To the Editor:
Tamara Poddubnaya, Artistic Director of the 18th Music without Borders International Piano Festival at Gould Academy, and I thank the people of Bethel – year-round residents and summer people, alike – for their warm welcome during the Festival season, which ended with a final concert in McLaughlin Science Center’s auditorium on Saturday evening, July 20.

This season, cut short after three veteran participants canceled plans only days before their anticipated arrival, students presented eight free evening recitals and played for a Sunday service at the West Parish Congregational Church. In addition, our “piano gang” traveled to Bridgton on July 14 to perform at The Hayloft at Dragonfly Barn. Throughout, the respectful attention of our audiences never faltered, even after, one very warm evening, a storm-caused power failure had disabled the air conditioning in McLaughlin.

Music without Borders succeeds because of the dedication and hard work of its talented participants, Professor Poddubnaya’s insistent and dynamic teaching, and the many kindnesses of the Gould Academy summer staff, including those from housekeeping, maintenance, and the Ordway Dining Center. Many people generously donated funds to support the considerable costs of piano tuning and maintenance.
Tamara Poddubnaya, the Festival students, and I send our thanks to all.

Donald Christie, Jr.

Spirited Volunteer

Music without Borders International Piano Festival at Gould Academy
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