Coastal Concerts receives DHF grant for March 16 Musical Perspectives program

Coastal Concerts has received a $2,250 grant from the Delaware Humanities Forum to support a new interpretive program that explores the stories behind well-known musical compositions.

The inaugural Musical Perspectives program, set for Sunday, March 16, at Indy Hall in Millsboro, focuses on Frédéric Chopin’s Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, often called the "Funeral March" sonata. The free program, open to the public, begins at 3 p.m.

“We are delighted to have the support of the Delaware Humanities Forum for our new educational outreach initiative,” said Coastal Concerts President Denise Emery. “Our goal is to promote the appreciation and understanding of classical music by exploring the personal, societal and historical dynamics that influenced composers.”

Maestro Roman Pawlowski, retired music director of several noted regional symphony orchestras and a member of the Coastal Concerts board, will highlight structural elements of the sonata. He will be joined by pianist Ching-Yun Hu, who will discuss the performer’s role in interpreting the composer’s intentions. Hu, a winner of the 2009 Concert Artists Guild International Competition, will perform the sonata during Coastal Concerts’ 2013-14 season finale program Saturday, March 22, in Lewes.

Although there is no charge for the March 16 program, advance reservations are required and may be made by calling 1-888-212-6458 or emailing a request to executivedirector@coastalconcerts.org. The fully accessible Indy Hall is at 23767 Samuel Adams Circle, near the intersection of Route 5 and Route 23 near Millsboro.

For more information, go to www.coastalconcerts.org.

The Delaware Humanities Forum is a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities. An independent agency, the forum promotes understanding and appreciation of the humanities and their relevance to current issues of public concern.