Dear Friends,

Music is universal, a sharing experience, and a gift to humanity. So precious is this gift, that we must cherish and nurture it from one generation to the next. In this spirit, the Foundation takes pride in honoring the ideals of my late son Andrew De Grado.

Andrew's love of music and his generous nature drove him to encourage the same passion and excellence he expected not only of himself but also in the young students he encountered as a professor at the University of Illinois. The essence of his philosophy is thoughtfully expressed in a paragraph taken from his personal correspondence.

"It is my ambition to continue my performing and teaching career as it gives me tremendous satisfaction to impart my knowledge and watch the development and progress of young pianists."

The Andrew George De Grado Foundation continues to take pride in passing on Andrew’s legacy through piano competitions, piano recitals, and benefit concerts with renowned artists. Over the years, the Foundation sponsored five very successful piano competitions and Winners’ Recitals for New Jersey pianists ages 11 through 18 at Kean University. In addition, the Foundation sponsored eleven fantastic benefit concerts with the following artists: violinist Joshua Bell; pianist/narrator Richard Glazier; pianist/composer Ian Hobson; pianists Carol Ferri, Anna Klein and Simon Mulligan; clarinetist Marianne Breneman; flutist John Phillip Rush.

Still moving forward -- a new and exciting Andrew De Grado Biennial Piano Debut Competition for piano soloists and piano accompanists ages 23 and above, will take place in June 2005 and replace the former piano competitions for younger pianists. The competition will be offered to the fifteen states that border the eastern coastline of the United States.

Our thanks go out to all the many musicians, patrons of the arts, and businesses that have donated their time and money to the Andrew George De Grado Foundation, Inc. and have become a part of Andrew's musical family. Your contributions will make it possible for the Foundation to continue in its efforts to give recognition to talented pianists and promote the love of music.

Cordially,

Libby De Grado-Condo
President

Do you have questions about Modern Bathroom Design Ideas? That is the right place for answers.