Dear Music Lovers and Supporters, Our 14th offering is an orchestral arrangement of Saint Louis Blues, a popular American song (1914) that was composed by William Christopher Handy. The recording is from a concert by the BSO on February 16, 2020, and is on YouTube: BSO plays St. Louis Blues. About the music, Maestro Fred Devyatkin writes, “From our last concert before quarantine … St. Louis Blues, featured in the 1929 film by the same name with Bessie Smith on the vocals. Performed as an encore, the orchestra was swinging! Enjoy!” Thank you to everyone who has and continues...

Dear Music Lovers and Supporters, We hope you had a wonderful, safe and healthy July 4th weekend! The 2020 federal relief bill (CARES Act), passed in March to mitigate economic effects from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), grants taxpayers an above-the-line tax deduction for up to $300 in charitable donations, without having to itemize on the 2020 tax return. This provision means that people who take the standard deduction can still write off up to $300 in donations. To date, this provision applies only to the 2020 tax year. It allows you to support a great cause and...

Dear Music Lovers and Supporters, Happy July 4th weekend! Our third offering is a recording of the First Movement, or Allegro, of the Dvorak Cello Concerto from a concert by the BSO in February 2017 at the Sea Island Presbyterian Church. The cello soloist is Irena Josifoska, who was 20 years old then. The recording is on YouTube BSO playing Dvorak Cello Concerto: 1st Movement. See Maestro Fred Devyatkin’s Commentary on YouTube. To learn about cellist Irena Josifoska, who was born in 1996 and began playing the cello at the age of 5, see her biography. Thank...