Piccolo Spoleto Comes Alive During Rotary Meeting

MAY 15, 2012 — Piccolo Spoleto organizer Ellen Dressler Moryl encouraged Rotarians to participate in some of the 720 festival events, half of which are free, at the end of the month when the arts season kicks in.

“Piccolo Spoleto has been dedicated to providing access to the festival experience, regardless of people’s ability to pay,” she said reflecting on the34-year-old eventapalooza.  Piccolo, along with its big sister Spoleto Festival USA, pump more than $85 million into the South Carolina economy during the 17-day event, she noted.

“At Piccolo Spoleto, the city is a stage and opera is for everyone,” said Moryl, who heads the city’s Office of Cultural Affairs.

Of the 700+ events, Moryl spotlighted six events for Rotarians:

Sunset Serenade, 8 p.m., May 25, at the U.S. Custom House.  This free event will feature an outdoor rendition of the classic American opera, “Porgy and Bess.” Guest conductor Joseph Young, a South Carolina native, will direct the Charleston Symphony Orchestra in the classic by George Gershwin and DuBose Heyward.

Piccolo Spoleto Children’s Festival: “Once Upon A Time…”, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., May 26, Marion Square.  The children’s event will offer a whimsical day of music, dance, arts and crafts with an emphasis on storytelling and children’s literacy.  Most fun:  The zany Seed & Feed Marching Abominable band from Atlanta.

“Echoes of the Civil War,” 7:30 p.m., May 27, White Point Garden.  This sesquicentennial observance will feature 19th century military band concert with music of the Civil War Era performed by the Eighth Regiment Band of Rome, Georgia. Performing on period instruments, they will be joined by world-class bugle player Jari Villanueva performing “Tenting Tonight” and other well-known songs.

Spotlight Concert Series : Piccolo’s signature chamber and choral music series includes programs by Charleston Chamber Opera, Italian pianist Laura Magnani and two special events at Mepkin Abbey .  For more, go online to:  http://www.piccolospoleto.com/

Piccolo Spoleto Festival Finale: 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., June 9, Hampton Park.  More than 11,000 people attended last year’s finale with the popular Motownmadness! performance by the Charleston Symphony Orchestra.  Lots of music will be offered and listeners will leave with a big smile, Moryl said.

Piccolo Spoleto’s Jazz Series.  Organized by Rotarian John Tecklenburg, this year’s series includes four harbor cruises (one of which feature’s John’s band) along with performances by a variety of artists in three other locations.  For more, see the Web site.

The Tuesday meeting opened and closed with toe-tapping Dixieland music offered by the New South Jazzmen, who also will perform on a harbor cruise.

Submitted by Andy Brack, Keyway Committee