Liz Austin and I went to Puerto Rico in February. What a beautiful country! Stunning beaches, mystical mountains and such very kind people. Puerto Ricans are as warm and friendly as their weather.

Among our many adventures, we loved hearing our friends in the fabulous Orquesta Sinfónica de Puerto Rico and connecting with flute and cello students at Escuela Libre de Música Ernesto Ramos, a renowned public music school in San Juan for musicians grades 6-12. Beginning at 7:30 AM, we each taught a masterclass and then played a morning concert. Like many musicians, we got our start in public school music programs and giving back is a priority.

After nine years under the guidance of Pan Harmonia’s Kate Steinbeck, I am leaving the nest to
set up a new venture. The Early Music Collective of the Southeast will serve as an umbrella
organization for individuals, ensembles, concert series and educational events that promote the
performance and education of early music in North Carolina and beyond. My series, Asheville
Baroque Concerts, is the first organization to join this new collective and will continue to
present concerts in the Asheville area. In addition, ABCs will be shifting its concert season to the
warmer months. Its season opener, Gems of the Obscure, featuring lutenist Daniel Swenberg,
will take place on Sunday, June 2. More details can be found at ashevillebaroque.org.

On parting, I would like to express immense gratitude to Kate. Her generosity, experience, and
guidance over these past years have not only helped make ABCs the success it is today, but
have inspired me to take this next step and create what will hopefully be an organization as far-
reaching and successful as Pan Harmonia.