This summer, beginning on July 26, about 100 musicians will descend on Jacksonville. They’re all members of some of the country’s leading orchestras and come to town to be part of the annual three-week-long Britt Classical Festival. Many of them stay here in Jacksonville, where 41 local families open their hearts and homes to them as host families.
If you would like to know more about hosting a Britt musician and meet some of those who make the Classical Season happen, please join us for an Open House at South Stage Cellars on Tuesday, March 24 from 5:00-6:30pm. Please R.S.V.P. to Britt Classical Housing Coordinator Vivienne Grant at 541-702-2274 or grantviv@charter.net.
Here in Jacksonville, Mac and Peggy Peffley have been part of the home host program for many years now. In describing their experience they say, “When we originally decided to host Britt Classical musicians, we thought it would be a way to learn more about the classical season and give back to the community. As it turned out, we have made many close friends and the couple we host at the moment is just like family.” Many of the musicians and their host families have similar relationships, with both eagerly looking forward to the summer festival.
The appointment of Teddy Abrams as Musical Director last year has given Britt a new momentum. His contagious enthusiasm and commitment to both the Classical Festival and Jacksonville is phenomenal. Teddy is using his extensive musical connections to bring new, outstanding musicians into the Orchestra. Now all they need is a home-away-from-home for three weeks—so Britt is looking for more hosts, especially from families who live in Jacksonville. The program asks hosts to provide just a few simple amenities for “their” musician guest: a private room with bathroom access, space to practice, use of laundry facilities and refrigerator space for food. There is no obligation to feed or entertain the musicians. They are all independent adults who can take care of themselves. In return for their hospitality, Britt offers hosts some special thanks. Locals Don and Linda DeWald put it this way, “We became a host family simply to support Britt, so we were surprised and delighted at all the unexpected perks we received. In addition to the memorable experience of knowing a musician ‘up close and personal,’ came free attendance at special social gatherings with other host families and musicians, free Britt Classical tickets, a tax deduction, and more. Through the hosting program we have met new friends. For us, it has been as exceptional experience not to be missed.”
Featured image is of Jacksonville host Terry Erdmann with Britt Orchestra violist Rene Salazar.