Photos by Lois Spatz
CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY OF PALM BEACH PRESENTS TWO CAPTIVATING APRIL CONCERTS AT THE NORTON MUSEUM OF ART
Palm Beach, FL – (March 20, 2025) – The Chamber Music Society of Palm Beach (CMSPB) is excited to present two extraordinary evenings of music this April. These concerts, hosted at the Norton Museum of Art, will bring together internationally renowned musicians for performances that celebrate the artistry and brilliance of chamber music featuring masterful works by Mozart, Françaix, Schubert, and Farrenc. Single tickets are available for $75 and can be purchased at chambermusicpalmbeach.org or by calling (561)379-6773.
Whit & Whimsy: Trios of Mozart and Françaix
April 3, 2025
A night of elegance and charm awaits on April 3 as chamber music legends including violinist Arnaud Sussmann, violist Paul Neubauer, and cellist Paul Watkins take the stage for a program that pairs the inventive beauty of Mozart with the rhythmic wit of Françaix. The luminous interplay between the instruments will captivate audiences, revealing the depth and playfulness embedded in these masterpieces.
Program:
Jean Françaix: String Trio in C Major, Op. 2
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Divertimento in E-flat major, K. 563
Schubert’s Trout Quintet: Masterworks Revealed and Revisited
April 24, 2025
On April 24, CMSPB presents a dazzling evening featuring Schubert’s beloved Trout Quintet, performed by an all-star ensemble including violinist Arnaud Sussmann, violist Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, cellist Clive Greensmith, bassist Blake Hinson, and pianist Gloria Chien. This program explores the evolution of chamber music, juxtaposing Schubert’s timeless work with a hidden gem by 19th-century trailblazer Louise Farrenc. The richness of piano and strings showcases the two masterpieces with resounding brilliance.
Program:
Louise Farrenc: Piano Quintet No. 1, Op. 30
Franz Schubert: Piano Quintet in A Major, D. 667 “Trout”
Why Attend?
Audiences will experience unparalleled musical storytelling by some of today’s most esteemed musicians, set within the inspiring atmosphere of the Norton Museum of Art. These two concerts highlight chamber music’s boundless expressiveness, from the refined elegance of Mozart and the delightful charm of Françaix to the resounding radiance of Schubert and the artistry of Farrenc.
Artist Bios
(Listed alphabetically)
Gloria Chien, piano
Taiwanese-born pianist Gloria Chien is an internationally celebrated performer, concert presenter, and educator. She has performed at renowned venues such as Alice Tully Hall, the Library of Congress, and the National Concert Hall in Taiwan. A Steinway Artist and Artist-in-Residence at Lee University, Chien is also the founder of String Theory, one of Tennessee’s premier chamber music series.
Clive Greensmith, cello
A former member of the legendary Tokyo String Quartet, Clive Greensmith has performed at major international venues, including Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, and the Berlin Philharmonie. He has collaborated with luminaries such as András Schiff and Pinchas Zukerman and is a professor of cello at the Colburn School, mentoring the next generation of chamber musicians.
Blake Hinson, bass
New York Philharmonic bassist Blake Hinson is a Curtis Institute of Music graduate who has performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Grand Rapids Symphony. Hinson has won top prizes in international bass competitions and frequently teaches masterclasses and clinics across the United States.
Paul Neubauer, viola
A Grammy-nominated violist with an illustrious career, Paul Neubauer was the youngest-ever principal violist of the New York Philharmonic at age 21. He has performed with over 100 major orchestras worldwide and frequently collaborates with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.
Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, viola
Formerly the violist of the award-winning Dover Quartet, Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt has appeared as a soloist with the Tokyo Philharmonic and the Jacksonville Symphony. A sought-after chamber musician, she teaches at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music and the Curtis Institute of Music.
Arnaud Sussmann, violin
A recipient of the Avery Fisher Career Grant, violinist Arnaud Sussmann has been hailed for his old-school sound and breathtaking musicianship. He has performed as a soloist with the Mariinsky Orchestra and New World Symphony and is the Artistic Director of CMSPB.
