FY05 Challenge America Fast Track Review

Albany Symphony Orchestra, Albany, GA, $10,000
To support A Symphony of Brotherhood, presented in collaboration with the City of Albany in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King. The program will include a performance of African American composer Alexander Miller's "Let Freedom Ring," with narration from King's "I Have A Dream" speech. Previous narrators have included Ossie Davis, Danny Glover, and James Earl Jones.

Chamber Orchestra of the South Bay, $10,000
To support a concert featuring violinist Tamaki Kawakubo. Kawakubo, who grew up in the South Bay area of Los Angeles, has since won numerous international competitions.

Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra, $10,000
To support a residency and youth orchestra concert with visiting artist, Midori. Student musicians from surrounding communities of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ontario, Canada will come to Duluth to create a youth orchestra that will perform with celebrated violin soloist Midori, who will be in residence with the orchestra prior to the performance.

Erie Philharmonic Orchestra, $10,000
To support the presentation of Heroes and Villains. This component of a three-concert series will feature a guest soloist, and will include classical and pops music that reflects the theme.

Fort Smith Symphony, $10,000
To support Earthquake concerts for students in the sixth grade. These free concerts will feature a new work by guest composer Dr. Michael Schelle.

Gulf Coast Symphony, $10,000
To support a concert featuring guest artist saxophonist Harry White. In addition to the public concert, the project includes free discussions with Mr. White and the conductor, a public dress rehearsal, and a master class at the local high school.

Meridian Symphony Orchestra, $10,000
To support a pre-Valentine's Day concert of music by German Romantics. The concert will feature guest violinist J. Patrick Rafferty and violist Maggie Snyder.

Minneapolis Pops Orchestra, $10,000
To support Free Concerts for Seniors. Seniors will be bused to sites for free concerts outdoors, up to two of which will feature soprano Elisabeth Comeaux.

Orchestra of Southern Utah, $10,000
To support a festival celebrating the Hispanic, Paiute, and pioneer heritage of the area through music and native dance. Guest artist pianist/composer Marshall McDonald and Paiute tribal dancers will perform an original work in school assemblies and public concerts, and Mr. McDonald will conduct a master class for musicians.

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, $10,000
To support the German Reflections concert. Guest violinist Jennifer Koh will perform in a concert devoted to the music of Beethoven, Berg, and Brahms.

Portland Symphony Orchestra, Portland, ME, $10,000
To support the presentation of Beethoven Lives Upstairs, a children's concert and story about Beethoven's creative process. Teacher guides will help integrate the concert into the existing curriculum and provide suggestions for post-concert activities.

South Dakota Symphony, $10,000
To support a performance by the Dakota Chamber Orchestra on the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Nation Reservation. The tour will reach an isolated section of northeast South Dakota, and continue a tradition of visits to reservation communities.

St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra, $10,000
To support performances by the orchestra. Concerts will include the premiere of a work by David Wolff, a Mozart concerto featuring guest artist horn-player Michael Gast, two concerts of classics for kids, and additional performances in a neighboring community.

Tampa Bay Symphony, $10,000
To support concerts with guest violinist Ani Kavafian. The concert will tour to Clearwater and St. Petersburg, in addition to being presented in Tampa.

Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony, $10,000
To support presentations of A Viennese Treat, a concert program featuring pianist Wendy Chen as a guest artist. The concert will be performed in Cedar Falls and in rural Oelwein, where residents have little opportunity to hear live classical music. High school band students will be integrated into the performance.

Wheeling Symphony, $10,000
To support Young People's Concerts with guest artist, mime Dan Kamin. Participating schools in rural West Virginia will receive teachers guides and CDs to develop interest in the concerts.

RELATED CHALLENGE AMERICA FAST-TRACK GRANTS

Billings Cultural Partners, $10,000
To support the creation and implementation of Westfest. Westfest is a marketing umbrella concept that positions Billings as a cultural destination that will couple cultural events and attractions with services. Nineteen arts organizations make up the Billings Cultural Partners that are participating in this collaborative effort.

Cultural Development Foundation of Memphis, $10,000
To support performances and a master class by Regina Carter. Violinist Regina Carter and her quintet will conduct a master class for a select group of public school string students, as well as perform in concert with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.

Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza Performing Arts Center, $10,000
To support a series of events celebrating the musical legacy of Leonard Bernstein. Activities will include a performance by the Empire State Youth Orchestra, a dance program choreographed by Ellen Sinopoli set to new arrangements of the composer's music by clarinetist Don Byron, an original play about Bernstein by the Siti Theatre Company, and concerts by pianists Bill Charlap and Findlay Cockrell.