Photo above: Duke Symphony Orchestra Conductor Harry Davidson will conduct the symphony on Saturday, April 1. Photo provided.
Staff reports
Duke Symphony Orchestra Conductor Harry Davidson will once again be leading some 60 students through the works of well-known and emerging classical composers on Saturday, April 1, at the USCB Performing Arts Center.
From the first thrilling drum roll of Rossini’s Overture “La Gazza Ladra” to the beautiful cadences of Walton’s “Passacaglia – Death of Falstaff” and familiar toe-tapping energy of Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 “Italian,” this concert promises something for everyone.
The students volunteer their time and tremendous talents for this event, which is one of the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Foundation’s major fundraisers – and results are always amazing.
“Our musicians look forward to the concert each year,” said Davidson. “As our only performance away from Duke, the Beaufort concert is really a highlight of our schedule.”
Another feature of the evening is the collaboration of the orchestra with the USCB University Chorus directed by Victor Varner.
As one of the foundation’s most popular and successful fundraisers, the annual event has raised nearly $285,000 to support BMH’s Healing Arts Program in the Keyserling Cancer Center and other facilities.
The foundation is especially pleased that Bill and Josie Paddock will serve as the honorary chairs for this 14th annual event. As longtime supporters of Beaufort Memorial and avid music lovers, the Paddocks have always enjoyed the concerts.
“The conductor does an amazing job of drawing the audience in as he sets the stage for each new piece” explains Josie. “It’s fun and interactive, and we always come away with a much deeper appreciation of the music.”
Bill Paddock was a member of the Beaufort Memorial Hospital board for 12 years, half of them as chairman, during which time he saw the hospital grow and expand its services at an impressive pace.
He also knows how much the hospital depends on community support, noting that “this concert is a wonderful opportunity for us all to come together for a really good cause.”
After the concert, patrons have the opportunity to join Davidson and the musicians for a special Conductor’s Reception at the historic Louis Reeve Sams House on Bay Street, the home of Scott Myers and Dr. Gwen Myers.
The concert is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday, April 1, at the USCB Center for the Arts.
General admission tickets are $35. Patron tickets start at $75 and include premium seating plus an invitation to the post-concert Conductor’s Reception.
To purchase tickets, visit bmhfoundationsc.org or call 843-522-5774. Ticket prices are $5 higher at the door.
