Las Cruces Friends of Chamber Music

Las Cruces Friends of Chamber Music
“Musically Speaking”, 12/13/07

Happy Holidays, Friends!

As you might imagine, this time of year which is so very busy for all of us is especially so for an accompanist! My recent weeks have been filled with the joy of teaching Christmas carols to little ones, the inspiration of preparing Advent music at my church, the fun of playing seasonal favorites with Middle School choirs, and opportunities to celebrate (perform!) the musical accomplishments of the past semester with NMSU music students. “In between” I’ve been working with the wonderful musicians who are preparing the Friends of Chamber Music Holiday Concert for this coming week-end. It promises to be a beautiful, uplifting evening that you won’t want to miss!

“Caniciones Navideñas/Songs of the Season” will be presented on Dec.15 at Good Samaritan Auditorium. The evening will feature the musical gifts of friends and colleagues Bethania Baray, Irene Brink, Thea Chip, Paul Halstead, Amanda Husson, Alan Lada, Mardi Mahaffey, J. R. Spurlin, Carlos Tottress, Lisa Van Winkle, and Andrew Zimmerman. The delightful Doña Ana Youth Choir will also be on hand to lend the magic of children’s voices to our evening. This performance is our gift to the community and is being offered free of charge; however, we expect to fill up quickly, so do plan to arrive early. Doors will open at 6:40 for the 7:00 performance.

Abby Train, our new Director of Development, has finished preparing information related to supporting memberships. You can read all about it on our web-site or call me at 523-7714 to receive a brochure by mail. We’ve got many exciting possibilities on the horizon and plenty of enthusiasm to reach for them, but will find it difficult to do so without funding. Besides the satisfaction of contributing to a truly worthwhile cause, supporting members are entitled to special benefits in appreciation of their support. Specifics are out-lined on the website. Because of our relationship with the Doña Ana Arts Council, all gifts are tax deductible. Would you consider getting a head start on an annual membership and make a gift before December 31? Donations during the next couple weeks would be a huge encouragement to us, and could serve you well for tax purposes.

I’ll close by wishing all of you a holiday season filled with just the right mixture of excitement and relaxation, one that will send you into the coming year wonderfully energized and renewed.

Musically yours, Barbara Toth