With sunlight streaming through the windows of Lincoln Hall, the sublime artistry of David Allen Wehr, Rhian Kenny and John Marcinizyn in a concert for Allegheny RiverStone Center for the Arts on Sunday, May 3 was greeted by a standing ovation and Bravos! for a program that epitomizes what ARCA does best:
Bringing world class artists to perform in the intimacy and exceptional acoustics of Lincoln Hall for an audience of ARCA music lovers grateful to be transported by artistic mastery and professional excellence so close to their homes – in Foxburg and the refreshing beauty of the Allegheny-Clarion River Valley.
As ARCA’s late founder Dr. Arthur Steffee was known to say, “Anywhere in the world today, there is no more beautiful music than THIS.”
The concert paid tribute to Dr. Arthur Steffee, ARCA’s late President, and Patricia Ann Steffee, its secretary treasurer until her passing – honoring their vision and generosity – not only building the town of Foxburg but also buying Lincoln Hall’s Steinway piano and Wurlitzer theatre organ and building the family of donors that continues to this day to support their vision of cultural tourism and glorious music and art in Foxburg on the Allegheny that ARCA provides.
David Allen Wehr was a favorite pianist of Dr. Steffee’s – and his recording with Cynthia Raim of the Rachmaninoff Suites – which was awarded Best Recording of the Year in 1998 by the American Record Guide – was one that Steffee played frequently in the last months of his life on his remarkable Wilson speakers.
David Allen Wehr’s consummate program commentary brought rich insights and humor to the audience before each work.
Including before the virtuosic Poulenc Sonata for Flute performed with Pittsburgh Symphony Principal Piccolo and Flute, Rhian Kenny – which piece would have been especially appreciated by Dr. Steffee.
ARCA Executive Director John Soroka shared that the inclusion of flute on the founders concert was ideal, because orthopedic surgeon and inventor Dr. Arthur Steffee who is considered the ‘Father of Spinal Surgery’ also played both flute and piccolo (in addition to violin since age 10), went to ‘States’ and performed in the Oil City American Legion marching band in New York City in his teens.
The audience appreciated that David Allen Wehr read Astor Piazzolla’s detailed description of his work documenting the evolution of the tango in his four movement work, “The History of the Tango” – performed in a virtuosic, nuanced and richly textured performance by Rhian Kenny and John Marcinizyn.
The afternoon of virtuosity from all three touched and inspired the audience in the up-close and personal intimacy of Lincoln Hall.
A pleasure always to have Foxburg resident Marilyn Currier and her son James “Kip” Currier attend – and so many classical musical lovers in our region.
The concert’s sponsors Karen and Dan Mortland enjoyed visiting with Rhian Kenny (Karen is a RBG artist as well) and Rhian Kenny’s three students from Duquesne University drove up for the concert and reception.
Joy was the accompaniment as the audience moved to the Red Brick Gallery opening reception for the exhibit of Charlie Platt’s earthenware ceramics and Jason Lewis’ drawings and paintings.
The exhibit runs weekends through Sunday, May 24.
ARCA Board member Jim Crooks was surprised by the singing of happy birthday with candles on a tiramisu from Foxburg Pizza.
Also wonderful to have Daphne Alderson who has performed three times in Lincoln Hall on hand with her husband John Marcinizyn – and board member Dennis Keys and Marg – all enjoying delicious desserts from Jessica Zakrie’s The Crow’s Cupboard and a superb charcuterie board catered by Foxburg Pizza and Alex Diiorio.
And everyone was grateful that it finally was springtime and sun-time for music and love…
springtime is your time is my time is our time for springtime is love time and viva sweet love
e e cummings
