THE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA OF SMOKY VALLEY RECEIVES DAVID NUTT GRANT AND ANNOUNCES SECOND CONCERT FEB 13, 2022

January 11, 2022

LINDSBORG, KAN., JAN. 11, 2022–The Chamber Orchestra of the Smoky Valley recently received a grant from the David Nutt Fund for Lindsborg in the amount of $10,000.00. Although administered by the McPherson County Community Foundation, the Nutt grant applications are reviewed by a grant selection committee comprised of Lindsborg residents who with the help of input from a Lindsborg community survey make final selections. 


The Chamber Orchestra of Smoky Valley is an auditioned, regional ensemble of professional musicians that includes not only a few Bethany faculty members, but players from Wichita, Salina, and Hutchinson as well. Seeking to educate and engage audience members through the performance of orchestral masterworks, the ensemble is under the musical direction of Dr. Keith Dodson, Assistant Bethany College Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental Studies, and led by concertmaster Ann Samuelson, who is also a Bethany College Assistant Professor of Upper Strings. While there are many symphonic orchestras in the central Kansas area, this ensemble is unique in terms of its smaller size fostering a level of intimacy in their performance and venues and creating a different concert experience from the large halls of symphonic orchestras. Dr. Dodson, shares his gratitude stating, the orchestra will have “another opportunity to share classical music with the Lindsborg and Salina/McPherson communities in large part due to the Nutt grant.” 


Mr. Nutt first shared his support of Bethany in 1988 when he felt compelled to match a gift to Bethany after reading a Lindsborg News Record article about a gift the college had received to improve library facilities. Based on all the kindness shown to him as a child, Nutt desired to support any contribution that he knew his neighbors and former Bethany librarians Vendla (’14) and Elda (’14) Wahlin would support. 


The Lindsborg David Nutt fund was originally established as an endowment in 2004 to provide a resource to organizations serving the Lindsborg community and the invested endowment gift earnings allows for approximately $350,000 in annual grant distributions. 


The Chamber Orchestra of the Smoky Valley continues Mr. Nutt’s appreciation for the unique experiences and vision of nurturing the progress of the entire Lindsborg community.  Don’t miss the Chamber Orchestra of the Smoky Valley’s second concert at the Swedish Pavilion at the Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum on February 13 at either 4 or 6 pm. Seats are limited and should be reserved. At each concert, there will be 25 preferred seats, for $25.00, and 50 general admissions (no charge) seats. Contact Anne Hassler Heidel at (785)227-3380 ext. 8235 or by email at
hasslerheidelas@bethanylb.edu to reserve your ticket.

   

Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who walk alongside them as they discover, explore, and navigate the path to their purpose. Bethany College is on the Web at www.bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.



 

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February 10, 2025
LINDSBORG, KAN., FEB. 5, 2025 — The Bethany Oratorio Society is excited to announce the soloists for the 2025 Messiah Festival of the Arts. Since its founding in 1882, the Oratorio Society has performed Bach’s The Passion According to St. Matthew and Handel’s Messiah every year, and this year’s festival promises another spectacular celebration of these works. Featured soloists for this year’s performances include Claire Herzog, coloratura soprano; Michelle Rice, soprano; Maxwell Ary, tenor; and Ian Schipper, bass-baritone. These talented artists will bring their expertise and passion to the stage in performances of The Passion According to St. Matthew and the Messiah.  Additionally, these soloists will perform a free recital at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2025 , at Messiah Lutheran Church on the campus of Bethany College. They will also perform at the ticketed events: The Passion According to St. Matthew at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 11, and Handel’s Messiah at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, in Presser Hall Auditorium. Tickets for these performances can be purchased at messiahfestival.org or by calling Bethany College at (785) 227-3380, ext. 8235, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Claire Herzog, Coloratura Soprano A versatile coloratura soprano from Springfield, Missouri, Claire Herzog is equally passionate about teaching and performing. She has appeared in operatic roles with the Ozarks Lyric Opera and is an active performer with various choral groups. Herzog holds degrees from Missouri State University and is currently on the vocal music faculty at Evangel University. In addition to her vocal expertise, she enjoys composing and collaborating with other musicians, with recent projects including an album of original songs and Heart on the Wall performances with the Missouri Philharmonic Orchestra. Michelle Rice, Soprano Praised for her “tones of pure gold” (Washington Post), Michelle Rice brings a rich timbre and intense performance to the stage. Throughout her career, Rice has performed a wide range of roles, including Brangäne in Tristan und Isolde and Mrs. Grose in The Turn of the Screw. As the Artistic Director of Seven Sisters Productions, she has premiered new works, including the opera The Queen, My Lord, Is Dead. Rice’s performances span opera, concert, and recital, and she has sung with major ensembles across the U.S., including the Berkeley Symphony and Washington Concert Opera. Maxwell Ary, Tenor A versatile performer and educator based in San Francisco, Maxwell Ary is renowned for his wide-ranging voice, which spans genres from classical to jazz, musical theatre, and pop. Ary, who teaches at the Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts, has performed with prestigious ensembles, including Seraphic Fire and Voces8. He has appeared in operas such as The Rake’s Progress, L’elisir d’amore, and recently performed in the baroque opera La Flora with Ars Minerva. Ary’s 2025 performance schedule includes Lamplighters Musical Theater and Pocket Opera engagements. Ian Schipper, Bass-Baritone A dynamic performer known for his commitment to classical and contemporary music, Ian Schipper has appeared in operas such as Die Zauberflöte and Cosi fan tutte. He has sung in choral groups across the U.S., including the Oregon Bach Festival Chorus and the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Schipper is also passionate about new music and has collaborated with composers through his work with St. Olaf College’s Spiritus Novus. He recently performed the role of Cardinal Rottweiler in the world premiere of The Grand Hotel Tartarus. Join us for these unforgettable performances as these talented soloists join the Bethany Oratorio Society in bringing two of the most cherished works in the choral repertoire to life. For more information, including ticket purchases, please visit messiahfestival.org . Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who walk alongside them as they discover, explore, and navigate the path to their purpose. Bethany College is online at bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.
Bethany College Hosts Over 500 Young Men for
January 30, 2025
Bethany College hosted over 500 young men from nearly 40 schools across Kansas on Jan. 30 for the annual Real Men Sing vocal workshop. This celebrated event provides an inspiring opportunity for students in grades 4-12 to explore choral music in a supportive, all-male setting, fostering confidence, camaraderie, and a love for singing.
January 24, 2025
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