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Darke County Center for the Arts
What a Difference a Year Makes
By Marilyn Delk - DCCA News
Just a little over a year ago, Darke County Center for the Arts’
shining Ruby Anniversary season concluded with a sparkling performance
by Toledo Symphony Orchestra; the show shimmered with glitz and
glamour. Versatile conductor Carl Topilow not only led the orchestra
through its exuberant playlist, but also displayed his glittering
abilities on a ruby red clarinet, playing a show-stopping medley, “The
History of the Clarinet Part I;” stellar vocalist Joan Ellison
skillfully sang songs made popular by Judy Garland (who famously wore
ruby red shoes while traveling through Oz in the movie which catapulted
her to super-stardom), and a rousing good time was enjoyed by all as
DCCA celebrated the triumphant conclusion to not only the Ruby
Anniversary season but also 40 years of growth and success.
What a difference a year makes! DCCA’s 41st season was off to a rousing
start with sold-out presentations earning rave reviews and new fans,
and looked forward to another highly successful year. Then COVID-19
hit, bringing with it unprecedented concerns about public gatherings.
DCCA responded responsibly, canceling highly anticipated performance
after highly anticipated performance in accordance with safe social
distancing requirements. And that explains why this column is not
touting the wonders that await when Toledo Symphony Orchestra returns
to Henry St. Clair Memorial Hall as scheduled, because that concert
concluding DCCA’s colorful and diverse 2019-2020 Kaleidoscope season
will sadly not be happening.
But here’s the good news! Those of us who are sorely disappointed by
this understandably necessary cancelation can once again relive the
glow of Toledo Symphony Orchestra’s concert of May 11, 2019 by tuning
in to Discover Classical’s “Live and Local” broadcast this Saturday
morning at 10 a.m. Each week, our public radio station WDPG airs
recordings of a broad range of local performances including concerts by
Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Richmond Symphony Orchestra, University
of Dayton and Wright State University music groups and more. DCCA is
proud to participate in this program airing outstanding community
presentations which shares the thrill of live music originally enjoyed
locally with audiences across the world.
Discover Classical, which can be heard at 88.1 FM WDPR Dayton, 89.9FM
WDPG Greenville, 89.1USO Springfield, and online at discover
classical.org, provides the background music to my daily life, usually
accompanying my morning routines and easing me into each new day.
Following the events of 9/11, I discovered that I know longer wanted to
begin my day listening to news, moved the radio dial to 89.9, and never
looked back. Although I may switch to other stations or listen to CD’s
during the day, “Discover Classical” and its radio hosts are cherished
companions to my daily life; the remembered glory of last year’s final
celebratory DCCA presentation will enhance my delight as I happily
enjoy the wonderful sounds once again this Saturday morning.
The joy of experiencing live performance will be difficult to come by
for a while. Disappointing thousands of music lovers across the region,
Dayton Performing Arts Alliance canceled all events through August;
Kettering’s Fraze Pavilion has announced cancellation of its entire
season. In our community, DCCA was forced to cancel the exciting Family
Theatre Series closer Llama Llama Live, as well as two Coffeehouse
shows featuring amazing performers in intimate casual settings, and the
final two Artists Series concerts--legendary rock supergroup The Hit
Men and Toledo Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, DCCA’s very popular
fundraiser BBQ & Blues which in past years attracted hundreds to
the Greenville Library lawn will not be happening, nor will local
students have the opportunity to star in a Missoula Children’s
Theatre-produced musical this summer, as the MCT residency has been
postponed until summer of 2021. So, during this intermission, join me
in seeking out live performances streaming on the Web and captured on
Youtube—and turn on your radio; you’ll be glad you did.
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