Those Who Made the Music Happen

Written By: Nancy Gould Aaron - Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival | Issue: October 2024

Nancy Gould-Aaron

As we bring the curtain down on the 43rd season of the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to the extraordinary individuals and organizations that have made this season not only possible but truly remarkable.

The 2024 festival was a resounding testament to the union of music and community interests. This festival has always been a labor of love, and it’s the collective efforts of our fellow citizens, sponsors, donors and supporters that allows us to bring the joy of chamber music to life year after year.

We are especially thankful for the grants provided by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce, Mountain Findings, Cullasaja Women’s Outreach, and A. L. Williams. These grants are vital to our mission, allowing us to continue offering world-class performances and enriching the cultural fabric of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau.

A heartfelt thank you to our major supporters – Anna and Hays Mershon, Kathy and Mark Whitehead, and Judy and Louis Freeman. As Legacy members who have generously “paid it forward” early, your contributions have ensured that the festival will continue to thrive for future generations.

We are also deeply appreciative of Sandy and Karl Beier for hosting our Angel Party and to Wildcat Cliffs Country Club for hosting our Gala.

Our local partners have been instrumental in providing the perfect venues for our performances and gatherings. We thank The Bascom, Old Edwards Orchard House, First Presbyterian Church, Highlands Hudson Library, Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library, and Bucks Coffee Cafe in Cashiers for welcoming us so warmly. We also thank our performing venues – Highlands Performing Arts Center and Cashiers Village Green Commons-Lewis Hall.

Special thanks go out to our salon, feast, and housing hosts, whose big-heartedness in opening their homes has added an intimate and personal touch to this year’s festival. Your hospitality has made our artists and guests feel truly at home.

And of course, our Festival artist, David Genest, deserves recognition for bringing an extra layer of creativity and inspiration to our events this season.

Finally, to our entire community: Thank you for your steadfast support. Whether you attended a concert, volunteered your time, or simply spread the word, you have helped to make this season unforgettable. We are incredibly fortunate to be part of such a vibrant and supportive population.

With heartfelt thanks,
Nancy Gould-Aaron, Executive Director, Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival