Ever heard the acronym dwem? There is some discussion/concern among educators that much of what is taught in history classes is the history of “dead white European males, hence dwem. But now and then there is one dwem that catches our musical interest.

For us it is Gaspard Kummer, a dwem that lived in Germany 1795-1870.
Red Cedar Trio members flutist Jan Boland, guitarist John Dowdall and violist David Miller (NYC), are joined by violinist Timothy Shiu (Memphis) and cellist Loretta O'Sullivan (NYC) to perform little known trios and quintets by Gaspard Kummer that Jan & John found in doing research in the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. Kummer’s music is charming, tuneful and beautifully crafted. Each of his compositions has its own style, yet uses a distinctive musical language that is uniquely Kummer. Listen and help us decide if Kummer's music may be worth recording for our next CD project.

We think the use of period instruments (gut-strung strings and wooden flute) enhance the creative potential of this lovely music.

This concert kicks off Red Cedar’s new season with some of our favorite guest artists. David Miller, of course, is a popular Red Cedar regular. New York-based Loretta O’Sullivan has appeared with Red Cedar on numerous occasions and she and Timothy Shiu can be heard with Jan & John on Red Cedar’s new CD release titled Johann Nepomuk Hummel: Music for Schoenbrun. Tim Shiu, formerly with the Mia Quartet in Iowa City, comes to us from Memphis.

David Miller is sponsored by Honkamp Krueger & Co. and Loretta O’Sullivan is sponsored by Thea Leslie in memory of Roger Leslie.

See you on Friday, September 7th. Please note the concert day is on a Friday! Concert repeats on Sunday, Sept. 9th at 1:30 p.m. in the Senate Chamber of the Old Capitol Museum in Iowa City .

2007—2008 Season Concert Series
Creativity Rocks!

Creativity rocks! Red Cedar Chamber Music bursts into its second decade propelled by the creative energy of three master composers and some exciting new collaborations. Composer-in-residence Andrew Simpson’s new Fireflies Folk Set for Flute and Guitar illuminates Marion’s City Hall in its June premiere, while the infectious joy of Caribbean dance rhythms in Ricardo Iznaola’s Danzas de la Abuela helps Immaculate Conception Church celebrate its 150th Anniversary and its commitment to Iowa’s Latino population. The creative beauty of mid-19th-century composer Gaspard Kummer bubbles up in our opening concert after a century of neglect and this season’s superb guest artists are the delectable icing on Red Cedar’s creative cake. Join us for music that will find its way into your heart and set your toes a tapping!

One European White Guy: Sponsored by D.C. Taylor Co.
Friday, September 7, 2007 at 8 p.m.
Westminster Presbyterian Church

Latino Meets Iowa: Sponsored by Immaculate Conception Church
Saturday, February 23, 2008 at 8 p.m.
Immaculate Conception Church

Hallalujah, I’m a Bum!: Hosted by the City of Marion
Saturday, June 7, 2008 at 8 p.m.
Marion City Hall (this is a free concert!)

Tickets: $15 in advance/$18 at the door. Students $8.
Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your order and check (helps us avoid a handling fee) to Red Cedar, PO Box 154, Marion IA 52302.

Kentucky Derby Party a huge success!
Red Cedar Chamber Music’s signature fundraiser, the Kentucky Derby Party, outdid itself in May. It raised $21,600 for Red Cedar’s educational programming for the 2007-08 season!

The father-son team (you’ll find them pictured above) Duane Smith and his son Jason – along with support from the folks at TrueNorth Companies – helped to make it happen. The event was held in the home of Duane Smith on a sunny Saturday in May, 2007.

Guests enjoyed cheering on their favorite Derby thoroughbreds at the gala event which found many ladies in hats and gents looking dapper. The party took on a theme of “horse power” as Jason’s Ferrari and Duane’s Mustang (the cars, that is) became central to the fundraising event!

Auction items were a huge success, led by the fabulous work of art by Ann Royer that has been the look of Red Cedar’s Kentucky Derby Party marketing materials for the past 7 years. Jim Rosborough became the happy owner. Neil Madsen won competetive bidding for the day on the Abernathy’s luxury house boat with live music and BBQ. Unique and popular items were the lease-for-a-day Maserati and Mustang donated by Duane Smith. A house concert, a plane ride with Chuck Peters, a hand-made hat and a balloon ride rounded out the auction.

The Southern Supper catered by L’J’s was suberb -- who can decline a slice of homemade pecan pie?

Our hat is off to our fabulous Derby Chair, Anne Ohrt, who led the event with grace and professionalism. Huge thanks also go to Patron Host chairs Tom Peffer and Carroll Reasoner.

We Welcome new Board members Christine Rauscher, Tom Fesenmeye, and Candace Wong! They bring many talents to the organization and we thank them for joining us in our mission. Ann Lipsky has rotated back onto our board. Wecome back, Ann!