Paul Watkins, cello
Former cellist of the Emerson String Quartet, Paul Watkins is a celebrated soloist and conductor. He has appeared with major orchestras worldwide, including the BBC Symphony and the Netherlands Philharmonic. He is also the Artistic Director of the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival and a Visiting Professor at Yale School of Music.
About CMSPB
The Chamber Music Society of Palm Beach (CMSPB), a nonprofit organization, has brought extraordinary chamber music performances and educational programming to Palm Beach County and the wider South Florida region since 2013. CMSPB has presented over 150 artists, including the Emerson and Harlem string quartets, violinists James Ehnes and Pinchas Zuckerman, pianists Anne-Marie McDermott and Inon Barnatan, and members of the New York Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Philadelphia Orchestra, among many others. Each season, CMSPB provides nearly 1,000 students and young musicians hands-on access to some of the world’s finest artists and music educators. Through master classes, in-school performances, and open rehearsals, CMSPB aims to fuel the creativity and curiosity of young people and nurture the artists of tomorrow. The renowned Boscobel Chamber Music Festival was launched in partnership with the Boscobel House and Gardens. The festival programming features school and community outreach, open rehearsals, lectures, and main-stage concerts. Today, they continue to be a leader in musical artistry and educational impact, connecting people across our community with the transformative power of chamber music. For more information, visit cmspb.org.
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CALENDAR LISTINGS:
Thursday, April 3, 2025 – 7 p.m. — Chamber Music Society of Palm Beach presents Whit & Whimsy: Trios of Mozart and Françaix at the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, FL. This captivating concert features chamber music legends, including violinist Arnaud Sussmann, violist Paul Neubauer, and cellist Paul Watkins, performing Mozart’s Divertimento in E-flat major, K. 563 and Françaix’s String Trio in C Major, Op. 2. Single tickets are $75 and can be purchased at chambermusicpalmbeach.org.
Thursday, April 24, 2025 – 7 p.m. — Chamber Music Society of Palm Beach presents Schubert’s Trout Quintet: Masterworks Revealed and Revisited at the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, FL. Featuring a stellar ensemble—violinist Arnaud Sussmann, violist Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, cellist Clive Greensmith, bassist Blake Hinson, and pianist Gloria Chien—this concert brings together two groundbreaking piano quintets with the trailblazing Piano Quintet No. 1, Op. 30 by Louise Farrenc and Schubert’s iconic Trout Quintet. Single tickets are $75 and can be purchased at chambermusicpalmbeach.org.
15-Mile Walk to Raise Awareness and Funds in Support of First Responder’s Mental Health
Beachway Therapy Center Partners with ‘Stomping Out the Stigma’ On Annual Event
March 27, 2025, West Palm Beach, FL—Beachway Therapy Center has partnered with Stomping Out the Stigma for its 4th annual walk to increase awareness of the need for mental health services for Palm Beach County first responders and veterans. The walk will take place on Tuesday, April 15, starting at 9 a.m. Stomping Out the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing confidential, lifesaving counseling to veterans and first responders in Palm Beach County and beyond.
The 15-mile walk will kick-off at City of Greenacres Fire Rescue Department, Fire Rescue Station 94, Palm Beach County, 2995 S Jog Rd in Greenacres, and conclude at Beachway Therapy Center, 1700 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach. The walk will be led by Tim Roberto of Beachway Therapy Center and founder of Stomping Out the Stigma, and Greenacres Fire Chief Brian Fuller.
According to the Florida Department of Health First Responder Suicide Summary published in 2023, Palm Beach County first responders had the highest number of suicide deaths from 2017-2022. The walk is intended to bring awareness to this alarming statistic. Funds raised will pay for confidential mental health sessions with licensed clinicians who are trauma-certified.
“We have an incredible opportunity to help first responders. They are always there for us. Who is here to help them?” Tim Roberto said. “Beachway Therapy has added the ‘After the Call’ track specifically to help first responders with trauma.”
The public is invited to join the walk or come to Beachway Therapy Center from 12:30 PM to 2:30 p.m. to hear professionals advocate for the mental health needs of Palm Beach County’s first responders. A first responder-owned food truck will be on site.
