Since 1999 this monthly performance series presents, supports and encourages Minnesota's most gifted emerging young artists, utilizing the 19th century ambiance of a salon concert. These recitals are presented by the Central Minnesota Music School , in partnership with Salon se Lève's Volunteer Council/Contributing Member-ship and the Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church in Downtown, Minneapolis . As has been our tradition, all our concerts (except the Benefit Concert) are free, yet we’ll also be accepting prepaid season memberships with "preferred seating," so please take a moment to consider making your $80 per person ($100 per couple or family) Contributing Membership payment at this time. Also this year, by calling 320 255-0318 with your credit card handy, our Executive Director Lori McNamara may register your contribution. If we receive your call before October 5th, you will be playing an essential role in guaranteeing our season’s success AND there will be a great seat with your name on it waiting for you at the concert! I know I speak for the Salon se Lève Volunteer Council when I say, as our co-founder Doug Larson used to say; "We’ll be so looking forward to seeing you there"!

Hear the world’s greatest music played by some of Minnesota’s finest young artists in a setting as it was first meant to be heard ...

The Hennepin Avenue Methodist Church, with the Central Minnesota Music School and the Salon se Lève Contributing Members are proud to present six recitals, featuring our amazing young regional artists in an intimate venue - reminiscent of old world salons. Offered in the Art Gallery at HAUMC, this up-close- and -personal setting brings the music and performer directly to the audience, stirring hearts and arousing emotions and imaginations as only a true salon atmosphere can! Join us for these exciting Sunday afternoon concerts as we encourage our own emerging young artists in the 2009-2010 season:

 

 

2009-2010 Season:

 

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Featuring “Larson Memorial Award” winner Reed Tetzloff, pianist. Come hear this 17 year old master move you with the depth of his passion and musical understanding. Winner of the Schimmel, Bradshaw and Buono and American Protégé International Piano Competitions, Reed has distinguished himself as one of Minnesota’s finest, ever. Get ready for a powerfully musical experience!

 

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A profound musician, Thursday Musical first prize winner and Salon se Leve favorite, we welcome back the elegant pianist, Kenny Broberg. After that, the Salon se Leve debut of violinist Sedra Bistodeau, another first prize winner of the Thursday Musical Competition and a multifaceted musician already at 14 years of age – and you’re in store for a barn-burning “Thursday Musical Extravaganza” … on Sunday!

 

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This will be a heartfelt Valentine treat for us all.  First, Xavier Jara, a Schubert Club first prize winner will be featured in his Salon se Leve debut on perhaps the most romantic and intimate of all instruments, the guitar – also making its SsL debut!    Then, hold on to your … ‘hearts,’ as the stunning virtuosic and internationally awarded pianist, Colton Peltier returns to whip them into a heart palpitating frenzy!

 

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Featuring two prize winning young artists:  Pianist Jeff Zhang, a 2009 Schubert Club first prize winner (among many other awards!) will ignite the concert with his own brand of pianistic pyrotechnics … And then, Thursday Musical first prize winner, violinist Seiji Cataldo will carry us on with his soaring string virtuosity.  This promises to be an outstanding concert of the highest order!

 

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Presenting the Salon se Leve debut of  the 13 year old pianist Megan Ruan, first place winner of the 2009 Thursday Musical Competition and laureate of “From the Top,”  And a command return performance of one of Minnesota’s all-time best and most awarded young artists, Larson Award winning violinist Emily Anderson.  Be prepared to be shaking your head in wonderment!

 

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You won't want to miss our wonderful emerging young artists play some of the world's greatest chamber music.  Three or four groups, depending upon availability, will be filling the HAUMC Art Gallery with resonance to be remembered - and filling our hearts with the joy that only this genre can provide.  This event – which will be WELL attended - is ticketed – so be sure to get your tickets early!

VIEW OUR SALON SLIDE SHOW Photos By: Andrew Gess Photography

 

A Little History:

In the summer of 1999, Dr. Paul Wirth, Artistic Director of CMMS contacted the Metropolitan Piano Gallery (Yamaha dealer for the Twin Cities) with a new idea: The idea was to create a unique performance opportunity for the finest young artists in Minnesota . Chosen from among the first place competition winners each year, this concert series would be an opportunity for these young artists to bond with an appreciative audience who would be there to support them. Metropolitan signed onto the idea, and appointed Doug Larson as their representative in promoting the series. Doug's added vision gave a special touch to it as he entitled it - Salon se Lève: Renewing the salon concert to encourage emerging young artists. The series began in the fall of 1999 at the Metropolitan Piano Gallery in Oakdale, MN and grew slowly but steadily, presenting 5 regular season concerts featuring two artists each. After the performances, the elaborate receptions gave everyone a chance to meet each other in convivial celebration, and the list of contributing members began to grow. The fundraisers each spring were quite successful with guest artists: The Ali Family, the Baken Trio, Paul Wirth (as Mozart in Mozart and the Magic Boot) and others. One highlight of the first season was a $500 gift given to one of the financially challenged young artists by an inspired patron.

The first real step toward financial security however came in the spring of 2002 when Mary Ingebrand-Pohlad, studio artist and philanthropist donated a matching grant for the fundraiser in May. Pursuant to this, the next season also featured a masterclass for the students with the world renowned pianist Stephen Kovacevitch. To this day, students still speak of this wonderful opportunity and of what they learned there.

Yet, Salon se Lève suffered two nearly fatal blows: the first in the summer of 2003 with the unexpected passing of Doug Larson and the second in the spring of 2004 with the closing of the Metropolitan Piano Gallery stores. In response to these hardships, Mary Ingebrand-Pohlad, Salon se Lève's most significant contributor, suggested to Dr. Wirth that he consider the Art Gallery at the Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church in downtown Minneapolis for a new venue. Indeed, while it was quite a distance from the Oakdale patrons, and the piano was - and is - in need of repair, it was a wonderful venue for salon type concerts - with no stage. Also, a Volunteer Council committee was formed to fill the void of promotion and administration which Doug's passing created. After a year of looking and planning then, and with the support of the Volunteer Council and the approval of HAUMC Minister of Music Bill Mathis and the church's board, Salon se Léve resumed operation there in the fall of 2005.

Since then, Salon se Lève has been rebuilding. The second season in this venue is now midway and the contributing member list is beginning to grow again. The concept of Salon se Lève, which is a win win win one for the young artists, the contributing members, and the church alike, is a powerful one. All indications are that with continuing support from all involved, it will grow in its mission to encourage our emerging young artists here in Minnesota.

For information on Salon se Lève, please contact Lori McNamara, Executive Director of the Central Minnesota Music School.