From Louise Frank, fellow Producer at WFMT:
Violinist David Juritz wants to bring music education to the poorest children in the developing world. So, he left his home in London this past June and has been concertizing and busking his way around the globe ever since. His goal is to raise awareness for Muse Quality, the charity he created to fund music projects in places which might not otherwise have them.
David is quite an accomplished musician; Since 1991, he has been the leader of the London Mozart Players, the UK’s longest established chamber orchestra. He was a soloist at the 2006 BBC Promenade concerts. He has led orchestras for film soundtracks, including "The Last King of Scotland," and he recently presented “The Asylum Band,” a BBC 4 radio special about the Orchestra of Norfolk Mental Hospital.
Musequality’s first project involves The Tender Talents Magnet School in Kampala, Uganda. The school, founded in 1999, provides children with piano, guitar, percussion, and music theory lessons, as well as choral training and the opportunity to give public performances. “The engagement and self-belief that these kids find through music is incredible,” Juritz said. “What I find most exciting is that, when you speak to them, they are all aiming high for the future. These are kids who want to become lawyers, economists, psychiatrists, and nurses, and I’ve no doubt that the discipline and self-respect they are developing now will help them to achieve their goals. It's wonderful to see.”
David Juritz comes to Chicago next week on the final leg of his 60,000+ mile world tour. He hopes to meet people who will be inspired by his enthusiasm and who might help him with resources including instruments, supplies, and funding, necessary to establish new projects and support those which are already up and running. Here’s where you can see him perform:
Friday October 12 Concert in Elgin, 8pm Unitarian Universalist Church of Elgin 39W830 Highland Ave
Saturday October 13 Chicago Day of Music. David will be playing on Michigan Avenue between 5 and 6 pm, and then in the Symphony Center rotunda after 7p. (If a crowd of children gathers, he will put on a special performance, with narration, of Ferdinand the Bull. Otherwise he will be performing Bach sonatas and partitas.)
This is one of those stories of how one person can do something very worthy on an international scale by combining a creative, altruistic vision with what he does best. I count myself among his many well-wishers.
There’s more here if you’re interested.
-Louise
p.s.
Many thanks to CSO double bassist, Stephen Lester, who called to let us know about David.
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