We are diving right in to January, and will have lots of activities this winter to keep you busy (no need for cabin fever!) Want more updates? Like and follow us on Facebook!

Music for Syria: A Benefit for Refugees
Tuesday, January 12th, 7:30pm
Union Church, 133 Old Church Rd, Claremont, NH
Admission by donation

Local Musicians and students come together for this benefit concert for Syrian Refugees in the US and in Turkey. Omar Salem from the Karam Foundation will join us to talk about the work they do, and what is happening currently. Music from Mozart to excepts from our friend, Syrian composer, Kinan Azmeh‘s Concerto for Flute and Orchestra (piano reduction by Hugh Keelan). Musicians from Claremont and Brattleboro will come together, including Angela Biggs (voice), Hugh Keelan (piano), Jenna Rae (voice), and Melissa Richmond (flute).

All funds raised at this event will be split between the Karam Foundation (working with refugees in Turkey at the Syrian border), and Catholic Charities resettlement services for Onondaga County NY.

More about the Karam Foundation: karamfoundation.org

More about Catholic Charities resettlement: http://www.ccoc.us/services/refugee-services/refugee-resettlement

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Harper Angela Biggs teaches the beginner harp workshop.

Hands on Harps
Thursday, January 28th, 6:30pm
Union Church Hall, 133 Old Church Rd, Claremont, NH

Have you always wanted to play the harp, but don’t know where to start? Good news: Claremont’s popular Hands on Harps workshop is back! Join the West Claremont Center for Music and the Arts at Union Church hall to learn how to navigate a harp, some harp-y techniques, and play a simple tune.

No music experience necessary. Harps are provided; fee is by donation (suggested $10); class size is limited, and this workshop fills fast. Register by January 26th: contact Angela at 603-558-8174 or [email protected]. Brought to you by the Opus Arts Project through the West Claremont Center for Music and the Arts.

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Hopstop event in Claremont, New Hampshire. Copyright 2014 by Rob Strong

Claremont HopStop: Gerry Grimo and the East Bay Jazz Ensemble (with Swing Dancers!)
Saturday, February 6, 3pm
CSB Community Center
Free

The tremendously popular HopStop FREE Family Shows return from winter break!

Big Band Swing: Get “In the Mood” and ready to “Jump, Jive and Wail” with local jazz musicians and swing dancers. While the music swings, dancers demonstrate their moves. Audience members get an introduction to the sounds and steps so they can keep swinging after the show.

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Save the Date:

January 31st, 3pm – Winter recital I: Music for Soprano and Flute
Music performed by Angela Biggs, Soprano, and Melissa Richmond, flute
Admission by donation

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Welcome Elected Officials!

We would like to welcome elected officials from our geographical region to our mailing list. Though most of our programs take place in Claremont, and occasionally Charlestown, about 50% of our participants come from outside Claremont and in particular: Newport, Cornish, Windsor, Charlestown, Plainfield, Grantham, and Springfield to name a few. Several of our programs are funded by state and regional grants, including the NH State Council on the Arts and the New England Foundation for the Arts, making our newsletter a great way for you to become familiar with our programs! If you would rather not receive emails, you may unsubscribe through the link at the bottom of your email.