THE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA OF SMOKY VALLEY RECEIVES DAVID NUTT GRANT AND ANNOUNCES SECOND CONCERT FEB 13, 2022

LINDSBORG, KAN., JAN. 11, 2022–The Chamber Orchestra of the Smoky Valley recently received a grant from the David Nutt Fund for Lindsborg in the amount of $10,000.00. Although administered by the McPherson County Community Foundation, the Nutt grant applications are reviewed by a grant selection committee comprised of Lindsborg residents who with the help of input from a Lindsborg community survey make final selections. 

The Chamber Orchestra of Smoky Valley is an auditioned, regional ensemble of professional musicians that includes not only a few Bethany faculty members, but players from Wichita, Salina, and Hutchinson as well. Seeking to educate and engage audience members through the performance of orchestral masterworks, the ensemble is under the musical direction of Dr. Keith Dodson, Assistant Bethany College Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental Studies, and led by concertmaster Ann Samuelson, who is also a Bethany College Assistant Professor of Upper Strings. While there are many symphonic orchestras in the central Kansas area, this ensemble is unique in terms of its smaller size fostering a level of intimacy in their performance and venues and creating a different concert experience from the large halls of symphonic orchestras. Dr. Dodson, shares his gratitude stating, the orchestra will have “another opportunity to share classical music with the Lindsborg and Salina/McPherson communities in large part due to the Nutt grant.” 

Mr. Nutt first shared his support of Bethany in 1988 when he felt compelled to match a gift to Bethany after reading a Lindsborg News Record article about a gift the college had received to improve library facilities. Based on all the kindness shown to him as a child, Nutt desired to support any contribution that he knew his neighbors and former Bethany librarians Vendla (’14) and Elda (’14) Wahlin would support. 

The Lindsborg David Nutt fund was originally established as an endowment in 2004 to provide a resource to organizations serving the Lindsborg community and the invested endowment gift earnings allows for approximately $350,000 in annual grant distributions. 

The Chamber Orchestra of the Smoky Valley continues Mr. Nutt’s appreciation for the unique experiences and vision of nurturing the progress of the entire Lindsborg community.  Don’t miss the Chamber Orchestra of the Smoky Valley’s second concert at the Swedish Pavilion at the Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum on February 13 at either 4 or 6 pm. Seats are limited and should be reserved. At each concert, there will be 25 preferred seats, for $25.00, and 50 general admissions (no charge) seats. Contact Anne Hassler Heidel at (785)227-3380 ext. 8235 or by email at hasslerheidelas@bethanylb.edu to reserve your ticket.

Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who walk alongside them as they discover, explore, and navigate the path to their purpose. Bethany College is on the Web at www.bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.

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