Heartland Symphony Orchestra fundraiser at Cragun's Resort

Quote of the Day:  Beethoven is a miracle. Music is so beautiful. Where we can play, it can't be so terrible. The music. The music! Even thinking of music makes me happy. Music is a dream. It is the only thing that helps me to have Hope...God. Alice Herz-Sommer, oldest living Holocaust survivor and piano player. Watch the video interview on Youtube. 

Last night, at Cragun's Resort, near Brainerd, MN, we had a chance to experience music and fine dining and support the Heartland Symphony Orchestra. What a gorgeous night! The food was delicious, the music delightful. The people who gathered to support the arts in our area were happy and friendly. From donated silent auction items to the gift of music and the excellent cuisine, we were all well-fed, body, mind, and spirit. Here are a few highlights.

Dutch Cragun visiting with the HSO conductor Sergey Bogza.

He is a Russian-born American with a passion for music.

Two beautiful supporters of the arts, especially music, Cleo and Krista.

Awaiting their gorgeous sound.

Bobbi French, Paul Anderson and Sergey Bogza playing "Sonata in G Minor for Violin and Viola" by Georg Phillipp Telemann. This musical selection was served with the Kartoffelsuppe (potato soup).

I'd like a second helping, please.

The Cragun's table, toasting this splendid event.

Sergey Bogza playing "October" from The Seasons by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. 

You haven't heard that composer's name said properly until you've heard it from a native speaking Russian!

This selection was served the the Salat (cold crab and rice).

A bit of October for the ears and the tongue.

Sergey kindly stopped at our table to visit.

He describes his mother as "A Soul Person," a mother and a lover of music and the arts.

I'd like to think of myself as a "Soul Person" as well.

Our high school band director Chris Fogederud on the trumpet, his wife Sarah with her trombone, and Sergey on the piano for the main course, Steak and "An Elizabethan Songbook."

Yep. It was as delicious as it looks.

A couple folks getting into the spirit of the evening.

From Austria, we had Braised Knockwurst with cabbage and apples and Mozart's "Clarinet concert in A Major" played by Jeanne Rohr on the clarinet and Cindy Koopmann on the piano.

Almost all the talking stopped and barely a fork was lifted as we savored this song.

Betty and Deb handed out the door prizes.

I won the fall arrangement...and forgot it on my table!

Ah, I'll track it down. It's lovely. Thank you to the person who donated it!

The sweet French dessert accompanied this duo: Kaarin Hanske on the oboe and Amber Tappe playing the harp: Algues: 7 pieces pour hautbois et petite harpe by Bernard Andres.

I tried for an artistic angle of the harpist.

Cleo, Sergey, and Krista

Amber kindly posed for me with her harp. 

She is a music therapist for the central Minnesota area and explained to us why the harp is such a soothing instrument. Thanks to all of you for sharing the gift of music, tonight, and with the HSO.

The next performance for the Heartland Symphony Orchestra is December 7 & 8.

Saturday, December 7, 2013 – 7:30 p.m. LITTLE FALLS
Charles D. Martin Auditorium
Little Falls High School
1001 5th Avenue SE
Little Falls, MN

Sunday, Decemer 8, 2013 – 2:30 p.m. BRAINERD
Tornstrom Auditorium
Washington Educational Building
804 Oak Street
Brainerd, MN

In the Spring, HSO will be showcasing winners of a composer's competition. They have already received entries from Greece, Australia, Denmark, and Germany.

The next dinner fundraiser event for HSO will be the first weekend in February, 2014. Hope to see you there!

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  What food would you pair with your favorite music?

Halloween and Other Events

Quote of the Day:  Double, Double, Toil and Trouble, Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble. William Shakespeare

Witch sister is which?

Joy and I had fun handing out treats at the Primo Art Spa. You can go over there to see more pics and read about it. It was a hoppin' Halloween in North Brainerd.

Tonight, Krista and I are attending the fundraiser event for the Heartland Symphony Orchestra. Music paired with menu items from around the world. I'm so pumped! I'll post a review and pics tomorrow.

Coming up in Pequot Lakes, Nov. 15-17 and 22-24, Oliver! You can get more information at their website Greater Lakes Area Performing Arts. You'll see Joy in the show as "Strawberry Seller." 

So much wonderful art and connections are happening. I hope that wherever you are, that you are enjoying the season and exploring the arts.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  How was your Halloween? Did you dress up? What was your favorite costume as a kid?

Primo Art Spa Hosts Successful Event

Quote of the Day:  This is the best party ever! Rebekkah, age 5, who painted with us at our Primo Art Spa Event last week.  The results are in: A successful event that drew out the artists and inspired us.

I made a plate, that I thought looked like gummy worms, to be a plate to use for celebrations, whenever you need to feel BRILLIANT!

 

 

My younger sister, Joy Ciaffoni, and I have teamed up to form the Primo Art Spa to support the arts and artists in the Brainerd lakes area and beyond. We are taking new clients and looking at what group classes we can offer. If you have a request, let us know. If you'd like to connect online, go to our blog Primo Art Spa, or email us at primoartspa@gmail.com.

 

 

My signature send-off is on the back.

 

Journaling Prompt:  What kind of classes, private lessons, or group events would you like to attend?