THURSTON CONSORT RETURNS FOR CONCERT IN FOREST HILL ABBEY, AT FOREST HILL CEMETERY FITCHBURG

FITCHBURG — Friends of Fitchburg Cemeteries, a new group formed to support Fitchburg’s historic cemeteries announces a unique musical event: The Thurston Consort at Forest Hill Abbey on Saturday, May 31 at 2 pm.

This year’s concert features guest artist, Silvia Boto on piano. Boto is a native of Romania who came to the United States to complete her studies in Piano Performance at Boston University College of Fine Arts and Longy School of Music. She became a citizen and subsequently pursued a career in teaching piano and nursing as a RN.

Boto competed in many competitions; winning first prize in the Richmond Competition at Boston University; and awards in piano competitions in Romania and Italy. She has also been employed by houses of worship to add beauty and dignity to their music programs.

Currently on the faculty of the Groton Hill Music Center, she will perform with the Thurston Consort for several selections including three pieces by 19th century New England composer, Henry Clay Work and two English Country Dances from John Playforth’s Complete English Dance Master. She will also be featured as a piano accompanist for solo performance showing off the quality musicianship of the Thurston Consort.

The concert is free, but donations are welcome to help support “Friends of Fitchburg Cemeteries,” a non-profit partnered with the Community Foundation of North Central MA with the goal of renovating the Abbey (also known as the Mausoleum). Seating is limited and RSVPs are recommended. Write to:  “Friends of Fitchburg Cemeteries” at gmail.com — “Friends of Fitchburg Cemeteries” all one word at gmail.com.  This performance supported by a grant from Fitchburg Cultural Council.