The first of an ongoing series featuring long-term supporters, “My Tafelmusik” invites donors to share their story in a Tafelmusik house program, and various digital platforms.
Individual support is integral to Tafelmusik. It funds live concerts in Toronto and across the world, education programs for young people, innovative new multi-media and recording projects … in addition to bringing renowned guest artists to our stage.
By Shelagh Hewitt Kareda, Tafelmusik donor
I grew up in Toronto at a time when the arts were beginning to flourish in the city. From a very early age my parents took me to the ballet, to the theatre, and to concerts. At four years old I began music lessons, first Rhythm Band and then piano with 90-year-old Mrs. Tattersall. Each week, she would play a little piece of classical music and tell me about the life of the composer when he was a child.
At the University of Toronto I met Urjo Kareda, whom I later married, and my real education in classical music began. I had been resistant to opera, but he skillfully, as he did with his public audience, turned me into a devotee, with one exception: Wagner, with whom I drew the line.
Music was always an essential part of our life together and our range of listening was wide, including classical, popular, vocal, instrumental, opera, musicals, choral, soloists, contemporary, and ancient. Of all of these it was baroque music to which I was particularly drawn, with Bach leading the pack.
Since Tafelmusik appeared on the Toronto music scene in 1979, I have been a devoted fan, at first only when Urjo was reviewing, but soon going to other concerts throughout the season and then as a subscriber. It has been wonderful to watch the orchestra, and the variety of musical presentations, grow under Jeanne Lamon’s leadership. I love to see musicians whom I feel I know well both in the orchestra and as special guests, and of course, it is always exciting when new talent appears and gradually takes leadership roles in their section.
It is very important to me that Tafelmusik continue its fine work, both on stage and in its teaching role. I subscribe to Tafelmusik because it gives me so much pleasure. I donate to Tafelmusik so that its future will be secure for the generations that follow us.
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