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CNS Story:
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BALTIMORE-ARTS Mar-22-2005 (540 words) xxxn
Celebration of arts honors cardinal, showcases Catholic students
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic News Service
BALTIMORE (CNS) -- Stefanie Anarumo stood anxiously offstage at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore, silently awaiting her cue to lilt across the stage in her delicate lilac-colored dress.
That's when Mary Jo Hutson, associate superintendent for Catholic schools in the Baltimore Archdiocese, appeared from a stairwell with a bottle of holy water, which she proceeded to sprinkle backstage.
"I do this every time," said Hutson, smiling at the group of young dancers and glancing admiringly at a youth orchestra that accompanied teen soloists onstage.
The informal blessing must have had an impact at the second Celebration of the Arts March 14.
The live exhibition of music, song, dance, theater and visual arts featured more than 400 students from Catholic schools across the archdiocese and received rave reviews from Baltimore Cardinal William H. Keeler, who described the event as a marvelous showcase of young talent.
More than 1,500 people filled the hall, showing their appreciation with loud applause and roaring ovations. Cardinal Keeler was joined by retired Archbishop William D. Borders, Auxiliary Bishops W. Francis Malooly and Mitchell T. Rozanski, and retired Auxiliary Bishop William C. Newman.
The evening was dedicated to Cardinal Keeler in honor of the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.
"Think about it," said Stefanie, a 13-year-old seventh-grader at Monsignor Arthur Slade Regional Catholic School in the Baltimore suburb of Glen Burnie. "You're dancing at the Meyerhoff! That's very exciting. It makes me proud to be a dancer to be able to perform on this stage."
Luke Sterrett, a 12-year-old seventh-grader from St. Philip Neri School in Linthicum, another Baltimore suburb, played the keyboard with the youth orchestra. Since he usually plays the instrument unaccompanied, he said it was exciting to be able to perform with other students who played everything from cello to trumpets, flutes, trombones, clarinets, timpani and more.
"I learned what it's really like to be in an orchestra," he said, marveling at the size of the symphony hall. "You really learn how to adapt to everyone."
Students, who auditioned for a part in the performance last fall, have participated in weekly three-hour practice sessions.
"This group has been outstanding, dedicated, disciplined and cooperative," said Edward Shipley, artistic director for the program and chairman of the fine and creative arts department at Catholic High School of Baltimore.
"It's absolutely thrilling for them to be able to perform at a place like the Meyerhoff," he said.
Lauren Voorhees, a 17-year-old junior at the Institute of Notre Dame in Baltimore, was one of several young painters who stood by their works on display in the Meyerhoff lobby.
She and other artists explained their paintings to passers-by who enjoyed a variety of colorful works which included self-portraits, a baseball scene, landscapes, theological studies and even a portrait of Cardinal Keeler.
Voorhees said art is an important part of her life. "It's a way to release everything else that is going on," she said.
Ronald J. Valenti, superintendent of Catholic schools, said it was important to spotlight student artists in a society that is quick to focus solely on the accomplishments of athletes.
"Our students are multitalented," said Valenti. "Their gifts need to be affirmed and celebrated."
END
Copyright (c) 2005 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed.
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