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The Beethoven Society of America is an educational
and cultural organization offering opportunities to attend
embassy concerts, receptions, and other musical events at
a readily affordable price. The BSOA provides support to musically
talented young people through competitions and scholarships,
providing occasions for them to perform with professionals
at various events.
Maria Fisher, our founder, had a long and illustrious career
as a film actress and opera singer. In the 1930s and 1940s,
she appeared in over 60 films with such stars as Gloria Swanson
and Leslie Howard. She enjoyed a successful singing career
as a leading soprano with the London Opera Company as well
as with the Columbia Opera Company in Washington, D.C. Her
devotion to opera and all music led Maria Fisher in 1963 to
found the American Opera School. She developed educational
programs and provided scholarships for young opera singers.
She founded the Beethoven Society of America as an outgrowth
of these activities, in order to offer major concerts at a
nominal charge to the public, and, under the Society’s
auspices, to hold annual piano competitions for 12- to 18-year
old artists, resulting in scholarships for the winners to
pursue their musical dreams.
Being a devotee and patron of classical music all her life,
Mrs. Fisher, in 1986 acted upon her firm belief that “Jazz
is America’s classical music”! That was the beginning
of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. Always an impresario,
Maria opened the Institute with a gala attended by such talents
as Dizzy Gillespie, Bill Cosby, Clint Eastwood, Quincy Jones,
Dolly Parton and Steve Allen, all grateful for her insight
and drive. We have continued the tradition so boldly initiated
by Maria.
Monday evening concerts presented by the Society at the Embassy
of the Federal Republic of Germany offer outstanding musical
programs to showcase various artists of national repute. In
addition to our season of fine concerts, members will have
an opportunity to attend Sunday afternoon Fireside Chats,
elegant tea dances and our annual Oktoberfest. Celebrating
Beethoven’s birthday has become a tradition at our Holiday
concert in December.
A member may choose to entertain guests by inviting them
to attend our concerts at the member price at the Embassy
of the Federal Republic of Germany. As a member, we hope that
you will assist the purposes of the Society by volunteering
your time and talents at concerts, and helping out with arrangements
for other events. Where resources permit, we urge you to make
a donation (tax deductible) to support the endeavors of the
Society.
Single annual membership in the Beethoven Society of America
is $40.00, dual annual membership is $75. The BSOA is classified
as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization which qualifies for
tax deduction. |
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Dr. Joyce S. Hagel, Chairman, Piano Competition and Fireside
Chats*
Mr. David Ehrlich, Vice Chairman and Programs*
Roy Gillinson, MD, Membership Chairman*
F. Lawrence Clare, MD, Treasurer*
Yolanda Mamone, Secretary*
Dr. Ralph Greenhouse, Programs
Ms. Beverly Raphael, Programs*
Robert Gair
Patricia Tackitt
Jean Edouard Asmar, D.M.D.
Mr. John Kennahan, Past Chairman
Mr. Albin Treciokas, Past Chairman
John E. Threlfall, MD, Past Chairman
Janice Samuels, Events & Marketing Coordinator
*Denotes Executive Committee
Piano Competition:
Beverly Raphael, Chairperson
Ronald Raphael, Co-Chairperson
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