Friends Receive Grant From

Connecticut Commission On The Arts

Newtown Friends of Music (NFoM) president Ellen Parrella received notification from John E. Ostrout, the executive director of the Connecticut Commission on the Arts, that the Newtown organization had been awarded a small grant to help underwrite the cost of the first concert in the 1999-2000 season. The Elm City Ensemble, from New Haven, opened the season for NFoM on October 10 at Edmond Town Hall in Newtown.

The concert proved to be an outstanding success. On a rainy Sunday afternoon, some 330 people, including 34 children, attended the concert that featured not only the ensemble performing works by Mozart, Hindemith, Schumann and David Schiff, but also guest soprano Sarah Wolfson. Miss Wolfson sang the Schubert song “The Shepherd on the Rock.”

Grants are awarded to Connecticut arts organizations who can prove an ability to successfully implement the projects they undertake (that is, they must prove that they have been successful for at least three years in the past in completing arts projects); and provide a completely detailed program and an indication for what specifically the funds will be needed and how they will be used.

Before being awarded any sums of money, the organization has to prove that an equal amount has already been raised in the private sector.

In his letter to Mrs Parrella concerning the awarding of the grant, Mr Ostrout stated: “The governor and the legislature have clearly demonstrated a growing confidence in their arts industry investment and the granting program which this public-private partnership represents.”

Newtown Friends of Music has been presenting concerts at Edmond Town Hall since 1978. During the first four years of its existence, only four concerts per season were presented. However, starting in year five, the season expanded to five concerts during the fall and spring months.

A special effort promotes the concerts to the music teachers at all Newtown schools. All school children are invited to attend at no cost when accompanied by a ticket-holding adult.

Ticket prices are kept affordably low to encourage as many people as possible to take advantage of classical music concerts in such a localized setting. Free parking and handicap access are available at Edmond Town Hall. Light refreshments are usually served following the performance to give the audience an opportunity to speak with the artists in an informal setting.

For more information on the history of the organization, about this year’s program, on how to become a member, to buy a subscription to the series, or other information, call Mrs Parrella at 426-6470. She can also be reached by writing to Newtown Friends of Music, PO Box 295, Newtown, CT 06470-0295; or e-mail to friendsofmusic@snet.net.