In Friday’s (5/15) Vallejo Times-Herald (California), Richard Freedman reports that cellist Elizabeth “Beth” Vendervennet has been selected by the League of American Orchestras to receive one of five Ford Musician Awards for Excellence in Community Service. “Vendervennet, an Oakland resident, was nominated by the Oakland Symphony, one of four orchestras she plays for, along with the Vallejo Symphony [and] the Marin and Santa Rosa symphonies. “ ‘I’ve been in the trenches with the kids of Oakland,’ said Vendervennet … ‘They needed someone from the orchestra, so I stepped up five years ago.’ ” Freedman writes that the League, “working with Ford Motor Company Fund, wanted to honor active orchestra musicians for what they do in their communities ‘beyond the stage,’ Vendervennet said. ‘That’s what is really unique about this award…It’s acknowledging those players who are getting out.’ The four others selected: Penny Anderson Brill, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra; Shannon Orme, Detroit Symphony Orchestra; Jeff Paul, South Dakota Symphony Orchestra; and Brian Prechtl, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra…The honored musicians give a short presentation of their programs [at the League Conference] in Baltimore, said Vendervennet, adding that she’s thrilled to have an opportunity ‘to hear what’s going on around the country.’ ”
Posted May 15, 2016