Tim Roberto is a Certified Addictions Counselor (CAC), a Recovery Coach Professional (RCP), and Director of Community Relations for Beachway Therapy Center. He is also the founder of Stomping Out The Stigma, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing confidential, lifesaving counseling to veterans and first responders.
Raffle tickets for a Lexus LS460 will be available for $25 each or five for $100 and are available to the general public here. Funds raised will pay for confidential mental health sessions with psychologists for first responders who are uncomfortable going through health insurance for counseling because of the need for higher confidentiality. The raffle is being sponsored by The Dash Cam Lawyer. The car being raffled off will be onsite at the walk.
About Beachway Therapy Center
Located in Palm Beach County since 2008, Beachway Therapy Center is a nationally recognized provider of addiction and mental health treatment with a specialty in treating individuals who suffer from co-occuring mental health disorders. By providing evidence-based and innovative holistic therapy, our team of dedicated and experienced professionals empowers our patients to recover in a safe and private environment.
Healthy Kids Day 2025 is Coming to South Florida
Lake Worth, FL (March 26, 2025) – The YMCA of the Palm Beaches Annual Healthy Kids Day is happening Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the YMCA at Palm Beach State College. This free event for children and families is a perfect opportunity to kick off the start of summer and create fun, life-long memories. There will be a giant inflatable slide, music, games, vendors, prizes, and a raffle. A free prize will be given to the first 100 kids to complete the event activity map! Food trucks will be on-site, allowing guests the opportunity to enjoy a delicious lunch while supporting local vendors.
For over 30 years, Healthy Kids Day has been a national initiative by the YMCA to improve the health and well-being of kids and families. It helps to educate communities on the importance of staying active while providing them with a safe environment to do so.
The YMCA of the Palm Beaches is located at 4200 S Congress Ave, Lake Worth Beach, FL, 33461. For more information, please visit: https://www.ymcapalmbeaches.org/Healthy-Kids-Day-Event
The 2025 Giraffe Awards
Photos and Story by Carol Porter
The 29th annual Giraffe Awards, honoring women who stick their necks out in our community, was held on Wednesday, March 19, at the Kravis Center. The annual event to recognize strong women was sponsored by the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County. The event recognized the Business of the Year and other women, including honorees in the categories of Rising Star, Community Impact, Marvelous Mentor and Wonder Woman. The event was held in honor of Women’s History month which is in March. For more information about the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County, check out their website at www.WomensChamber.biz or call them at 561-659-0285.
Final Saturday Night Lights this Saturday Night
For immediate release – Wellington, Fl – On March 29, the 2025 Winter Equestrian Festival will host the final “Saturday Night Lights” at Wellington International- set to be the most spectacular event of the season.
For the first time in history, the US Equestrian Open will be held as part of the $750,000 Rolex Grand Finale 5 Star Series. The US Equestrian Open Series is revolutionizing equestrian sport and serves as a preliminary for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Many of the world’s top-ranked riders will compete for the grand prize including Kent Farrington (USA), McLain Ward (USA), Laura Kraut (USA) and #1 World show jumper Henrik von Eckeran (Sweden).
During the 12 week WEF Season, Saturday Night Lights has become a premier weekend destination with entertainment for everyone, including a petting zoo, merry-go-round, musicians, tons of shopping and lots of great food options.
This SNL will feature a special “Sip & Shop” where regular priced and discounted WEF attire will be available in the International Club Lobby from 6:00 PM-7:30 PM.
The $750,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Final starts at 7:30 with gates open at 5:00 PM. Admission if free there is just a $25 parking fee per carload. There are upgraded VIP seating options available at www.wellingtoninternational.com
IF YOU GO : Wellington International is located at 3400 Equestrian Club Dr, Wellington, FL
Gates open 5:00PM show starts 7:30 PM. Free Parking is available at the Equestrian Village (13500 South Shore Blvd. Come early to get a good seat and to enjoy shopping and dining before the big show.
A Few Bright Ideas for April Fool’s Day
By Heidi Hess
What is it about April that insists on hosting a holiday to trick people? Could it be that it is technically Spring and people are feeling extra feisty? Maybe they have extra pep in their step, or perhaps the sap in the ol tree is flowing again after a long Floridian winter? Whatever the reason, April Fools is here, and let’s face it, everyone could use a good laugh.
