Extraordinary Performances

By CURT CLARK

Published: Apr 13, 2012 12:00 am

To the Editor:

On Sunday, April 1, I had the great pleasure of attending an extraordinary performance by the Escher String Quartet with Jason Vieaux, guitarist, presented by the Newtown Friends of Music at Edmond Town Hall.

While I am fortunate to have experienced many memorable concerts by world-class artists, what made this performance truly exceptional was the rare and magical chemistry displayed by five virtuosic performers thinking and playing as one, with soulful musical interpretation and great passion.

Even after their brilliant performance here last year, and with very high expectations on my part, the music that they created exceeded anything that I could have hoped for. Had the musicians decided to play for another full hour, I am certain that not one person would have left the auditorium!

This amazing concert followed yet another incredible concert on March 11, by pianist Ann Schein, a world-renowned prodigy at the height of her powers, and who made music like I have not heard in 40-plus years of attending concerts.Â

This would have been enough to keep me warmly remembering these concerts for years; but there was much more.

Talking with Miss Schein afterwards, at the postconcert reception, showed her to be a person of true warmth and grace. It greatly enhanced my already wonderful concert experience and was a perfect reminder of how a world-class artist could also be a wonderful role model and a person of great class.

After the April 1 concert, I once again had the great privilege and pleasure of talking with Jason Vieaux and the four members of the Escher String Quartet â first at the after-concert public reception, and then over dinner.

What a joy it was to get to know them on a personal level with good food, fun stories and lots of laughter. You will never meet a more talented, friendly and down-to-earth group of people. It was an incredible evening that I will never forget!

I have already mailed in my two subscription requests for the 2012-13 Concert series, which includes the Vienna Boysâ Choir. I urge you to consider doing the same and to bring your children with you.

A huge thank you to the Newtown Friends of Music for making such wonderful experiences possible.

Robert Shohet

51 Scudder Road NewtownÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â April 6, 2012

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The voters certainly spoke — and I respect the outcome — but let’s not forget that a “majority” doesn’t mean everyone agreed. Many of us are deeply concerned about the rising cost of living here. Supporting schools and services is important, but so is ensuring that residents can afford to stay in the town they love. We all want Newtown to be a great place to live, but lately, it’s starting to feel less like “Nicer in Newtown” and more like “More Expensive in Newtown.” That’s not sustainable, and it’s not a criticism of the town itself — it’s a call for responsible budgeting and long-term planning that doesn’t rely on tax increases year after year. I hope future decisions will reflect not just the desire to maintain services, but also the need to ease the financial burden on residents.

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I appreciate the passion behind this message, and I absolutely understand the desire to invest in our town. That said, I voted no — not because I don't care about Newtown, but because I do. Fiscal responsibility is not about ignoring problems, it’s about making sure we address them in a sustainable and transparent way. It’s frustrating to feel like every year there’s a new “urgent” reason to raise taxes, with little serious effort to curb spending or prioritize needs. I worry this just sets the stage for another round of increases next year. That doesn't mean I’m against education, safety, or our town’s future — it means I believe in accountability and in asking tough questions about how our money is managed. Voting no wasn't a rejection of Newtown — it was a call for more thoughtful, balanced leadership. I hope future conversations can include all perspectives, not just those willing to write a bigger check.

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The voters spoke, loud and clear that they support our schools and municipal services. The majority vote was a mandate to keep delivering well rated education services and keep it" Nicer in Newtown."

Great effort by the those who attended to shine a light on the attacks on Democracy. Thanks for the article so all can understand whats happening.

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Thank you LeReine, for speaking out about this. The list of public servants who are unfairly targeted for abuse just for doing their jobs has been growing. It is a testament to the power of propaganda that otherwise good and well-meaning people can get so emotional as to act out in this way.

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Extraordinary Performances

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