Evening hits all right notes

Akron Beacon Journal - May 1st, 2007

by Betty O'Neill-Roderick

Jean Blair and Pete Birgeles provided a Viennese welcome to 150 guests as they arrived at Greystone Hall for An Evening in Vienna Sunday night. The Tuesday Musical Association's annual fundraiser was co-chaired by Pat Sargent and Marian Steinert, with Meg Harris Stanton as honorary chairwoman.

The event featured a silent auction, The Art of Music, presenting framed music autographed by performers in the Tuesday Musical Concert Series. Executive director Barbara Feld credited Mary Ann Jackson with the idea, and guest placed bids for their favorite music. Libert and Madeline Bozzelli were busy selling raffle tickets for a trip to two of Europe's most beautiful cities, Vienna and Prague, with tickets to the famed opera houses in both cities. Sharon Nerhood was the winner.

Dinner was accompanied by the music of several young musicians. Violinists Ann Yu, 10 and Alan Zhang, 12, were accompanied by Jin Yu at the piano. Twelve year olds Shui-Ning Bien, 13, provided harp music. Jennifer Midcap entertained with the flute, and Bohdon Subchak was the strolling violinist. Behind the scenes, Cindy Bach was busy directing musicians through various entrances into the dining room.

President Jerry Davidson thanked presenting sponsor Cynthia Knight, and gold sponsors Ann Brennan, Mary Ann Jackson and Lucinda Weiss for their support. Enjoying the dinner music were Margo Snider, Barbara Eaton, Debbie Prinz, Mary Briggs, Steve and Jeannine Marks, John and Jeanette Bertsch, Bruce Bailey, Mitchell Kahan and Chris Hixson.

Meanwhile, Jennifer Tinkham and Joy Hagelin admired another work of art, the dessert buffet set up by Cathy White Jessica Young. As guest enjoyed dessert, choreographer Anita Converse invited everyone to learn to waltz as demonstrated by Rich and Karen Thompson.

The event was expected to raise more than $15,000 for the scholarship program by the Tuesday Musical Association.