February 25, 2011
02/28/11 A close to capacity crowd celebrated Valentine’s Day enjoying a flute and piano duo at the Plymouth Country Club.
Ralph Booker and his wife Norma were among those enjoying the delicious food and enchanting music. He commented, “An outstanding evening of excellent, refined entertainment preceded by a fine menu. It was an example of exceptional performing arts and shows a small community can rise to the top.”
Monday, March 14 will provide another opportunity to enjoy a wonderful dinner and a great evening of music by one of our own regional artists.
International classical guitar champion Chaconne Klaverenga lives in Lafayette, IN. The 19-year-old began studying piano at age 2 and guitar at age 6. She began competing internationally in classical guitar and performing solo concerts at age 14. To date, she holds 12 national and international championship titles in junior, senior and collegiate divisions.
Ms. Klaverenga has performed numerous solo concerts, including the New York Classical Guitar Society’s Second Sunday Series, Purdue University’s Discovery Series, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, and was featured on National Public Radio’s From the Top with Maestro JoAnn Falletta and the Buffalo Philharmonic, Buffalo, NY. In August she was a featured soloist for American Public Media’s Performance Today. In 2010 Ms. Klaverenga was honored by the Indiana State House of Representatives for her many accomplishments in the world of classical guitar and her contributions to the IN art community.
Ms. Klaverenga has recorded two albums that you can find her website at: www.chaconneklaverenga.com
“Since our first meeting, I have seen Chaconne perform many times at guitar festivals around the United States and I have been witness to her many triumphant performances in competitions… She is one of the most talented young artists that I have seen in the world of guitar. She possesses a rare combination of fluent technique, mature expressiveness and personal drive…From an extremely large pool of considerable talent, Chaconne stands out amongst the elite,” commented Dr. Andrew Zohn, Associate Professor of Music at Columbus State University, Columbus, Georgia.
The venue is limited to 70 guests at a cost of $50 per person. Chef Darrell Merrill has planned three entrée choices: grilled Greek chicken breast stuffed with feta cheese, olives, tomatoes and lemon; grilled yellow fin tuna with Asian vegetables and ginger glaze; and broiled boneless pork chop with braised apples. An open bar with appetizers and opportunity to socialize is at 6 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 followed by the performance at 7:45 with dessert and coffee.
Debi Gidley, executive director of Encore, and Klaverenga can be heard on WTCA’s “What’s your Opinion” show Friday morning at 9:45 a.m.
All reservations with dinner preferences need to be made by March 8 by calling the Encore office at 574-935-4987 or order by mail at the Encore office, 1305 W. Harrison Street, Plymouth 46563. No tickets will be issued and payment can be made at the door. See the Encore website at www.encoreperformingarts.org for more information