We are pleased to report that our March 28, 2004 benefit concert, featuring acclaimed classical musicians Gil and Orli Shaham, was a smashing success. Ossining MATTERS raised over $25,000 to be used to supplement academic, cultural arts, and athletic programs in the Ossining School District.

Almost 500 people attended the concert, which was hosted by WQXR radio personality Lloyd Moss. The excitement started earlier in the day, however, when Gil Shaham paid a surprise visit to the Ossining High School String Ensemble's rehearsal. While the high school students were getting ready for their "opening act" performance, Mr. Shaham unexpectedly walked into the high school orchestra room, and asked permission to sit in on the rehearsal.



Sharing a music stand with the students, Mr. Shaham took out his 300 year old Stradivarius violin, and joined in as our young musicians began their rehearsal. Orchestra teacher and conductor Ms. Stephanie Merkado-Weiss then led the ensemble, including Gil, through their pieces, stopping from time-to-time to provide instruction to all, including (to the great amusement of the students) Mr. Shaham.

The opportunity for our students to rehearse with a world-famous violinist was exceeded when Mr. Shaham asked whether he could join the ensemble in their performance. The concert audience, expecting to see only the high school students, enthusiastically cheered when Lloyd Moss, in his well-known and distinctive voice, announced that a "special guest" would be joining the ensemble, and Mr. Shaham walked onto the stage with the students.

The String Ensemble gave a terrific performance of two pieces. Inspired by the excitement of the event, Mr. Shaham's participation in the ensemble, and Mrs. Weiss' spirited conducting, the students distinguished themselves as one of Westchester's premier high school performing groups.

Upon the String Ensemble finishing their performance, the stage was cleared except for a long Steinway concert grand piano provided for the event, and the audience grew quiet waiting for Gil and Orli Shaham to appear.

A few moments later, Lloyd Moss introduced the Shahams, who were met with enthusiastic applause by the audience, who was clearly excited to see two of the brightest stars of the classical music world walking onto the Ossining High School stage.

Although Mr. and Ms. Shaham are more accustomed to playing at Carnegie Hall than in a high school auditorium, they happily and enthusiastically began their all-Prokofiev program with a sterling performance of the familiar theme from "Love for Three Oranges."

After warming the audience up with something familiar, the Shahams continued with Prokofiev's "Five Melodies for Violin and Piano, Op.35b" and "Sonata for Violin and Piano No.2 in D Major, Op.94b." Despite the fact that these pieces are not part of the "popular" classical repertory, the audience sat spellbound by the sheer virtuosity of Gil and Orli's talent.

The music, full of the sublime melodies and fiery passages, kept even the youngest members of the audience engaged. At times, the Shahams seemed possessed, furiously attacking the violin and piano, producing music that wildly filled the room. At other times, the musicians and audience together stayed perfectly still, waiting for the last tone of an emotional passage to fade away.

A moment of unexpected drama came during the last piece, when Gil broke a string on his violin. To the amusement of the crowd, Orli announced that they were experiencing "technical difficulties" and the performers briefly left the stage to replace the string. Upon returning to enthusiastic and good-hearted applause, the Shahams completed the program, ending to a standing ovation from the grateful audience.

Following the concert, the Shahams and Mr. Moss attended a "sold out" reception at a lovely home in Scarborough, mingling with our supporters who purchased special tickets. The reception featured food and beverages donated by many of our local restaurants, which was delicious and enjoyed by all who attended.

The event could not have been such a great success without the hard work of many people. Nancy Scorcia, who headed the event committee, did a fantastic job of pulling it all together. Thanks to so many others who helped make the event a reality including those who helped with developing the invitation, flyers and posters; people who solicited ads for the program; publicizing the event with the media; hanging posters; hosting and selling raffles at the door; ushering; providing tech support during the concert; cooking and serving at the reception; and taking photos. In addition, we would like to thank the administrators in the school district, local businesses and community leaders for their enthusiastic support of the Ossining MATTERS Education Foundation.