By Samuel Strait – September 12, 2022

On Sunday afternoon nearly 200 local citizens crowded the newly
refurbished auditorium at Crescent Elk to listen to an exceptional
performance of classical music from cellist Thomas Mesa and pianist Ilya
Yakushev.  Ranging from Beethoven to Rachmaninoff this scintillating duo
kept the audience focused on the performance unfolding before them for
nearly two hours of listening bliss.  Granted not everyone favors
classical music in this community, yet this pair of accomplished
musicians were well worth the time and effort for a truly pleasurable
afternoon of auditory euphoria.

We do not often get the opportunity to experience something that may not
be within our comfort zone, and classical music may be outside that zone
for many in the community.  The Del Norte-Curry Community Concert
Association has made such an experience both painless and free.  The
opportunity to receive world class music from exceptionally talented
performers is an occasion not to be missed.  Skills of this caliber do
not frequent our humble community and often require miles of travel at
great expense.

As such, it was truly a delight to have this opportunity at our very
door step.  These fine musicians graced the public with their
extraordinary talents and continue their gift to the community by
performing for our children tomorrow before leaving for Grants Pass to
perform on Tuesday.  For those that could not attend the local
performance, Grants Pass is but a short drive away.

After a two year hiatus for Community Concerts, it is a welcoming sight
to see it return to Crescent City.  Three additional free concerts will
round out the year’s schedule, October 17th, 2022, March 17th, 2023, and
May 5th, 2023.  If they are as wonderful as the first by Ilya Yakushev
and Thomas Mesa, it will truly be a magical return by Community Concerts.