Many of us have been dreaming of escaping the self-isolation of coronavirus, and while we aren’t able to help you leave your home (nor do we recommend it), we can certainly whisk you away for an evening of enchanting music, hearty laughs, and scintillating cocktails. At least, that’s what we did last Friday when we hosted a live-streamed concert for Bell Raisers.
Over one inspirational evening and in one comfortable venue (your home), we presented two incredible artists: Jason Solounias on piano and Heather Adelsberger on handbells. Mr. Solounias performed a mixed-repertoire program of beloved classical works, including The Bells of Geneva by Franz Liszt, The Valley of the Bells by Maurice Ravel, The Man I Love by George Gershwin, and Prelude in C Major by Johann Sebastian Bach. At the intermission, we brought in Ms. Adelsberger for a live Q&A, before hearing her one-woman, syncopated performances of two hymns: The Strife is O'er and Great is Thy Faithfulness.
Our host for the evening was founding director of the National Bell Festival, Paul Ashe. Broadcasting live from his home in Washington, D.C., Mr. Ashe introduced the artists and even read a brief poem by John Donne. Throughout it all, we mixed and sipped our signature cocktail: The Swingin’ Slushie (a blend of tequila and lime sorbet).
We can’t wait until stay-at-home orders are lifted and we can once again gather for special events and experiences. Until then, we’ll keep doing what we do best – making it ring!
