Opera Meets Hollywood at Ventfort Hall

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LENOX, Mass. — A closing reception for Prima Music Foundation's last concert of the summer series, where old opera Hollywood takes center stage, is at Ventfort Hall on Thursday, Aug. 29 at 4 pm. 
 
Light refreshments will be served and there will be a cash bar for wine.
 
"Opera Meets Hollywood," will feature tenors David Guzman and Alexander Dedik, alongside soprano Alexandra Lushtak. Elle Gurevich, the foundation's young artist, and the recipient of the George Cuker Award, will also perform with these renowned talents. Accompanied by pianist Anastasia Dedik, the concert will showcase opera arias that have been prominently featured in movies and on screen. This captivating blend of opera and cinema will be narrated by George Michael.
 
Dr. David Guzman has combined a career as a performer and an educator, with his research passion in Latin American music. As a recitalist he dedicates his efforts to the revival and dissemination of forgotten Latin-American Art songs. He is an Assistant Professor of Music in Voice at Boston University since 2020.
 
Alexander Dedik was a prize-winner at both Tchaikovsky's and Glinka's International Competitions in 1970. He was invited to be a leading dramatic tenor at internationally famous opera house Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg, Russia. He has since performed at Metropolitan Opera, Boston Opera House, Covent Garden, and Teatro Del Liceu.
 
Alexandra Lushtak, a New York based soprano, is a passionate and captivating singer. She has been lauded for her "tawny-rich tone," vocal agility, and the ability to transport audiences with refined, exquisite musicality.
 
Elle (Gabriel) Gurevich has been a musician for as long as she can remember, singing and staging musical numbers on playmates as a toddler, even before starting piano and dance lessons at 5. Now 15, she has composed a piano suite, a fantasie for four hands, a series of three concert etudes dedicated to her piano teacher, a string quartet, and most recently Saltwater, a contemporary piano jazz piece premiered at Accademia Musicale Chigiana in June 2024.
 
Anastasia Dedik, born in St. Petersburg into a family of distinguished musicians, holds degrees and honors from the St. Petersburg Conservatory, Oberlin Conservatory, and The Juilliard School. Anastasia's transformative experience at Oberlin as a female Russian immigrant inspired the creation of the Prima Music Foundation—a non-profit dedicated to nurturing and showcasing talented pianists.
 
Tickets are $45 general admission. Reservations are required as seats are limited. For reservations visit https://gildedage.org/pages/calendar or call (413) 637-3206. Please note that all tickets are nonrefundable and non-exchangeable. The historical mansion is located at 104 Walker Street in Lenox.
 
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Berkshire Natural Resources Council Welcomes Director of Advancement

LENOX, Mass. — Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) announced the appointment of Emily Daunis as the organization's new Director of Advancement. 
 
With a background spanning over 15 years in strategic fundraising, major donor development, and building inclusive philanthropic programs, Daunis will lead BNRC's fundraising and engagement initiatives to support its mission of land conservation and access to nature in the Berkshires.  
 
In her most recent role as Director of Development at Berkshire United Way, Daunis played a part in advancing the organization's revenue goals by conducting new sponsorship initiatives and engagement strategies. Her extensive background also includes fundraising roles at prominent regional institutions such as the Clark Art Institute, MASS MoCA, and UMASS Amherst. 
 
"Daunis joins BNRC at a critical time, when we need to do even more to conserve land and help people connect to nature in the face of a changing climate. Her ability to connect to people in all walks of life and to create innovative fundraising strategies will enable BNRC to reach its ambitious strategic goals of conserving 20,000 more acres of habitat by 2030," Jenny Hansell, president of BNRC said. "I'm really looking forward to seeing how her leadership will help BNRC forge deeper connections with our supporters, engage new allies, and broaden our impact across the Berkshires." 
 
Daunis, an active member of the local community, holds leadership roles in North Adams, including serving as an elected member of the North Adams Public School Committee. In her new role at BNRC, she will continue her commitment to fostering a culture of philanthropy that is inclusive and rooted in the local community. 
 
"Joining BNRC is an opportunity to help conserve the landscapes that mean so much to everyone in Berkshire County," said Daunis. "I look forward to collaborating with the dedicated team, board of directors, volunteers, and supporters who care so deeply about protecting natural resources. Together we can make an impact that lasts generations." 
 
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