The 2009 CGCC Community Arts Program Summer Concert Series ran June 4 through August 13. Every other Thursday evening throughout the summer, it was a great treat to present and to hear some of the world’s finest artists. Over 2,200 people streamed into Coral Gables Congregational Church over the summer to hear a variety of music: from the vivaciousness of the Arturo O’Farrill Afro-Latin Jazz Sextet, the stellar and sensitive musicality of violinist Anne Akiko Meyers and the extraordinary versatility of Tony DeSare to the world class presentation by pre-eminent guitarist Sharon Isbin, jazz pianist Eldar Djangirov and jazz trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis. Here’s to the 25th Anniversary Summer Concert Series in 2010 (June 3 through August 19)! To be added to the mailing list, please send your email and/or postal mail addresses to info@communityartsprogram.org Or call: 305.448.7421, x 120.

The Miami Herald and South Florida Classical Review and others touted unanimously positive reviews. In addition to the Summer Concert Series were the four CGCC Community Arts Program Young Musicians’ Summer Master Classes. These sessions were taught by Anne Akiko Meyers, Sharon Isbin, Eldar Djangirov, and Delfeayo Marsalis. Held on four Fridays throughout the summer, total master class enrollment was 114. Many gleaned a great deal of practical learning from some of the world’s top music performers.

The ultimate benefit to the all of this programming was the cross promoting to the wider community of ALL that Coral Gables Congregational Church offers. A comment made by an attendee sums it up: “How tremendous that Coral Gables Congregational Church provides a great haven for so many wonderful experiences!”