Chamber Music Festival celebrated

By Walt Kaechele
Senior correspondent

From left, Bill Galligan, Judy Oberholtzer and Bill Timmel stand next to a James Wolfe painting donated by the Timmel Collection Gallery for auction. The proceeds will go to the Chamber Music Festival of Saugatuck. (Photo by Walt Kaechele)

The Chamber Music Festival of Saugatuck’s 20th anniversary season-opening celebration July 11 took note of the series’ continuing success.

The Timmel Gallery hosted the evening’s festivities with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and music by harpist Shari Faber. There was a fund launched to honor Priscilla Meuller’s memory and dedication to the arts. Proceeds will be used to purchase an artwork to be installed in the community.

CMFS president Bill Galligan announced, “This evening is very special, since no one had any idea we (charter festival members) would be here this evening. We thought we were lucky enough just to get the doors open and the show on the road. Look at where we are now, 20 years later.

“Our toast goes to all those who have gone before us, in the past, that helped make this a possibility,” he continued. “It goes to all of you here this evening making this a possibility.

“We look forward to all of those who will be with us in the future and make this an ongoing possibility,” Galligan said.

Guests then strolled to the Saugatuck Woman’s Club for music, food and auction. The Amici Trio performed.

The auction offered three themed banquets hosted by Herb Bills, Suzie Blair and Joan Conway. They were listed as a Broadway Bash, Suzie Spectacular and Opera Dinner. Bidding was spirited for all three.

Conway and Robert Byrens concluded festivities with a violin and piano duet. They acknowledged a standing ovation with an encore vocal performance.

Celebration proceeds will be used to continue CMFS growth.