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This fundraiser headlines Visual
Artist and Concert Cellist Jean-Marie Duaiv, currently exhibited
at The Weatherburn Gallery, Gallery Row. Born in France, Duaiv
began painting at the age of 3 and completed his first work
in oil at the age of nine. But the young artist also showed
early promise as a musician. So, when Duaiv was of age, he
was enrolled in both the Conservatory of Music and the School
of Fine Arts in Paris, where, inspired by Pablo Casals, he
became a concert-performing cellist as well as a renowned
Impressionist, who has given numerous private performances
for distinguished gatherings all around Europe.
In keeping with Gulfshore's mission
to promote new works, and to use local professionals when
possible, Producing Artistic Director Kristen Coury is delighted
that attendees of the fundraiser will be able to see the premiere
of "La Vie Divine", a new-work by beloved local
actress and writer, Janina Birtolo. "La Vie Divine"
focuses on the life of Sarah Bernhardt, the famous actress
from the early 20th century who gave birth to realism in theatre
and was constantly searching for immortality.
And
finally, for those Neapolitans who've not been so lucky to
see or hear the incredible voices of John and MaryAnne McKerrow,
they're in for a treat. After having spent 12 years in New
York City, working on Broadway and regionally, John and MaryAnne
are new additions to the community and will delight us with
their stunning renditions of Broadway, Jazz and American classics.
This benefit is made possible in
part thanks to the generous contributions of our sponsors,
Harris Private Bank, The Weatherburn Gallery, and KDN Printing.
The Playhouse promises to be a
place where Neapolitans will be able to find innovative and
stimulating new plays and musicals, recent small Broadway
plays and off-Broadway hits, exciting revues and one-man shows,
as well as beloved classics. The mission of Gulfshore Playhouse
is to produce superior-quality theatrical productions, using
professional actors from around Florida and around the US,
thereby creating another cultural institution in Naples and
heightening the quality of life for the residents of Southwest
Florida. "I believe a community filled with arts is a
healthy community," says Coury. "Creating a regional
theatre here will add another colorful thread to the already
vibrant fabric of the Naples arts scene, and fill a niche
between the high-quality community theatre and the impressive
fare offered at "The Phil".
Gulfshore Playhouse is embarking
on a major Capital Campaign to raise enough money either to
build a brand new space comparable to the Sugden Theatre,
or find an existing space suitable for renovation.
TICKET PRICES FOR GENERAL
ADMISSION TICKETS ARE $50
"GALA PACKAGE " INCLUDING THE "AFTER-PARTY
WITH THE ARTISTS" BEGINS AT $150.
(pronounced Doo-av) was born in 1952 in the community
of Charentes-Maritimes in Western France. Today, Duaiv is
a Commander of the Order of the Star of Europe and one of
his country's most distinguished contemporary Impressionists.
Duaiv began painting at the age
of 3 and completed his first work in oil at the age of nine.
But the young artist also showed early promise as a musician.
So, when Duaiv was of age, he was enrolled in both the Conservatory
of Music and the School of Fine Arts in Paris, where he met
and married Magella, a classical ballet dancer. Today, they
have two children Kalinka and Vlasseuskaia.
Inspired by Pablo Casals, Duaiv
became a concert-performing cellist as well as a renowned
Impressionist, who has given numerous private performances
for distinguished gatherings in Europe.
Duaiv has received considerable
recognition. During the last 10 years, in 1994, the Mayor
of the City of Frejus invited him to be Guest of Honor at
a major exhibition hosted by the town. In 1995, his work was
exhibited at the Grand Hotel in Cannes and in Monaco on the
occasion of the Monaco Grand Prix. In 1996, the City of Cannes
awarded him a public commission. In 1997, the French Consul-General
invited him to exhibit in Switzerland. In 1999, he was invited
to exhibit in Belgium. In 2001, the Minister of Arts for Tunisia
invited him to take up residence in that country to help develop
and promote the Arts.
In 2003, The Weatherburn Gallery was first to introduce his
work to the US at an exhibition opened by then Mayor of Naples
Bonnie MacKenzie.
Duaiv has been awarded Academicien
International, the Prix de la Foundation Europeanne as well
as Commander de l'Ordre de l'Etoile de l'Europe.
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