“ONE GRAND NIGHT”, Indeed

On May 27, 2021, Spectrum Chamber Music Society presented our first major fundraising event, “ONE GRAND NIGHT”, featuring Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Music Director Laureate Miguel Harth-Bedoya conducting an exceptional wind ensemble in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s epic Gran Partita.

Despite the lingering remnants of the COVID pandemic still around us, we took  a chance on the miracles of medical science (i.e., vaccinations) and presented this fundraiser as our first in-person event since the pandemic shut everything down in Spring 2020. While the turnout was understandably less than what we would have expected before the pandemic, we were bowled over by the enthusiasm of those who did attend. There was electricity in the air of the main sanctuary of First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth—clearly we were all energized by the prospect of finally getting back together as a community to enjoy live music again.

After an interview between Maestro Harth-Bedoya and Mozart, himself (as portrayed by Spectrum board member Till MacIvor Meyn), the wind ensemble musicians gave a spectacular performance of this large-scale masterpiece by Mozart. When the performance ended about 50 minutes later, the well-earned standing ovation was downright raucous. There is just something about a beautiful rendition of glorious music that announces its transcendence over the adversity that exists in the real world. (See photos from the concert here.)

The post-concert reception continued the high standard set by the performance that preceded it. The rainy weather from the days leading up to the event subsided just in time to allow us to enjoy a beautiful May evening in the church’s beautiful outdoor garden courtyard (and returned soon after). The food (presented by caterer Jim Barker) was outstanding, and the atmosphere was nothing short of perfection. Huge thanks go to Spectrum board member Dotty Hall for putting together such an incredible cap to the evening. (See photos from the reception here.)

Thanks also go to the folks at First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth—especially Peggy Graff, Associate Director of Music and Worship Arts and Austin Patton, Director of A/V Resources—for giving us the facilities and support needed to pull off such a special event. We have been performing at FUMCFW for about 25 years, and we truly value our collaboration with them.

We look forward to our upcoming season (details to be released soon), which will culminate in our 2nd Annual “ONE GRAND NIGHT” fundraising event next spring!