Early in 2011, Andrés Cárdenes, previous concertmaster of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and one of the world’s finest violinists, called Kathryn Barnard, Director of the Oakland Girls Choir to make a generous offer: Mr. Cárdenes wanted to give his only 2011 Pittsburgh recital to benefit the choir.
Mrs. Barnard accepted immediately.
Mr. Cárdenes has connections to the choir, his daughter is in one of the Oakland Girls Training Choirs, but when asked why he was giving this recital, he said, “The Oakland Girls Choir is a Pittsburgh treasure. It always brings me great joy to hear them in concert and to experience their poised, tender and lively performances. I chose to play my only Pittsburgh recital appearance this year in support of the Choir and to honor Director Kathryn Barnard’s vision, leadership and commitment to inspiring and training young women to sing so beautifully.”
The recital comes closely with the Oakland Girls Choir’s announcement of the establishment of their own 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the Pittsburgh School for the Choral Arts.
From Director Kathryn Barnard: “We are so honored and humbled to have Andrés perform his only Pittsburgh recital this year to benefit the Pittsburgh School for the Choral Arts. Andrés and Monique [his wife] are two of the finest violinists in the world, yet they care deeply about making choral education available to all. You should not miss this recital; it will be an afternoon of breathtaking beauty!”
The recital will take place Sunday, October 23 at 2 PM at Campbell Memorial Chapel on Chatham University’s campus. Premier seating tickets include a reception following the performance with the opportunity to meet Mr. Cárdenes, and the recital’s pianist Luz Manriquez.
Tickets can be purchased through ProArts: www.proartstickets.org or 412.394.3353.
More information about the choir can be found at www.oaklandgirlschoir.org