The idea for the theme for the Musical Club’s biennial scholarship concert came from a little piece of musical trivia: this year marks the 150th birthday of Mildred Hill, a Kentucky kindergarten teacher who, with her sister Patty, wrote the Happy Birthday song, arguably the most-recognized song in the U.S. today. On Sunday, November 22, at 3:00 p.m., at the First Baptist Church, 170 Elm Street, Westfield, the Musical Club of Westfield will present a "Birthday Bash". In addition to the birthday of Mildred Hill, which will be celebrated with the singing of "Happy Birthday to You" by all in attendance, the birthdays of composers Henry Purcell (350th), Guillaume Dufay (510th), Felix Mendelssohn (200th), Victor Herbert (150th), and Francis Poulenc (110th), among others, will be observed. As a grand finale, the assembly will sing Irving Berlin’s "God Bless America" in tribute to singer Kate Smith, who made the song famous, and whose 100th birthday is also this year.9

For this gala concert the Musical Club has assembled a diverse group of talented musicians. First on the program are The Madrigal Singers, conducted by Elaine Fiorino, who will sing "The Call" by Alexander Brent Smith; "Cast thy Burden" and "Heilig, Heilig, Heilig", both by Felix Mendelssohn; "Magnificat" by Henry Purcell; and "Gloria" by Guillaume Dufay. The Madrigal Singers, founded in 1948 by Louise Goucher of Short Hills, are dedicated to exploring the a cappella traditions that grew out of the musical flowering of the European Renaissance.

Alexandra Jenkins, a junior violin performance major at the Conservatory at SUNY Purchase, will perform Francis Poulenc’s Sonata for Violin and Piano with pianist Mark Tondi. Miss Jenkins is a current scholarship recipient of the Club, and in addition to her studies at Purchase, is an active performer in the tri-state area.

A flute quintet, comprised of club members Helen Bartolick, Jenny Cline, and Clarissa Nolde and guest performers Flora Alexander and Susan Graham, will perform a transcription of Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 14, originally composed for the piano by Felix Mendelssohn. The transcription, created by British flutist Trevor Wye, utilizes several sizes of flutes, including piccolo, C flute, alto and bass flute. The use of instruments smaller and larger than the C flute expands the range of the ensemble to five octaves, creating a full and exciting ensemble sound.

Soprano Cynthia Brogan, accompanied by pianist Mary Beth McFall, will perform "Ebben, . . .o mie colombe? Ebben? Ne andro lontanna" from La Wally by Alfredo Catalani (155th birthday); "Les Chemins de l’Amour" by Francis Poulenc, and "Art is Calling for Me" from The Enchantress by Victor Herbert. Sung in Italian, French, and English respectively, these three selections should provide an interesting contrast.

Capping off the program will be a performance by Carolle-Ann Mochernuck and Paul Kueter, renowned piano four-hand duo. They will perform "Duetto" and the Allegro Vivace from the "Italian" Symphony, both by Mendelssohn, and finish with the "Happy Birthday Fugue", arranged by Mr. Kueter.

The Musical Club of Westfield invites the public to this concert of exciting classical music and asks their support of our scholarship students, nine of whom are currently pursuing music degrees in colleges and music schools around the country, including Juilliard, the University of Michigan, Catholic University, Boston University, the Conservatory at SUNY Purchase, Rutgers University, Montclair State University, and The College of New Jersey. The concert is held every other year, and is a major source of support for the scholarship fund. The suggested donation is only $10 and tickets may be obtained at the door or from any Musical Club member. For further information, please contact Drude Sparre Roessler at 908-233-0030.