Kate Steinbeck, flute, Rosalind Buda, bassoon, Barbara Weiss, harpsichord.
Photo by Micah Mackenzie
Pan Harmonia Offers Baroque Concert to Benefit Animal Haven December 4
Pan Harmonia presents A Baroque Music Benefit for Animal Haven on Sunday, December 4, at 3 p.m., at Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church, in Asheville. The concert will include a re-imagining of selections from J.S. Bach’s Two-Part Inventions for keyboard, performed by flutist Kate Steinbeck and bassoonist Rosalind Buda.
“Interpreting this piece from the perspective of two wind players offers different inflections, sounds and musical flexibility,” says Buda. “The flute will take the ‘right hand’ line, while the bassoon plays the ‘left hand’ of the keyboard part.”
Other pieces in the program include works for Baroque trio presented in the unique voices of Steinbeck, Buda and keyboardist and melodica player, Barbara Weiss, who is known for her imaginative musical interpretations. “We are so fortunate to have someone of Barbara’s caliber living in this town,” says Steinbeck, who is also Pan Harmonia’s creator and director. “She keeps old music fresh and relevant. She also champions the melodica, which, although a plastic, blown-into contraption, has the most plaintive sound you can imagine.”
The chamber music series has a tradition of performing Baroque music for their benefit concerts, which they have held annually since 2010. Pan Harmonia has raised more than $8,000 for Homeward Bound in the past and hopes to raise significant funds to support Animal Haven with this year’s performance.
The rescue organization has provided protection and refuge to homeless and abused animals since 2000. Located on ten acres in Oteen, the sanctuary is currently home to sheep, goats, pigs, geese, chickens, rabbits, ducks, dogs and cats. Animal Haven also has three community support programs: Meals on Wheels, which ensures that pets of low income families receive proper nutrition; New Leash on Life in conjunction with the Craggy Correctional Center for Men; and educational programs for children to encourage compassion and responsible pet ownership.
“We turned to animals in our community this year and this wonderful organization that helps support them,” says Buda. “We are thrilled to be able to use our music in this capacity. We believe all people and all creatures are of value and should be respected.”
In addition to their annual benefit concerts, Pan Harmonia also performs in homeless shelters, prisons, nursing homes and other centers, reaching out to a wider group of people through their Shining Light Project. They also mentor student musicians and collaborate with a variety of community organizations to share their music with people of all ages and socioeconomic strata. “We believe arts access and social justice go hand in hand,” says Steinbeck. “Classical music is often relegated to the upper class strata, but it belongs to everyone.”
Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church is located at 337 Charlotte Street. While admission is free, generous donations are appreciated in support of Animal Haven of Asheville. Learn more at panharmonia.org and animalhavenofasheville.org.
