$2,752.00 was the final count for the rousing concert featuring the Steinway grand piano on Wednesday night June 16 at the Stanley Concert Hall. 143 were in attendance for this event which averages $19.24/ticket, a good barometer to weigh the value of culture and the arts within the Estes Park Community.

Kevin Ahfat and friends, associated with local Mia Marletto who has a studio in the Denver area, brought an enthusiastic crowd to its feet. Kevin’s passion for the keyboard, only 15, leaves him driving a $75,000.00 Steinway before he has even been issued a driver’s license! He played effortlessly and with great musical skill and passion as he encompassed the great lows and highs of this instrument, indeed showcasing the quality and reputation that Steinway has become known for. The Stanley Concert Hall did not fail to please with its great acoustics and liveliness for which it was designed. Kevin’s repertoire covered the gamut with Chopin’s Nocturne in C minor, Op. 48, No. 1 to the rich and sonorous writings of Brahm’s Two Rhapsodies, Op. 79 No. 1 in B Minor and No. 2 in G minor. Each phrase was beautifully shaped and expressed through the keyboard. Kevin is a credit to the up and coming musicians that have proven there is more than just video games and tv-watching keeping our teenagers entertained.

All of his pieces were played from the heart, without the aid of music, but stemmed from the very depth of his soul which he poured onto the keys of the piano. This young musician currently studies with Dr. Lei Weng at the University of Northern Colorado and has hopes to continue on in his studies listing schools such as Julliard, Curtis, Eastman and Manhattan as his top picks. I have a feeling we’ll be watching Kevin come up through the ranks, and wouldn’t it be great to have him back for a concert featuring the Steinway in its new home WHEN the Performing Arts Center opens!

SOPA’s next benefit will feature CHASED in performance park on Saturday, July 10 at 7 PM at Estes Park’s outdoor amphitheater. CHASED is a 9-piece Denver band re-creating the charisma of the '70s band CHASE. All concerts are free and open to the public with a free-will offering and 100% of proceeds benefiting the performing arts center. For more information call SOPA’s hotline at 970-481-6630, or visit us on the web at http://www.EstesParkTheater.com where a complete listing of this summer’s events are posted. Give an inspirational gift today that will see this project through to completion!