Summer Festival 2007
July 15-22, 2007
Professional flute & guitar duos came from Chicago (McKenzie Duo), Philadelphia (Janson/Bozenhard Duo) and Mobile (Heim Duo) to the campus of Cornell College for ten days of study with Red Cedar artists Jan Boland & John Dowdall.

Participants recieved coaching, participated in masterclasses, & received inspiration from guest speakers to sharpen their music business skills. Festival concerts included a Parlor Concert hosted in Sara Gaarde & Rich Hileman’s home in Mt. Vernon, and at the Old Capitol Museum in Iowa City. Duos departed armed with musical ideas and business savvy to make their musical dreams becme a reality in their home communiities.

Professional flute & guitar duos came from Chicago (McKenzie Duo), Philadelphia (Janson/Bozenhard Duo) and Mobile (Heim Duo) to the campus of Cornell College for ten days of study with Red Cedar artists Jan Boland & John Dowdall. Participants recieved coaching, participated in masterclasses, & received inspiration from guest speakers to sharpen their music business skills. Festival concerts included a Parlor Concert hosted in Sara Gaarde & Rich Hileman’s home in Mt. Vernon, and at the Old Capitol Museum in Iowa City. Duos departed armed with musical ideas and business savvy to make their musical dreams becme a reality in their home communiities.

A Message from our new Board Chair
Amy Johnson Boyle, Chair 2007-09

The magical concert and party that culminated Red Cedar Chamber Music’s 10th anniversary celebration in early June reminded me of all this organization is and hopes to be.

Red Cedar Chamber Music is blessed to have two outstanding musicians, Jan Boland and John Dowdall, who work year-round to bring Chamber music to life for audiences of all ages across Eastern Iowa.

Their performances would not be possible without the hard work of dozens of committed volunteers, who are willing to do whatever is needed for the organization – whenever they are asked. The backbone of Red Cedar Chamber Music is a group of dedicated donors, who generously make each and every performance possible.
Last, but certainly not least, are the group’s faithful audiences, who flock to see and hear Red Cedar Chamber Music’s magical performances. All of these individuals have helped create a remarkably popular and financially viable Chamber music organization that is poised to soar even higher in its next decade.

As Board Chair, I want to say Bravo – and thank you – to all of the people who make Red Cedar Chamber Music possible. I am proud to be associated with an organization that has left an indelible footprint on our state.

From Chocen, with Love
Red Cedar Chamber Music culminated its Tenth Anniversary Season with a series of concerts and a gala birthday party in June. The final concert, attended by 150 chamber music lovers, was held at the site where Red Cedar’s very first concert was launched 10 years ago – the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library.
Thanks all around to many who made this concert/party such a success ...to Museum Director Gail Naughton, Anniversary Chair Dee Ann Rexroat, concert sponsors Magda & Tony Golobic (GreatAmeria Leasing), Tenth Anniversary Season sponsors Dyan & John Smith (CRST), Volunteer Coordinator Bunnie Tomes and more!
After the concert we adjourned to the outdoor patio to stand in awe of the artistic skills of firedancer Ian Smith! Toasts and birthday cake topped off the evening.

Audience Comments:

From Chocen, with Love
June, 2007

Audience Comments:
From Chocen, with Love
June 2, 2007
“Music is a multi-layered experience and Red Cedar helps you understand more of the layers and brings you into the performance and the music. You leave having been part of it rather than just audience. How wonderful it is that you are Iowa-based.
Thank you.” N Z.

“I enjoyed it very much. I expected a more “boring” sound vs. the fast-paced interactive blend that I heard.” D. M.

“Unbelievable! This trio is a fantastic gift to our community.” M. C.

“Saturday evening was magical - perfect setting, perfect audience, wonderful music and musicians - you had the audience with you all the way.” B.T.

“Congratulations again on your remarkable 10 years! Bravo!” C.S.“

Upcoming Events:

Sept 5 (Wed) 7:00 p.m.
Rural Outreach. At St. Mary’s Church, Tipton, IA.

Sept. 6 (Thurs) 1:30 p.m.
Music for Seniors. Village Place, 345 Marion Blvd, Marion

Sept. 6 (Thurs) 7:00 p.m.
Rural Outreach. At Sts. Peter’s & Paul, Solon, IA

Sept. 7 (Fri) 12 noon
Production Floor Performance. At Rockwell-Collins, 400 Collins Rd, NE.

Sept. 7 (Fri) 8 p.m.
One European. At Westminster Presb. See article at right.

Sept. 8 (Sat) 7:00 p.m.
Rural Outreach. At Clermont Opera House, Clermont, IA.

Sept. 9 (Sun) 1:30 p.m.
One European. At Old Capitol Museum in Iowa City.

Sept 10 (Mon) 9 a.m.
Music for Kids. Starry Elem. School, Marion.

Sept 10 (Mon) 7 p.m.
Music for Marion. At Lowe Arts & Environment Center, 4500 N. 10th St, Marion.
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See complete schedule on our website page called "schedule" for the details of these concerts.