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Apple Hill Chamber Players and KSC Music Faculty Collaborate on "Playing for Peace" Recital

KEENE, NH 3/2/06 - A chamber music recital featuring the talents of Keene State College’s 2005-06 “Playing for Peace” scholarship recipients, violinist Ealain McMullin and pianist Reem Abu Rahmeh, will be heard, Wednesday, March 22, at 7:30 p.m. The performance, to be held at KSC’s Redfern Arts Center on Brickyard Pond, will find McMullin and Abu Rahmeh playing with members of Apple Hill Chamber Players and KSC music faculty.

The “Playing for Peace” scholarship program, now in its third year, is the result of a collaboration between Keene State College and the Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music in Sullivan, N.H. At Apple Hill, young musicians from war-torn areas of the world come together each summer to play chamber music. The KSC “Playing for Peace” scholarship program expands this experience by providing an opportunity for two talented musicians to spend a year studying at Keene State as full-time students away from the conflicts of their homelands.

Ealain McMullin, who has been studying privately with Apple Hill’s Michael Kelley, is from County Donegal, Ireland. She has been playing violin for 12 years and is a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland. She has twice been a recipient of Apple Hill summer school scholarships. In describing her experience as a Playing for Peace scholar, McMullin remarks that, “This beautiful and unique experience has allowed me to see the world with new eyes. Through the generosity of sponsors, I have been able to enjoy the warmth of friendship and wonderful music.”

Reem Abu Rahmeh, who has been studying piano for 16 years, holds a BA degree in music from the University of Jordan. She has participated in several international events such as the 13th International Piano Competition in Rome, where she played a piano duet with Apple Hill. Abu Rahmeh is enthusiastic about her experience as a “Playing for Peace” scholar. “Words are not enough to thank people for a lifetime of experiences, lifelong friends, cherished memories, beautiful music, and a successful peace project. This experience will be cherished forever.” While at Keene State she has been studying piano privately with KSC faculty artist, George Loring.

A highlight of the evening’s performance will be a duet with Abu Rahmeh and McMullin playing the second movement of Mozart’s Sonata in B flat major. McMullin and Abu Rahmeh will also be heard in a Bach’s Double Violin Concerto in D minor with violinist Elise Kuder of Apple Hill and KSC faculty artist Don Baldini on double bass. Apple Hill’s Eric Stumacher and KSC music faculty artist Elizabeth Blood will be heard in Variations in G by Mozart for piano four hands. The Apple Hill Chamber players will perform Robert Schumann’s Piano Quartet in E-flat Major. The program will also include a series of Domenico Scarlatti sonatas played by KSC music faculty artist José Lezcano.

Tickets for the performance are available through the Brickyard Pond box office, 603-358-2168, and are $18 for the general public, $16 for seniors and KSC faculty and staff, $10 for youth 17 and younger, and $5 for KSC students with ID. Those attending the performance are invited to stay afterwards for a reception to honor this year’s “Playing for Peace” scholars.

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Keene, New Hampshire 03435