After 16 years of fine-turning and perfecting the “Doctor’s Concert” fundraiser, The Steinway Society of Riverside County’s Founder and Board Chair Ruth Moir hit an all-time high note this year – both in music and fundraising success.
The afternoon luncheon started with a leisurely drive through the gorgeous grounds of Toscana Country Club. Guests were then met in a private garden area with champagne, wine and tasty nibbles. A full house of guests enjoyed the beautiful day, chatting and catching up. Many were long-time Steinway supporters. Some even said they have attended all 16 Doctor’s concerts.
On the patio, enthusiastic supporters pointed out that it’s no secret why so many doctors are also accomplished musicians. “On college entrance exams, students with music backgrounds score 63 points higher on verbal and 44 points higher on math.”
An open-air event tent served as the afternoon's perfect venue. It was set with a stage, formal rounds of 12, and had spectacular long views of the surrounding scenery.
Moir welcomed the group and thanked the doctors for sharing their musical talents. Special thanks went to event sponsors Coeta and Donald Barker Foundation, Eisenhower Medical Center, Dr. Anthony Bassanelli and family, Harold Matzner, table sponsors D.L. Voorhees, Atma Wiseman and Joy Silver, Joe Giarrusso and Charlie Paglia, Donna MacMillan, Desert Oasis Healthcare and The Community Foundation.
“As music education funding continues to disappear, the Steinway Society has worked tirelessly for 16 years to help fill that gap,” Moir said. “This past year, our eight valley-wide free music programs brought music to the lives of over 30,000 children.”
Mistress of Ceremonies, Susan Stein introduced each doctor. Dr. Celeste Amaya’s fingers flew across the keyboard as she took Chopin to a breathless speed. Dr. Peter Curtis played classical guitar and entertained guests with new fascinating interpretations of modern pieces. Dr. Scott Russell played Mozart. Dr. Anthony Bassanelli received a standing ovation after his masterful “Scherzo” by Chopin.
A highlight of the afternoon concert was Steinway Junior Award winner 12-year-old, Emma Erickson, who was captivating in her performance of Mendelssohn’s “Rondo Capriccioso”.
Wrapping up the program, Dr. Bassanelli was honored with the Coeta and Donald Barker Foundation Award presented by Gavin MacLeod and the Coeta and Donald Barker foundation executive, Nancy Harris. This year’s Guitar Essay contest winner was Palm Springs Unified School District student Vincent McDonald, who was the proud winner of a new guitar.
The afternoon ended with the Doc Reid Trio performance, joined by no less then Steinway Society founder Ruth Moir on guitar.
Special thanks went to board members Kayla Pressman, Jim McCormick, Mark Taylor, Kathryn Hull, Jeanie Cunningham, Jordan Varela, Atma Wiseman, Stephanie Bassanelli, and Lois Darr who contributed to the afternoon’s success.
Among guests enjoying the afternoon event were Sarah Milmet, Phyllis Eisenberg, Carol Roos Haller, Karl Heinz Kling, Richard McArdle, Andrea Varela, Renee Glickman, Suz Hunt, and Paul Golden.
Steinway’s Festival Winners Concert is coming up May 9, 7 p.m. at the Rancho Mirage Library. It’s free and open to the public.
Next year’s Doctor’s Concert and Luncheon will be on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, 11:30 a.m., at Toscana Country Club.
For information: steinwayriverside.org or (760) 341-4130