Guest Performers Announced for Howard County Arts Council's 15th Annual Celebration of the Arts Gala

The Howard County Arts Council today announced 15^th annual Celebration of the Arts in Howard County gala.  Featured this year are: The Young Columbians and pianist Patricia Hammer.  You can catch them, along with the nine finalists for the Arts Council's Rising Star Competition, at theCelebration gala on March 24, 2012 at 8 p.m.  Emcee for the event is Richard W. Story, Senior Vice President for Marketing at JPB Enterprises, Inc.

 

The Young Columbians are a unique ensemble of talented young performers under the direction of Toby Orenstein, Founder & Artistic Director of the Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts (CCTA).  They were formed in 1975 for a pre-bicentennial celebration, A Musical Tribute to America, which premiered at Merriweather Post Pavilion.  While intended as a onetime event, the group was such a hit that it evolved into a steady touring group that was requested for performances at local events, festivals, Wolf Trap, The Kennedy Center, Disney World and even The White House.  The current company formed in fall 2011 and continues the Young Columbian tradition of providing first class entertainment with plenty of heart!

 

Piano accompanist Patricia Hammer is a vocal music teacher at Atholton Elementary School and has been a professional musician for over thirty-five years. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in music education from University of Maryland and Towson University. She has performed at the White House, Kennedy Center, World Bank, and the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland.  Patty has been in two editions of Who's Who Among America's Teachers, and has been with The Celebration of the Arts in Howard County since its inception fifteen years ago.

 

The Celebration is a multi-faceted signature event, showcasing and promoting the arts and raising funds for Howard County artists and arts organizations.  In addition to the main stage performance, the evening also features a reception from 6-8 p.m with a Silent Auction of artwork and culinary delights from local restaurants and caterers.  Performers during the reception include: Brant Challacombe (piano) and classical ensembles featuring a number of local musicians. TheCelebration will take place in Columbia at Howard Community College's Peter and Elizabeth Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center.   Information and tickets are available through the Arts Council website,www.hocoarts.org/celebration_of_the_arts.php or by phone: 410-313-2787.