To the Editor:

Tamara Poddubnaya, Artistic Director of the 17th Music without Borders International Piano Festival at Gould Academy, and I thank the people of Bethel – year-round residents and summer visitors, alike – for their warm welcome back to the community for the four-week Festival season, which ended with a final recital in McLaughlin Science Center’s auditorium on July 29.

Once again, a truly international group of students came for intensive study with Professor Poddubnaya and presented sixteen free evening recitals, a more informal afternoon “piano marathon,” and an off-site performance at The Hayloft at Dragonfly Barn, Bridgton. Students played during Sunday services at the West Parish Congregational Church. Throughout, the respectful attention of our audiences never faltered.

Music without Borders is a continuing success because of the dedication and hard work of its talented participants, Professor Poddubnaya’s insistent and dynamic teaching, and the many kindnesses of Gould’s summer staff and members of the Bethel community. People generously donated funds to support the considerable costs of piano tuning and maintenance, and Festival participants enjoyed the hospitality of several home-cooked meals and good fellowship. The students always fall in love with the place and the people.

Tamara Poddubnaya, the Festival students, and I send our thanks to all who helped make this 17th season of Music without Borders enjoyable for so many.

(s) Donald Christie, Jr.

Gray, Maine

Spirited Volunteer, Music without Borders International Piano Festival at Gould Academy