Musical celebration marks 20 years for Arts in Bartlett

Music and poetry made the Arts in Bartlett 20th Anniversary Celebration a glorious party.

This musical event was held at Villa Olivia Sunday, Oct. 2, to bring support to promoting cultural programs in Bartlett.

In addition, to promoting local arts, Arts in Bartlett was instrumental in establishing the Sister City relationship between the village of Bartlett and the village of Miaoli City, Taiwan, in 2010.

The event showcased a world-class group of young violinists ranging in age from 4 to 17. The "Musical Strings of Youth," led by Betty-Haag Kuhnke, was the featured performance. The group has played all over the world, including Germany, Italy, France, Portugal and Taiwan, with multiple performances at the White House and Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Their repertoire included "Bourrée," "Sound of Music," "Over the Rainbow," "Concerto Grosso," "Concerto for Two violins," "Czardas," "Hakka Folk Song," "Fiddle Faddle," "Flight of the Bumble Bee," and more.

The 20th anniversary cake, created by Bartlett-based Rebecca's Cakes by Design, echoed the musical program presented.

An "East Meets West" theme was the premise for the second half of the event, featuring a different style of music and poetry recitation, with similarities of expression and feelings through the interpretation of the artists.

Pianist and professor Suyi Su from Harper College performed two pieces of music: "Grand Valse Brilliante in E flat major op. 18" by Frederic Chopin and Taiwanese composer Tyren Hsaio's "Memory of Home, suit No. 2 Memory."

The final performance was a mix of music and poetry. Megan McClure and Sherry Yu recited poems written by Frank Wu as pianist Suyi Su provided piano accompaniment.

The celebration concluded on a high note with all participating in a singalong of "What a Wonderful World."