New State Troubadour Named

The Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism has announced that musician and educator Thomasina Levy has been appointed Connecticut’s official State Troubadour for 2005-06. Established in 1991 by the General Assembly, the honorary position, designated biennially by CCCT, functions as a state ambassador of music and song.

“We are not only delighted that she will be a state ambassador through her superb musical talent, but her achievements align with a fundamental goal of the CCT—to bring people together to share our state’s unique culture, arts, and heritage,” said Jennifer Aniskovich, the executive director of CCCT.

Ms Levy is a singer, songwriter and mountain dulcimer player who has performed throughout the United States in a variety of venues. Her selections of original, contemporary and traditional folk music appeal to a wide array of audiences.

Critics have said: “The freshness and vitality of Thomasina’s performances often evoke unexpected emotional responses from first time audiences and loyal fans alike.”

Audiences find the lyrics of her songs compelling and entertaining. Other songs have a spiritual sound with insightful, bittersweet phrasing that captures and enriches ones imagination. Her unique and complex adaptation of the mountain dulcimer instrument with its sweet simple sound has become one of her trademarks.

Ms Levy, who holds a master’s of science degree in education, uses music to assist students of all ages discover their own creativity. In January 1999, she was accepted into the Connecticut Commission on the Arts’ Master Teaching Artist Program. Her role as Teaching Artist allows her to integrate her skills as a certified educator and artist into a joyful experience for her students as they create music, songs, visual arts and poetry together.

Her studies in music improvisation with cello master David Darling and Music for People reaffirmed her belief that “music is in each one of us and just waiting for the right time to emerge.”

As one of the founders in 1990, and a co-organizer, of the Housatonic Dulcimer and Music Celebration, Ms Levy has been instrumental in helping to bring students, teachers and other musicians together to celebrate the joy of making music in workshops at festivals, schools and libraries throughout the United States.

Non-profit organizations and schools may receive partial funding to present performances and workshops by Thomasina Levy through the agency’s Arts Presentation Grants program.

For more information, contact the commission at 860-256-2721 and ask for program manager Susan Docker, or visit www.CTArts.org.

The honorary position of State Troubadour is a two-year position designated by the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism. Ms Levy succeeds, from the most recent appointments, Dennis Waring, Kevin Briody, Hugh Blumenfeld, Jeff and Synia McQuillan, Sally Rogers, Mike Kachuba, Bill Pere, Phil Rosenthal, Sandy and Caroline Paton, and Tom Callinan.