KFME 2nd Birthday Celebration Recap!

The Kodály Foundation for Music Education celebrated its 2nd birthday on March 25th, 2023.  Supporters of the Foundation gathered at the Piedmont Center for the Arts to mark the day with music and dance. 

After the opening remarks by Foundation chair Dr. Thomas Kite, the musical extravaganza kicked off with the stunning performance of Ancora, a chamber ensemble of the renowned Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir.  Led by PEBCC founder Robert Geary, the treble group of young women treated the audience to thirty minutes of pure ethereal bliss. The young singers of Ancora showcased their expressive singing and flawless musicianship through the music of Eric Tuan, B.E. Boykin, Elizabeth Alexander, and resident composer Mark Winges, who honored us with his presence at this special event.  

Next, Maree Hennessy, director of the Kodály Center, spoke about the achievements of the graduate program before introducing two of the current students. Both students underlined the program’s positive influence on their professional careers and emphasized the importance of preserving it for the future generations of music teachers. 

Ildikó Salgado introduce our special guests of the afternoon: Hungarian voice-piano duo Ágnes Vojtkó and Elizabeth Loparits. The duo brought a selection of Zoltán Kodály’s vocal compositions, including his Epigrams, Hungarian folk song arrangements, and excerpts from one of his stage works, Háry János. The stunning vocals of Ágnes masterfully accompanied by Elizabeth left the audience spellbound, and their joyful and uplifting stage presence further elevated the festivities.

Their performance was complemented by two brief choreographies of Hungarian folk dance ensemble, Eszterlánc. The skillful dancers, dressed in beautifully intricate traditional costumes, captivated the audience with their breathtaking display of energy, rhythm, and grace. 

Professor Emerita Anne Laskey, former director of the Kodály Center and Foundation board member, expressed her gratitude to the patrons for their continued support of the Foundation and invited the attendees to conclude the celebration with wine, champagne, birthday cake, and a dance circle led by Eszterlánc ensemble.

The Kodály Foundation for Music Education thanks the performers, attendees, supporters, and all who made this celebration a meaningful one.