The Wadsworth Concert returns to celebrate over 25 years of classical chamber music in Newnan, just in time for Mother’s Day. The City of Newnan Cultural Arts Commission (NCAC) celebrates one of its own and international music legend, Charles Wadsworth with the Wadsworth Concert on Friday, May 6, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. at the Wadsworth Auditorium.
Newnan’s own home-grown soprano Courtenay Budd returns to host and perform in the tradition of her mentor Charles Wadsworth, bringing celebrated friends in tow. She brings with her a group of world-class musical artists: violinist Chee-Yun, pianists Henry Kramer and Erika Switzer, cellist Wendy Sutter, and violist Masumi Per Rostad in his Wadsworth debut.
This very special Friday program will feature a Mother’s Day theme, with works by Brahms, Barber, Ravel, Dvořák, Strauss, Debussy, Sarasate, and Henry Mancini. Courtenay Budd is thrilled to return “home” to honor her teacher and mentor, “There will be music to remember and honor our mothers who have passed, to celebrate those still with us, to laugh about motherhood, and to bring a tender tear to Mama’s eye and a smile to her face!”
Artistic director Budd created the lineup to reflect the humor and passion of her mentor, Charles Wadsworth. “Charles is this legend who came from humble beginnings in Newnan, then went on to Juilliard where he was friends with people like Leontyne Price and James Levine. Giancarlo Menotti discovered him after he played for a singer’s audition, and he offered him the chamber music series in Spoleto, Italy, then Charleston, SC as well. These went on to become extremely popular. He was also Beverly Sills’ accompanist for 20 years and the Founding Artistic Director of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Charles appeared on people’s TV sets regularly on “Live from Lincoln Center.” In all these things he put people at ease with his casual humor and Southern charm. Then he would present this great music with the best of the best – he worked with everyone at the highest levels of classical music. He never dumbed down to the audience, but made people comfortable enough to realize that great music is for EVERYONE. Charles and his wife, Susan, started some great careers together!”
Charles Wadsworth emphasized that chamber and classical music were for everyone, and NCAC is thrilled to welcome the community back to the Wadsworth for this enthralling show. “The Wadsworth Concert is truly a unique experience. It brings world-class musical artists and soprano Courtenay Budd, our hometown artist, for a wonderful evening of music in Newnan.” proclaimed Bob McKoon, the NCAC Wadsworth Concert 2022 Chair.
Tickets are on sale now for general admission, student admission, and the very special patron & reception ticket! The Patron/Reception admission gives you 2 tickets to the concert and 2 tickets to the reception immediately following the concert, at The Cellar, across the street from the Wadsworth. You will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and mingling with the artists. McKoon and NCAC hope, “You will join the City of Newnan to celebrate both Mother’s Day and the musical legacy of Charles Wadsworth. Come Downtown Newnan for an extraordinary night out!”
Tickets – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-wadsworth-concert-tickets-320068311937
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