About
History
In many ways, the history of Community Concerts parallels that of the 20th century. An ingenious solution to a problem grew into a large, enduring network of performing arts presenters, with artists and audiences alike benefiting from “a Carnegie Hall in every town.”
During the 1920s, radio, film, and the phonograph gave millions of Americans their first taste of professional quality performing arts. Yet, as America's appetite for great, live music grew, the audiences to support such concerts were largely confined to major cities. Hundreds more cities had no concerts at all, for it was too risky a business. Concert backers often lost money when attendance might rise or fall depending on the public's whims, the weather, or competition from other local events.
Soon an idea, destined to revolutionize the performing arts in America, sprang up simultaneously in two areas of the U.S.: the Great Lakes region and in several eastern states. Begun as a humble experiment, it grew into "the organized audience plan" and ultimately into "Community Concerts".
It was a brilliant but simple idea: instead of struggling to make up deficits after the fact, money was raised first, and then artists were engaged within the limits of the available funds. This fostered audience development on an unprecedented scale, as people were attracted to a whole season of varied concerts at a reasonable price.
In 1930, a group of prominent artists' managers in New York City formed the company that would become Columbia Artists Management, Inc. (CAMI). These managers adopted Community Concerts and made it part of their new venture. With Columbia Artists’ impressive roster as its source for artists and attractions, added to the ready-made audiences of Community Concerts, their success was ensured. "A Carnegie Hall in Every Town” became the company's proud slogan.
Community Concerts flourished in the 30's despite the stock market crash of 1929 and the resulting Depression. At the time of the crash there were 42 Community Concert Associations in America; yet, by 1940, there were 335. Obviously, these concerts were regarded as much more than mere entertainment; they were a lifeline to humanity, sanity, and normalcy. Food for the soul was—and still is—as important as food on the table.
By the 1950’s, the total number of Community Concert Associations had risen to over 1,000. Associations were formed not only in the U.S., but Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and South Africa. Generations of young people heard their first orchestra concert, piano virtuoso or opera star at a Community Concert.
In the 1990’s, Community Concerts and CAMI dissolved their relationship, and today, independent concert associations all over North America draw artists and attractions from many sources. Hemet Community Concert Association was founded in 1972, and over the ensuing decades, Hemet has heard concerts by some of the world’s finest musicians, enriching the cultural climate of our Valley.
Since 2003, we have been an independent presenter, and have expanded our series to five concerts each season—three classical, one jazz/pop and one folk/world. This diversity seems to suit our audiences, which range from children to retirees. The tradition of bringing artists and audiences together continues to flourish!
Patrons
Hemet Community Concert Association could not survive on subscriptions alone. Generous patrons have been the backbone of our organization since its founding, and they continue their essential role today. Patrons receive tickets to all concerts, (see below) and are acknowledged in all printed programs. For more information about our Patrons program please contact Mary Thompson at 951-766-7428.
For their extra support, the following are gratefully recognized:
| Angels | ||
| Eunice and Carl Ackermann | James Kezar | |
| Sybel Alger and Ed Strelow | McWane Family Funeral Home | |
| John and Yvonne Branchflower | Miller-Jones Mortuary and Crematory | |
| Rose Cook | Diane Mitchell and Peter Odencrans | |
| Tom and Audrey Garnella | Charles Schoenknecht and Ward Paul | |
| Dr. John and Candace Harsany | Rhea and Calvin Weber | |
| Anne Jennings | Christina and Michael Williams | |
| Barbara J. Kezar | ||
| Benefactors | ||
| Bank of Hemet (Virginia Figueredo) | David and Brigitte Kelley | |
| Jim and Lois Cheney | Joseph L. Smayda | |
| John and Donna Johannes | ||
| Sponsors | ||
| Anonymous | Gayle Lease | |
| Jane Atherstone Voice Studio | Maynard and Ruth Morvay | |
| Nancy Austin | Kevin and Lois Stipp | |
| Eugene and Susan D. Davis | Jim Thomas | |
| Nancy K. Hughes | Jon and Shannah Zorn, Milestone Homes | |
| Richard Kelley | ||
| Patrons | ||
| Royal Austin | Mary Ann Mari, Property Mgt. and Travel Consultant | |
| Mr. and Mrs. John W. Bacher | Jim and Tisha Marsh | |
| Kurt and Patricia Baruch | Reggie and Larry Mattox | |
| William Brewer | Ted Miller | |
| Carolyn and Ralph Brumby | Sam and Ellie Norton | |
| Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Crowl | Cathy and Ralph Priem | |
| Leo and Gloria Duval | Jean Puechl | |
| Iris Dye | Lucille M. Rice | |
| Earl Evans | Gwendolyn Schlange | |
| Luanne Ferrer | Bob and Cathy Schley | |
| Raymonde K. Gumtow | Donald and Doris Silva | |
| Delores Hale | Albert and Patti Smith | |
| Wayne and Marilyn Holzman | Mary Thompson | |
| Marianne and Larry Hudack | Bob and Lynn Throckmorton | |
| Betty L. Jacobus | Valerie Tichy-Drummer, State Farm Insurance | |
| Mae and Dave Kramer | Dorothy Trodahl | |
| John and Linn Landers | Roger and Ruby Weaver | |
| Karl and Betty Liechty | Roland and Jean Will | |
| Michael and Kathy Maggard | ||
| Associates | ||
| In Memory of Bertha Kezar | Bonnie Moore | |
| Phyllis Baker | Sasha Moore | |
| Beverly Castleton | Lois Reeves | |
| Soo-Sang Choe, M.D. | Sharon Stewart | |
| Jo Daugherty | Ruth Swann | |
| Dr. Gordon W. Heath | Michi Swanson | |
| Hilda Johnson | Cynthia Tjaden | |
| Peggy Kissack |
- Angel, $300.00 and above
- Benefactor, $225.00
- Sponsor, $175.00
- Patron, $125.00
- Associate, $75.00
Board of Directors |
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| Executive Committee | ||
| President | Diane Mitchell | |
| V.P. Patrons | Mary Thompson | |
| V.P. Subscriptions | Nancy Austin | |
| V.P. Publicity | Sybel Alger | |
| Treasurer | Ed Strelow | |
| Secretary | Ruth Morvay | |
| Concert Manager | Peter Odencrans | |
| Past-President | Mary Thompson | |
| Appointed Chairpersons | ||
| Head Usher | Ruth Morvay | |
| Telephone | Susan Davidson-Davis | |
| Historian | Betty Jacobus | |
| Scholarship Fund | Ruth Morvay | |
| Directors | ||
| Steve Arnold | Peggy Kissack | |
| Jane Atherstone | Thelma McClary | |
| Al Compton | Ward Paul | |
| Evalyn Demeaux | Gayle Petersen | |
| Delores Hale | Joseph Smayda | |
| Nancy Hughes | Ginger Stack | |
| Tim and Mary Ann Hogan | Cynthia Tjaden | |
| Marilyn Holzman | Elaine Twamley | |
| Anne Jennings | ||
P.O. Box 2241 | Hemet CA 92546 | 951-927-1775