Music Inspires – Claudia Polzin

Fall in Southwest Florida is here but a little hard to distinguish by any changes in the weather – however, SEASON is beginning. Our longest and busiest and sometimes craziest Season – is not dependent on the weather but on the significant difference in the number of people, the number of activities and the fantastic opportunities for all things that are related to the arts.

November brings with it the expansion of concerts, exhibits, plays in every corner of our city – from large stages to small; from huge to intimate audiences. This is the season for all of us to explore a new venue, a new artistic group a new visual art experience. Sometimes we get ourselves into an established pattern of where we go – this season let us challenge each other to explore at least one new arts experience. We will help you find those hidden treasures – and maybe a new favorite.

One way to kick off the Season is to join Classical South Florida on November 14 at 5 p.m. at Clive Daniel Home. We will be joined by some of our cultural partners to have a preview of their season’s offerings. What a fantastic way to find out if some of these are the hidden jewels you maybe have not found yet. Everyone is welcome, bring your friends and get advance previews of the season for Theatre Zone, Opera Naples and ArtsNaples World Festival. Learn more about Classical South Florida – 88.7 FM which brings a concert hall without walls to your home, office or car 24 hours a day.

If you have not had the opportunity to enjoy a concert in Cambier Park – this is your year to make that happen. The first opportunity is on November 10 -2 p.m. – the Naples Concert Band will get your toes tapping and your heart pounding with a Tribute to America – Past and Present. The concert promises to remind all of us of what it is that makes America unique and why we are fortunate to call it home. A little tidbit – did you know that the Naples Concert Band has been performing in Naples since 1972. Not only does this group provide us with concerts in a beautiful outdoor setting, but they also sponsor student scholarships.

Our community not only has opportunities to enjoy performances but many of our performance groups support students, like the Naples Concert Band. What a great way to give back to our community and show talented young musicians that we care about them, their dreams and aspirations. On November 9 another group located in Naples, the Bach Ensemble, will hold their Bach Festival – young musicians ages 6-18 are invited to compete. Even though the competition is not open to the publicyou will be able to hear these talented young people as a part of the Bach Ensemble concerts on November 17 at Grace Lutheran Church and November 21 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Marco. I promise you that if you make a commitment to attend some of these concerts during the year and hear our young people – you will not be disappointed and will leave wanting to hear more from the students in our community.

Another student winner at the top of his game and completing his doctorate is Nathan Davy – and he will be performing on November 17 at 4 p.m. at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church. A few years ago, in recognition of the commitment that Dr. James Cochran has made to this community his church raised the monies to establish a scholarship in his name at his school – Eastman School of Music. Each year a doctoral candidate in organ performance receives this scholarship and we get the privilege of hearing them perform at Vanderbilt.

Join me this SEASON as I explore Naples and all we have to offer in the arts – enjoy the wonderful students from 6 to 25 during the month of November – get your toes tapping with the Naples Concert Band – and always remember to listen as you drive to these wonderful events – Classical South Florida – 88.7 – and hope to see you November 14!

by Claudia Polzin
Director of Development – Southwest Florida
Classical South Florida – 88.7