Honestly, I have never been a fan of April Fools’ jokes. I find a lot of them cruel and just down right mean. Tricking someone into thinking you are pregnant or dead is just not nice. Fear not, here is a list of fun things to do to your spouse or kids that might make them chuckle:
Silly Food Pranks
- Salt-Swap Surprise – Replace the sugar with salt in your morning coffee (but have the real sugar nearby for a quick fix).
- Color-Changing Milk – Add a few drops of food coloring to the milk carton so it pours out in a wild color.
- Jelly Juice – Pour Jell-O into a glass and let it set, so when a parent tries to drink it, nothing happens!
Bathroom & Morning Mischief
- Soap That Won’t Lather – Coat a bar of soap with clear nail polish so it won’t lather when used.
- Backwards Clothes Day – Sneak into a parent’s room and flip all their clothes inside out.
- Nozzle Attack – Put a rubber band around the sink’s spray nozzle so it sprays water when they turn it on.
Tech & Gadget Giggles
- Language Swap – Change the phone or tablet language settings to something different (but make sure they can switch it back!).
- Volume Surprise – Turn the volume on their alarm clock or phone way down so they barely hear it—or way up for a wake-up shock!
- Mouse Malfunction – Tape a small piece of paper over the bottom sensor of the computer mouse so it won’t work.
Random Household Hijinks
- Upside-Down House – Flip picture frames, turn chairs around at the table, or switch small decorations in funny places.
- Remote Confusion – Cover the TV remote’s sensor with a small piece of tape so it won’t work.
Parent Costume Fun
- Funny Outfit Swap – Lay out a totally mismatched outfit for your parent to wear (bonus points if they actually put it on).
- Shoe Stuffing – Stuff tissues or cotton balls in the toes of their shoes so they feel too small when they try to put them on.
Surprise Notes & Signs
- Sticky Note Takeover – Cover a mirror, laptop, or even the fridge with sticky notes saying funny things.
- Voice-Activated Everything – Put a sign on a lamp or door saying “Now Voice Activated” and watch them try to talk to it!
Have fun, and Happy April Fools Day!
USPA Gold Cup
Photos and Story by Alan Fabricant
In front of a standing room only audience, Park Place and Coca Cola played in the finals to determine the winner of the USPA Gold Cup.
Coca Cola jumped out to a 3-1 lead to close out the first chukka. Five unanswered goals then gave Park Place Park Place a 6-3 lead.
At half-time Park Place led 7-5.
The second half went back and forth with Coca Cola tying the score 9-9 with under a minute to go.
With 5:52 left in OT 10-goaler Hilario Ulloa converted a 30-yard penalty shot to give the win to Park Place 10-9.
Park Place was represented by Ulloa, Andrey Borodin, Peke Gonzalez and the game’s MVP Louis Hine, a 19 year old British 5-goaler.
Coca Cola was led by Patron Jillian Johnson, Julian de Lusarreta, Lorenzo Chavanne ad 9-goaler Polito Pieres.
This game was dedicated to Rufino Laulhe, a 15-year-old, who was going to play his first season in Wellington with Park Place who unfortunately lost his life in a car crash in January in Argentina.
In addition, to honor him Park Place had a sticker with “Rufo” on the team’s jerseys.
Impact the Palm Beaches Celebrates FPL Women in Philanthropy
WEST PALM BEACH, FL-(March 24, 2025) Impact the Palm Beaches will present FPL Women in Philanthropy on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 5:30 pm at Manatee Lagoon in West Palm Beach. This event will recognize five NextEra Energy/Florida Power & Light Company leaders for their philanthropic work in Arts & Culture, Environment, Family, Health & Wellness, and Education.
“This event is particularly special to us because it highlights our commitment to the communities we serve, especially here in Palm Beach County, which we call home,” said Grace Kurian, 2025 co-president of Impact the Palm Beaches and FPL vice president of information technology. “We are thrilled to honor these remarkable women for their outstanding philanthropic contributions and their dedication to making a positive impact in their communities. Their efforts exemplify our core values and our commitment to community service.”
