On Monday, Laredo Community College officials announced an extended benefit of the Fall 2003 Gala fundraiser scheduled this week featuring noted pianist Enrique Chia and his Latin Ensemble. Not only will the Oct. 16 fund raising event generate more than $35,000 in scholarships, a contribution from event sponsor Barnes and Noble College Bookstores, Inc. will also deliver a free concert on Oct. 17 for LCC students.
LCC administrators and Barnes and Noble College Bookstores, Inc., officials gathered at the college bookstore Monday to announce the addition of a matinee concert Oct. 17 at 11 a.m. featuring Maestro Chia and his ensemble. Both events are being coordinated by the LCC Citizens Advisory Committee and will be held in the new LCC Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Fine Arts Center.
Admission to the free concert is open to college students with a valid LCC ID card. Residents of three Laredo Housing Authority senior citizen homes will also be invited to enjoy the concert free of charge.
“Laredo Community College appreciates the generous support that has come in from our educational partner—Barnes and Noble College Bookstores, Inc.,” said LCC President Dr. Ramon H. Dovalina. “This will be a culturally-enriching experience for LCC students and our special guests from the senior citizens homes.”
College administrators reported that ticket sales continue at a brisk pace for the $100 per person Fall Gala set for Thursday, October 16, at 7 p.m. in the Martinez Fine Arts Center. The LCC Advisory Committee plans to raise between $35,000 to $40,000 in scholarships for LCC students.
The October 16 event will begin with a reception featuring wine and hors d’oeuvres at 7 p.m. The concert performance with Grammy-nominated Enrique Chia and his Latin Ensemble will begin at 8:15 p.m.
Maestro Chia is a talented pianist who is recognized internationally for entertaining music lovers with his romantic boleros, tangos, and other traditional styles. Chia began playing the piano at age five and studied in his native Cienfuegos, Cuba, at Havana’s Conservatory of Music.
In 1961, as Cuba’s political climate was changing, Chia left home to pursue studies at the Georgia Institute of Technology where he obtained his master’s and doctorate degrees in metallurgy. He has received 46 U.S. patents for his research work.
Chia’s music was private until he recorded a cassette for family and friends. His music was well received by the public and he continued recording. Today he has recorded 30 CDs, including romantic boleros, tangos, traditional tropical, Christmas, inspirational and two sets of international hits of American music.
Initially, Maestro Chia began performing at benefit concerts only. However, he is now a regular performer across the U.S. and Latin America. He has performed in Mexico, Puerto Rico, The Dominican Republic, Panama, Costa Rica and Venezuela.
Maestro Chia has received numerous commendations and accolades. Most recently, he received the prestigious Casandra International Award in the Dominican Republic and a nomination for a Grammy Award for his recording, “The Music of Ernesto Lecuona.”
Tickets for the LCC Fall Gala Concert on October 16 are $100 per person, with all proceeds designated for student scholarships. To purchase tickets, contact the LCC Development Office by calling 721-5812. Office hours are Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.
LCC President Dr. Ramon Dovalina is flanked by LCC music students and college administrators as he addresses members of the media during a press conference on October 13. It was announced that Barnes and Noble College Bookstores will sponsor a matinee concert featuring renowned pianist Enrique Chia and his Latin Ensemble for LCC students on October 17. Tickets are still available for the Chia's Fall Gala concert fundraiser on October 16. To purchase tickets, call 721-5812.
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