Newtown Friends Of Music Announces New Officers

The board of Newtown Friends of Music held its annual meeting on May 22 in Edmond Town Hall’s Mary Hawley Room. They celebrated the successful conclusion of their 29th season presenting “exquisite music – superbly performed,” which featured several school outreach programs and six concerts, culminating with an unforgettable performance by The St Petersburg Quartet.

Board members also heard the report of the directors and the treasurer’s report, and elected a new slate.

Newly elected to the board were Lea Attanasio, a teacher in the Newtown School System, who will write publicity for the events; and Julie Sebastian, of Southbury and the Newtown Savings Bank, who will take over the treasurer’s position. 

David Luessenhop was elected Vice President and Chair of the Membership Committee.  Attorney William C. Timmel will continue as the group’s Secretary.  For the 20th consecutive year Ellen Parrella was again elected president and program chair. 

Also re-elected to serve on the board were Dorothea LaBelle, Jane Conningham, Robert  Dyer, Paul Gehrett , Lea Kinstler, Fred Parrella, and Joan Popovic.

Immediately following the Annual Meeting the group went to work on the 2007-08 season, which will be its 30th anniversary year. Town Hall management promises to have a new floor and new chairs in the town hall auditorium orchestra in time for NFoM’s opening concert on September 16, which that will bring back a much beloved and much honored pianist: Richard Goode.

Also on next season’s program will be other artists from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, two highly regarded string quartets, a return of the Los Angeles Piano Trio, and a Praeludium recital featuring a 17-year old piano protégé of piano teacher Edith Sullivan. It promises to be a very exciting season.  At this time only season tickets are offered, either through the mail or by order form on the group’s website, NewtownFriendsOfMusic.org.