Impact the Palm Beaches will celebrate Vernique Williams, Kathleen Fitzgerald, Erin Westberg, Jennifer Herron, and Natasha Zbib, who continually give their time, talent, and treasure in order to make a positive impact on the lives of others in our community.
“FPL is dedicated to the well-being of this community, as is Impact the Palm Beaches,” said Lisa Johnson, 2025 co-president of Impact the Palm Beaches. “We are honored to have FPL’s continued support and look forward to celebrating just a few of the exceptional women of NextEra Energy/FPL who exemplify giving back.”
This special evening will also be an opportunity for Impact the Palm Beaches to announce the local nonprofit finalists for the $100,000 Impact Grants to be awarded at the 10th Annual Impact Awards Celebration on April 30, along with its final grant pool amounts and membership roster.
For more information about Impact the Palm Beaches, events, and how to become a member, visit Impactpalmbeaches.org or email [email protected].
Impact 100 is a worldwide organization with more than 70 chapters and steadily growing. Their motto is “One Woman, One Meeting, One Vote.” It is designed for women who wish to find an efficient and collaborative means of creating transformational change in their community. Women can become as involved as they want to in the process.
The Town of Palm Beach United Way is the fiscal agent of Impact the Palm Beaches.
Impact the Palm Beaches will host its 10th Annual Impact Awards Celebration on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Cohen Pavilion, Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. To learn more, visit Impactpalmbeaches.org.
“Taste of Italy” Four-Course Dinner at Carmine’s To Benefit Pace Palm Beach on April 8, 2025
Celebrate girls and young women in Palm Beach County, tomorrow’s leaders and changemakers
Palm Beach Gardens, FL (March 24, 2025) – The community is invited to enjoy a curated 4-course Italian dinner at Carmine’s La Trattoria, located at 2401 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. The event features dessert, an exciting silent auction, and exquisite courses perfectly paired with fine Italian wines — all while supporting the Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach. Pace believes that ‘Every Girl Deserves’ a future filled with opportunities, respect, and agency to pursue her dreams. The event serves as a reminder of the progress achieved as a community while also urging us to envision the next phase of this critical mission.
The girls and young women Pace supports receive academic instruction and work closely with counselors and therapists trained in girl-centered and trauma-based therapy. They also receive life coaching to learn basic life skills, such as personal hygiene, shopping for groceries, and how to land their first job. These resources are made available to girls at no cost to them.
“Our girls have overcome tremendous obstacles, but they see themselves as we see them — as strong, beautiful, intellectual women that will be successful as they grow into their young adulthood,” said Mindy Hanken, Executive Director of Pace Palm Beach. “As our programming expands to provide more girls with social and academic services, we are incredibly grateful for the support of our community.”
Since its founding in 1985, Pace Palm Beach has seen transformational improvements among girls personally and professionally. To date, more than 1,310 girls in Palm Beach County have been served. Program highlights from fiscal year 2024 include:
- 9 out of 10 girls have experienced overall academic improvement.
- 8 out of 10 girls improved healthy social relationships with peers and family members
Carmine’s La Trattoria was voted Best Italian Restaurant in Palm Beach Post “Best of the Best” Community Choice Awards for 2019, Reader’s Choice Awards, Boca Life Magazine and Open Table Diner’s Choice Award, Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2022. The community is encouraged to share their support while enjoying a flavorful evening. Sponsors include Carmines La Tratorria, Chase, FPL, LaBovick Law Group, PB Post, and Treecyle.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or ticket information, visit https://www.pacecenter.org/locations/florida/palm-beach/taste-of-italy. To learn more about how Pace is finding the great in every girl, visit www.pacecenter.org.
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About Pace Center for Girls Pace provides free year-round middle and high school academics, case management, counseling, and life skills development in a safe and supportive environment that recognizes and deals with past trauma and builds upon girls’ individual strengths. Dedicated to meeting the social, emotional, and education needs of girls, Pace has a successful and proven program model that has changed the life trajectory of more than 40,000 girls and is recognized as one of the nation’s leading advocates for girls in need. For more information on Pace Center for Girls, visit www.pacecenter.org.
