DeGraff Scores a Hit for Arts Alliance
A Valentine's Day concert by Adam DeGraff raised more than $1500.00 for the Monroe Arts Alliance's Arts Scholarship Program. To a full house at Ames Clair Hall in Union, WV, DeGraff presented a program of original and improvised pieces for violin that literally rocked the house.
DeGraff is a world class concert violinist and fiddler whose newest endeavors explore what is possible on a violin. Melding Bluegrass, Bach and Classic Rock, his solo performance displayed a "positively pyrotechnic" musicianship. The unexpected introduction of violist Russell Fallstad, a long-time friend and successful chamber musician, expanded concert-goers pleasure with "duelling duets" in both classical and rock genres. A final coup de grace was the addition of DeGraff's daughter, Alexandra, age 6, who led the trio in a splendid version of Mozart's variations for "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."
DeGraff's benefit performance met an Arts Alliance goal for their new Arts Scholarship Program, to match a first-ever grant from the West Virginia Division of Arts and Humanities. The new initiative will bring together qualified instructors in visual arts, music, theatre and dance with interested students to advance their skills and provide performing opportunities in the Monroe County area. The program is open to all Monroe County residents regardless of age, but with emphasis on middle school and high school students.
Naomi and Harvey Cohen, long-time benefactors of the violin scholarship program that inspired the Arts Scholarships, introduced the concert with a matching fund challenge. The audience responded with enthusiasm and generosity, ensuring that the start-up of this program will be well-funded.