“Piccolo Spoleto Festival”

June 2, 2009: Today, we were fortunate to have one of our club’s former members share with us the unique and wonderful opportunity that we have as Charlestonians, to participate in, not just Spoleto, but in Piccolo Spoleto. Last year the festival sold 39,500 tickets and to more than 150 events. Barbara Kelley Duncan introduced our speaker, Ellen Dressler-Moryl, who was the first Director of the City of Charleston’s Office of Cultural Affairs. During that three years she designed and launched a number of the OCA’s ongoing projects including, the Piccolo Spoleto Festival, which is celebrating it’s thirtieth season this past year, the City Gallery and the City Gallery at Dock Street Theater.

Ellen was a catalytic force in the development of the Black Arts Festival that evolved into the Mojaa African-American and Caribbean Arts Festival which is celebrating its 25th year. Ellen is a native of Portland, Oregon, has performed with the Portland Opera Orchestra, the Charleston Symphony and now performs with several local Chamber Music ensembles, including the Ensemble of St. Clair at Mepkin Abbey.

Ellen highlighted many of the opportunities that Piccolo Spoleto provides for the local area. In keeping with it’s goal of giving an opportunity for local and regional talent to showcase against the backdrop of the Spoleto festival and to provide access those who would not have access to the events otherwise. This year, it provides 703 different events, utilizing the talent of 4,000-5000 different artists. Both Spoleto and Piccolo Spoleto combine for a $67,000,000 positive impact to the Charleston community. Even during difficult times it is making a significant contribution, however, the budget for Piccolo Spoleto was cut by 1/3 but working as a team, they made the reductions to not endanger the quality of the event and it will continue to be a jewel in the crown of the Charleston Arts Community.

The members were treated to a wonderful rendition of Suite Modale by Ernest Block, which was a sampling of the Great Music available at the festival. We are truly blessed to live in a city with such a rich Arts and Cultural heritage and have talented people, such as Ellen, to help create wonderful festivals such as Piccolo Spoleto.

Submitted by Wayne Outlaw, Keyway Committee