Awakenings Concert in Belmar

Today the BAC hosted a special concert in the Belmar Elementary School Auditorium, featuring new works from the young composers of Westminster Choir College of Rider University. The compositions were performed by a string quartet, accompanied on some pieces by piano or vocal. Ten works were performed overall, composed by Matthew Samson, Aubrey Maks, Cameron Wentz, Robert Pegg, Dan Halbstein, Karol Nowicki, David Foley, David Zas, Patrice Malone, Nathan Jones, and Mike Fili. (all shown in the last photo) The performers were Gerry Ianco and Rafael Klayman on violin, Mura Kelly on viola, Madeline Casparie on cello, Dan Halbstein on piano, and Meredyth Morrison's soprano vocal. Those in the audience, who gave up a beautiful sunny afternoon to attend the show, were very impressed with both the compositions and the performers at this unique event.

This concert came about thanks to the efforts of Patrice Malone, our former summer intern, and a Theory/Composition and Arts Administration major at Westminster Choir College. The concert was supported by the following local businesses, many of which donated door prizes: Boathouse Bar and Grill, Boom, Central Jersey Bank N.A., Connolly Station, Dunkin Donuts, Inn at the Shore, Klein's Waterside Cafe, Pringle/Quinn/Anzano PC, Starry Nite Cafe, Taylor Hardware, The Melting Pot, Tino's Family Auto Care, Valdamier's Salon, and Viva's Classic Latin Cuisine, as well as by the Belmar Board of Education and the Borough of Belmar. Additional thanks go to all the many BAC volunteers, who helped promote the show, sell tickets, and provide treats for the reception that followed the concert.