Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - The MasterWorks Festival is looking for a few new friends.
For the past four years, the MasterWorks Festival has produced dozens of world-class concerts in Winona Lake. All performances are free and open to the community, and the performers want to keep it that way.
"It's fantastic to see entire families show up at our concerts," said Dr. Patrick Kavanaugh, MasterWorks director. "That could never happen if we began charging high ticket prices."
Of course, to keep the concerts free means that MasterWorks has to raise money elsewhere. Last summer, they began the "Friends of MasterWorks" program, which is once more looking for members. To this end, MasterWorks is sponsoring a gala banquet - titled "Intermezzo" - during this summer's festival. This event, hosted by New York actor Rich Swingle, includes a catered dinner, music by MasterWorks faculty, student testimonies and an appeal of support by Kavanaugh. It is July 5 in the Westminster Building at Grace College.
"The Friends of MasterWorks are a wonderful group of people who care a great deal about this community, and are willing to invest in the future of the MasterWorks Festival," said Kavanaugh. "We could not exist without their dedicated support, and they share our determination to keep our concerts free of charge."
To join "Friends of MasterWorks" a person must pledge to donate $1,000 within the next year. Because the festival is sponsored by the Christian Performing Artists' Fellowship - a registered non-profit ministry - all donations are tax-deductible.
"Some are business leaders of the community," said Kavanaugh, "Many donors are simply families who believe in what we do and make a monthly pledge of support."
This summer's MasterWorks Festival from June 25 to July 30 will be the finest ever, he said, bringing in 235 students and 90 faculty and guest artists, from all over the country and many other countries as well. The orchestra, with 128 players, is one of the largest in the United States.
The festival also includes opera, ballet, theater and chamber music. Most of the concerts will take place in Winona Lake's Rodeheaver Auditorium, with additional performances in the Village of Winona and nearby churches.
The "Intermezzo" gala banquet is open to anyone who might consider joining the "Friends of MasterWorks," but reservations are required. If you are interested in attending the banquet, call 574-267-5973.
