A Very Sweet Season

Written By: Nancy Gould Aaron - Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival | Issue: September - 2022

Here we are at the far end of the Highlands-CashiersChamber Music Festival’s 2022 season, and we finallyhave enough time to acknowledge everyone whohelped to make this 41st year unforgettable.The performances were uniformly spectacular week afterweek, and though we’d like to maintain the illusion of asmooth operation powered by the deep creative instincts of ourArtistic Director Dr. William Ransom and my own dedicationas Executive Director, the truth is that Highlands-CashiersChamber Music Festival is the product of a small battalionof tireless men and women, generous local businesses andorganizations, and a vital artistic community.This sweet season could not have tallied its unbroken streak ofsuperlatives without the lavish grants of the Highlands Chamberof Commerce, Cullasaja Women’s Outreach, MountainFindings, Art and Angela Williams, and our housing hosts (whotruly demonstrated the Plateau’s tradition of hospitality to ourartists and performers), and the hosts of our feasts and salons(each event elegant and warm). Special appreciation goes to ourconcert sponsors and underwriters.Generosity and a remarkable community spirit allowed us tostage performances at surprising venues across the Plateau–Beethoven at The Bascom; Martinis & Mozart at Old EdwardsInn; concerts at First Presbyterian Church of Highlands andThe Episcopal Church of the Incarnation; and gala celebrationsat Chattooga Club and Highlands Falls Country Club.All of this is predicated upon our wise Board of Directors, whonavigated us through a global pandemic and ensured that wethrived in its aftermath. Our board was nimble and, let’s face it,courageous.And though he’s self-effacing and incredibly skilled at deflect-ing praise onto the season’s performers or the festival itself, Icannot imagine how we’ve made it to 41 years and planning for42 without the constant, reassuring guidance of Will Ransom.One of the hallmarks of HCCMF is the aura of playfulnessthat imbues its entire seasons. Just consider some of this year’sconcerts — “Sibling Rivalry: The Rematch!” or performancesby the young musicians/prodigies of the Heifetz InternationalMusic Institute; or the pop-up performances by Gary Motleyand his Trio (yes, jazz at a chamber music festival!).All of that playfulness, all of those unexpected delights – that’sWill. He’s also my friend and a genuinely great “partner” in thisshared passion we call a Festival.Of course, if you attended our concerts, you have our gratitudeas well – join us next year for more fun!

by Nancy Gould-Aaron Executive Director, Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival