The eighth annual concert to benefit the tuition assistance program at University City Children's Center will be held next Saturday at Powell Hall. Melissa Brooks, Associate Principal Cellist with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, pianist Ruth Price with the St. Louis Children's Choirs and pianist Catherine Kautsky, Professor of Music at the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music will all be performing.
The program is titled "Fairy Tales Do Come True," but it is not a concert aimed specifically for children.
"It's not a children's concert, although there is an element for children in it," Brooks told substitute host Jim Althoff.
A children's book will be read aloud to the accompaniment of music--words and notes woven together by Ruth Price, as she does for the benefit every year. This year the book is a Chinese fairytale written by Demi called "The Empty Pot."
"It's about the emotional courage of a young boy," said Price. "How he understands the value of integrity."
Music performed will include pieces by Schumann and Mozart as well as Fritz Kreisler's "Liebsleid."
This is the first year Catherine Kautsky will be performing at the concert. Her mother, Lily Kautsky, will be presented the "What Happens Early Lifetime Achievement Award" during the benefit.
Brooks and Price have been involved with the benefit concert since it began eight years ago. Both have children who attended University City Children's Center.
"It had a really powerful effect on their lives," said Price. "It fostered emotional development, character development...to this day, if she sees somebody not acting very nicely my daughter will say 'well, he obviously didn't go to University City Children's Center.'"
Related Event
University City Children's Center Presents "Fairy Tales Can Come True"
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Pre-concert reception, 6:30 p.m.
Concert, 7:30 p.m.
Dessert, 9:00 p.m.
Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd.
For more information call 314-726-0148 or visit the University City Children's Center website.
Cityscape is produced by Mary Edwards and Alex Heuer, and funded in part by the Missouri Arts Council, the Regional Arts Commission, and the Arts and Education Council.