HISTORY
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HARRY JACOBS CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY, INC. P.O. AUGUSTA GA 30919-1286
PHONE: 706-790-9274 or 706-736-9098 |
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"Some have known him for most of their lives, others, a
few years, but all seem to have found their lives better because Harry Jacobs
was in them." ''As great
an artist as he was, he was a much greater human being. ... He was a special,
special person. The thing with Harry was, when you left him he had made you
feel better about yourself. He sent you away skipping.'' |
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Reprinted
by permission from Rick McKee |
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HISTORY OF THE HARRY
JACOBS CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY
The Harry Jacobs Chamber Music Society was founded at a meeting in the
home of Dr. William Boyd early in 1990. The idea of starting a chamber music
society which would honor Harry Jacobs, retiring director of the Augusta
Symphony, was met with unanimous enthusiasm. It was decided that the initial
season would begin in the fall. The season was assured by financial pledges
from the founders. Harry Jacobs was appointed Artistic Director and was
charged with seeking top artistic talent for the upcoming concerts.
The mission of the Society was formed. In addition to honoring Maestro
Jacobs, a three-pronged approach was agreed upon: 1) The Society would bring
world-class international chamber music to the Augusta area for six major
concerts, 2) Talented local musicians would be invited to perform in
Hausmusik concerts at private homes at no extra fee to members, and 3)
Outreach clinics and programs by the visiting musicians would be given in
schools in order to inspire young music students.
Officers were selected with Dr. Mercer Bridges as the first president.
A committee was formed to draw up articles of incorporation and by-laws to
govern the Society. By June, the Society was officially incorporated. The
ballroom of the Old Medical College of Georgia was selected as the venue for
concerts.
By the opening of the first season in the fall of 1990, a substantial
number of members had joined. The contracted chamber music groups came from
different countries in Europe, Canada and the U.S.A. This international
component was greeted enthusiastically and it has continued to the present.
The Society continued to grow in stature, public awareness, membership
and financial support during the 1990's. In 1999, the series was moved to the
Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theater on the campus of Augusta State
University. All concerts since then have been included in the university's Lyceum
series, and students and faculty are admitted free of charge.
On June 3, 2001, Augusta was deeply saddened by the death of the
beloved founder of the Society, Harry Jacobs. Maestro Jacobs had played a
major role in developing the high level of classical music that Augusta
enjoys. The Society especially felt the loss of their leader and motivator.
The officers and board rededicated themselves to the continuation of the
Society and the furtherance of the cause of chamber music in Augusta. In September, the Board of Directors
appointed Dr. Alan Drake to the position of Artistic Director. Dr. Drake, a
founding member, had served as Assistant Artistic Director, Board member,
Vice-President and President. Maestro Harry Jacobs was posthumously given the
title of Artistic Director in Perpetuity.
World-class artists that have presented concerts for the Society have
included the Fine Arts Quartet, Jess Trio - Vienna, the Scholars of London,
the St. Petersburg String Quartet, the Jacques Thibaud String Trio, the New
York Woodwind Quintet, the St. Louis Brass Quintet, the Brno Chamber
Orchestra, the Moscow string quartet, Charles Wadsworth, and pianists Marina
Lomazov, Roberto Plano and Esther Budiardjo.
The Society continues into the new millennium with the confidence that
the great literature of chamber music written by the finest composers in
history will convey its eternal message of beauty and hope, and that the
members and guests of the Harry Jacobs Chamber Music Society will continue to
be full participants in its joys. |
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