VERO BEACH — From classical strings to Motown, two recent events highlighted the cultural diversity, even in the summertime, which members of the community have come to appreciate. The two events were hosted by the Cultural Council of Indian River County and drew support from attendees for the organization’s continued efforts to promote Vero’s cultural aspects.
The audience was enchanted Thursday evening with a stellar performance by the Reményi Ede Chamber Orchestra of Hungary under the direction of James Brooks-Bruzzese, Artistic Director of the Broward-based orchestra Symphony of the Americas. Solo violinist Laszlo Pap was on fire, dazzling everyone as he performed the Ciaccona by Vitali and Massenet’s Thais – Meditation. Standing ovations were the order of the evening, with the audience on their feet following each piece.
The concert marked the 20th Anniversary of Summerfest, Florida’s longest running music festival, which Brooks-Bruzzese formed as a way to introduce internationally acclaimed European chamber orchestras to audiences throughout Florida and Central and South America.
Prior to the concert, attendees gathered for an informal social to mix and mingle with the musicians and learn about their whirlwind, month-long adventure. This was the last performance in the U.S. for the orchestra; they had only just returned from Panama, and were leaving the next morning for Equator.
“There was a void in the summertime,” said Brooks-Bruzzese, of the thought behind Summerfest. “We consider the concerts a cultural exchange. Seven musicians from Symphony of the Americas have joined the Reményi Ede for the performances.”
“I think it’s an exciting time for the Cultural Council,” enthused board president Barbara Hoffman. “The board is very committed; they see a strong need for the Cultural Council. We learned a great deal from our members at a series of focus groups. We listened very carefully to what they had to say.”
The group has also conducted a series of workshops and board meeting to lay out its plans for the upcoming year. The hope is to have the entire year’s programs and activities ready to go by October, the beginning if its fiscal year.
“We’re seeking a lot of suggestions and ideas from our members,” added Hoffman. “We are very, very pleased that our members, big and small have agreed to do what they can to help the Cultural Council succeed.”
The Vero Beach Art Club, a long-time Cultural Council member, stepped up to help by recruiting volunteers to assist in the office and at Cultural events such as the concert.
Brand new resident Denise DiJoseph moved to Vero Beach from the Mainline Philadelphia area only two weeks ago and had already signed up to volunteer at the concert.
“We wanted to be around all this cultural energy; this was the place,” said DiJoseph, who was attracted to the area specifically because of its arts and culture. “It’s a cultural paradise of people who appreciate the arts.”
DiJoseph creates miniature oil paintings, what she calls “tiny art,” and said she has been exploring all the various artistic organizations in Vero.
“There are so many,” exclaimed DiJoseph. “It’s daunting in a good way; it’s wonderful.”
Many of the same lovers of all things cultural enjoyed an entirely different type of evening at a Summer Beach Party Sunday evening, held at the Grand Harbor Beach Club and chaired by Cultural Council board member Donna Lindsay.
As attendees gathered poolside for an old-fashioned cookout, they also enjoyed dancing to classic Motown favorites; ably DJ’d by Dick Kessler. A silent auction, raffle and door prizes rounded out the casual beach-y evening.
“I definitely think the Cultural Council has a purpose here,” said Tammy Adams. “I think it’s an essential part of all the wonderful cultural activities that go on in the community. Culture is so much a part of our community.”