THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 24, 1995 TAG: 9503240446
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: EDENTON LENGTH: Medium: 63 lines
The Oscar presentations are grabbing entertainment headlines these days - except here, where the Chowan Arts Council has Grammy on its mind and in its public relations releases.
On April 1, in the Swain Auditorium, it is bringing violinist Kees Kooper and pianist Mary Louise Boehm to town for ``An Evening of International Classics.''
The duo, nominated for a Grammy in 1975 for a recording of ``The Double Concerto of Johann Pixis,'' is presenting what Boehm describes as ``a strictly classical program.''
They are presenting still more - a display of up to 35 pieces of artwork by Boehm, known for her batik paintings and watercolors which have been shown in galleries and exhibits around the world.
The art exhibit includes monotypes based on the music of Debussy.
``This will be the first time they're being shown,'' Boehm said. The showing continues through April 30.
In June she will show some of her art in Majorca, and in October in Nashville.
The couple, married for 35 years and home-based in New York City and Majorca, met at a recital in Paris.
``She was a substitute pianist at a recital I was doing there,'' said Kooper, an Amsterdam native. ``She did so well, we continued playing together.''
They have performed in North and South America, Europe, the Far East and New York's Carnegie Hall.
In Edenton, the Kooper-Boehm recital will include the works of Kreisler, Brahms, de Falla and Liszt.
That may seem like a stretch for an Iowa farm girl, but she was a child prodigy and has been performing since she was 10.
A Fulbright Scholarship gave her the opportunity to study in Paris.
Kooper, who is listed as laureate of the Queen Elizabeth of Belgium Violin Competition, was first concertmaster of the Netherlands Philharmonic from 1976 to 1988.
``Chowan County is privileged to have artists of such high caliber for a unique dual performance,'' said Ann Perry, executive director of the Chowan Arts Council. MEMO: MUSIC PREVIEW
What: The Chowan Arts Council presents ``An Evening of International
Classics'' featuring the Kooper-Boehm Duo, plus the art work of Boehm.
Where: The Swain Center, 101 Court St., Edenton.
When: The concert is on April 1 at 7 p.m. The art exhibit preview and
cocktails are at 8 p.m. The international dinner, served by Choas of
Rocky Mount is at your leisure.
Other information: Black tie is optional. The concert is for the
benefit of the Swain Auditorium Piano Fund. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by FRANK ROBERTS, Staff
Mary Louise Boehm has double duty April 1. Her art will be displayed
during a concert she and her husband, Kees Kooper, will perform in
Edenton.
by CNB