Scene & Heard FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013 | CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR |
P H O T O
F E A T U R E
Photos courtesy Susie Moscovich To book your event contact Alistair Taylor 250-287-9227 or email: editor@campbellrivermirror.com
Graczak Scholarship encourages local talent and love for music The Virginia Graczak Music Scholarship, and the related Margaret Gracza Fine Art Award, were founded in 2001 by Campbell River retirees Susie and Michael Moscovich. Both initiatives were named after cherished women in Susie’s life – the music scholarship in honour of her high school piano teacher, Virginia Graczak; the Fine Art Award in honour of Susie’s stepmother, Margaret Gracza. North Island College’s Fine Art department administers the latter; the former is a more personal and lavish affair, with funds raised by black tie galas held in the Moscovich’s home. Though the “black tie” bit is optional, the scrumptious dinner, cocktails, and accompanying live concert make this a night to truly remember. For the past 10 years, the Moscoviches have hosted these galas on adjacent Friday and Saturday nights. Fifty ticketholders per night (who purchase a ticket for $75) are treated to a concert at which the winners of the piano and voice competition from the previous year perform. To top it off, a local artist is featured each year; he or she donates an original work of art – one that a lucky ticketholder wins in the Saturday night draw. The VGMS is open to students from school districts 71 and 72. The adjudications take place in May at the Moscovich home. The applicants are vetted by the CR Friends of Music, who administer the funds. Patricia Miller, a Toronto Conservatory adjudicator, has been associated with the VGMS since its inception. The scholarship, both piano and voice, is intended to encourage local talent, as well as a love for, and an interest in, music.
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SCENE & HEARD PROCESS Connor Lucas of Courtenay (left), 2012 winner of Virginia Graczak Voice Scholarship, Susie Moscovich, founder of VGMS and Matthew Krell, participant in 2012 Virginia Graczak Piano.
Pictured are long time supporters, Diane Patterson, Janet Lackey, Oda and Dale Blackburn, whose son Matthew was the winner of the 2011 VGMS piano scholarship.
Pictured with the hostess are Sandi and Doug Hengel arriving at the black tie optional gala.
Dr. Michael Moscovich with VGMS supporter, Jean Assmus, was the chef for the gala evening and is grateful for the donations from Thrifty Foods, Beaufort Vineyard and Estate Winery and the Comox Bakery Cafe.
Long time VGMS supporters Jacquie and Dr. Bob Gordon and Eileen and Joe Painter.
Pictured are Jana Watt, Linda Patrick and Marlene Wright of Campbell River enjoying the VGMS pre-concert cocktail hour.
Susie Moscovich poses with glass artists, Bob McLeod and Shannon Proctor-McLeod with one of their works of art.
Mallory Lawrence with mother, Nancy. Mallory, who is three weeks away from a diploma from the International Culinary Institute, Vancouver, very kindly donated her skills
Pictured are Campbell River Friends of Music members and piano teachers, Cindy Taylor and Lynda Baechler. The CR Friends of Music are the administrators of the Virginia Graczak Music Scholarship.