kim Bellini Stephanie Harris
Suzanne Pearce Jody Westerhold
Brabham Middle School Choir
Under the Direction of Paulette Wells
The MontgomeryHigh School Choir
Under the Direction of Heather Orr
Accompanied by Mrs. Lou Leonard
Master of Ceremony, Wayne Hickman
Underwriters, Contributors and Volunteers:
Don Carter Judy Campbell
Bernhardt Winery
The Italian Grill
The Conroe Symphony
The MontgomeryCounty Performing Arts Society
The National Charity League
The Montgomery HS Interact Club
Harvey Stanley, Piano Tuner
Church Organs of Houston
Forshey Piano Company
Rick Adams, Walden Yacht Club
The Charles B Stewart Library
Gary and Lorrie Parker
Malcolm Pepper, Four Flags Productions
Edward Jones and Company
Gary and Janet Milleson
Marsha Cashdollar
Edwin, Leesa and Ed Hoff
The Conroe Art League
Peggy Miller
Jackie Barker
The Courier
And All who purchased tickets
