A Letter from the ECMS Artistic Director

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Thank you for your encouragement during my first four seasons at the helm of the Eureka Chamber Music Series. When I began as artistic director, my goal was to continue the incredible 25 year legacy of the series while also implementing new ideas to better serve the community with great music.
 
During our first year, a motivated Board of Directors launched a new nonprofit and we presented amazing concerts together. We also launched educational events with the goal of trying to reach both students and adults throughout the community.
 
Fast forward four years and the series is alive, dynamic, and presenting breathtaking performances. Artists such as Vladimir Feltsman and the Borromeo Quartet have created some of the most beautiful performances in the world right here in Humboldt. I’m also proud that we’ve dramatically expanded our educational programs and that we are reaching thousands of students and adults across the county each season.
 
Over these first four years I feel like I’ve gotten to know many of you and what I’ve learned so far is how much you appreciate music of all kinds, as well as getting to know our incredible performers. I have also come to admire how open our audiences are to new experiences. Many of you have shared really insightful comments with me and I appreciate when you let me know that you’ve been moved and delighted by the music. Please keep your comments and observations coming!
 
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the help of many people. I am grateful to our devoted Board of Directors who contribute so generously year after year of their time, financial support and musical enthusiasm. Our brilliant administrator and designer Kevin Sharkey has been invaluable, and I know the Balourdet residency could not have happened without him. My appreciation to Elizabeth Morrison for her insightful program notes and pre-concert talks. My sincere thanks to our performing artists for their emotionally transportive performances and their spirit of collaboration. Finally, my thanks to you, the audience, for allowing me to serve you in this role.
 
Most importantly I believe music can make a difference in public life and in our communities. The Balourdet residency reached 1000 people, from Fortuna and Ferndale to Eureka and Arcata, from hospitals and schools to concert halls and community centers. ECMS presented a host of free events for the community and we made lots of new friends for the series along the way. Music was a galvanizing force that helped us appreciate our shared humanity. And we're just getting started! We'll be back with lots more next season.
 
To music!

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Tom Stone, ECMS Artistic Director  

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Tom Stone
Artistic Director
Eureka Chamber Music Series
www.eurekachambermusic.org