Van Cliburn, terminally ill with cancer, is wheel-chair ridden and using an oxygen inhaler at all times. And yet, last Thursday, when his Van Cliburn Foundation in Fort Worth celebrated its 50th anniversary, he was determined to attend. Friends reported that Cliburn "loaded up on oxygen in advance," and he walked on stage, spoke briefly, and walked out.
The Merola Grand Finale, which presented — and said farewell to — one of the finest Merola classes in years, presented six tenors all of whom are ready for prime time.
The Fremont Symphony is replacing David Sloss, who headed the orchestra since 1980, and Sue Rose in what the orchestra has termed a "challenging new direction" and spurred by a new grant.