The Founders

The Ferris Burtis Foundation was founded by the late John Ferris, for thirty-two years the University Organist and Choirmaster at Harvard, and by Herbert Burtis, internationally known pianist, organist, harpsichordist, and teacher of voice. He has taught at Harvard University and Smith College.

The Foundation assists young classical musicians in their education and careers.

Herbert Burtis and the late John Ferris.

Gifts to the Ferris Burtis Music Foundation are tax-deductible. Contributions may be sent to the Ferris Burtis Foundation, Berkshire Taconic Foundation, 800 North Main, Sheffield, MA 01257. A benefit concert for the Foundation will be held on Sunday, May 22, at 4:00 p.m. at the Sandisfield Arts Center in Sandisfield, MA.

Prague Concert planned

While I was in Prague recently, I had an opportunity to speak with my friend William Lobkowicz about the possibility of having Yevgeny Kutik make his Prague debut at the Lobkowicz Palace which is within Prague Castle. William and Sandra Lobkowicz have listened to the CD I gave them of Yevgeny's playing, were delighted with his performance, and plans are now underway to make this idea become a reality.

William Lobkowicz and myself in front of the Lobkowicz Palace within the grounds of Prague Castle.

The Ferris Burtis Foundation is proud to be able to help bring this about financially by assisting in the costs for this venture.

Yevgeny is already in the midst of an international career, having played throughout the United States, Japan, Gemany and Spain. In July he will perform at the Ludwigsburg Festival in Germany.



The Ferris Burtis Foundation has been proud to assist this brilliant young violinist in his education and his career. He, along with the Elektra Ensemble will be donating their talents in the Ferris Burtis Foundation Gala Benefit Concert to be held at the Sandisfield Arts Center on Sunday, May 22nd at 4:00 p.m. The Elektra Ensemble is also being assisted by the Foundation. For more details see the earlier entry on this blog. Reservations and gifts are already coming in for this exciting concert.

Contact Herbert Burtis at 413 258 4456 or roodhill@verizon.net

Off to Prague

Before I leave for Prague I want to post the exciting program that is planned for the Ferris-Burtis Foundation Benefit Concert at the Sandisfield Arts Center on May 22 at 4:00 p.m.

I will also be doing a Prague Blog (Prague Blague) while I'm there at http://albertitalks.blogspot.com/ starting March 26th if you want to follow my adventures at the Prague State Opera and other exciting places.

Program May 22, 2011

Johannes Brahms    Sonatensatz
Maurice Ravel        Sonate
     Allegretto
     Blues
     Perpetuum mobile
Claude Debussy    Beau Soir
Peter Iljitsch Tschaikowsky   Russian Dance
       (From Le Lac des Cygnes)
Henryk Wieniawski    Polonaise in D Major
Yevgeny Kutik, violin and Timothy Bozarth, piano

Intermission
Ernest Chausson    Piano Trio in G Minor, Op. 3
     Pas trop lent
     Vite
     Assez lent
     Animé
Astor Piazzolla    Invierno Porteño
                          Primavera Porteña
           (From Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas)

      The Elektra Ensemble 

Reservations- $20.00 each
Friend- $100.00-$299.00
Sponsor- $300.00- $499.00
Benefactor- 500.00-$699.00
Angel- $700.00- $999.00
Founder- $1000.00 or more
Friends and higher categories will have names listed in the program
Please make all checks payable to Ferris-Burtis Foundation. Gifts over the $20.00 reservation fee are tax-deductible.
Send to Herbert Burtis
53 Rood Hill Road
Sandisfield, MA 01255
413 258 4467
roodhill@verizon.net