An Evening of the Classics

The Plymouth Arts Center proudly presents an evening of fine performances in the semi-annual Joseph Sartori Concert Series, “An Evening of the Classics,” on Saturday, April 10, 2021, at 7:30 PM. The series is graciously underwritten by the Sartori Company. The concert performers are: Mary Fellenz, piano, Plymouth; Dan Ognavic, piano and violin, Sheboygan; Andrew Krueger, piano and violin, Oostburg; and Christopher Guy, tenor, Plymouth. Tickets for the concert are $13 (tax incl.) for Adults and $7 (tax incl.) for Students. Children under 5 are free. Please visit the Plymouth Arts Center at 520 E. Mill Street, downtown Plymouth, WI; call: (920) 892-8409; email: info@plymoutharts.org; or purchase online: www.plymoutharts.org.

About the Performers:

MARY FELLENZ Mary, her husband Dick and their son David moved to Plymouth in 1982. She very quickly became involved in the musical activities of the community as organist / choir director at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, accompanist of the choral department at Plymouth High School and accompanist of choral activities at the Plymouth Arts Center. During this time she also ran an active piano studio and accompanied the Lakeshore Children’s Choir. Always appreciated as an accompanist, Mary is pleased to share solo works for this concert and hopes you enjoy her selections.

DAN OGNAVIC is a Sheboygan native who has pursued a lifelong interest in music by teaching and performing in Sheboygan County churches, schools, care facilities, lounges, and for private events. Musical mentors have been private teachers including his mother Barbara, and Elmira Kruse for piano, his brother Steve, and Frieda Wambsgans for violin, and the Sheboygan Public School music instructors who provided inspiration and encouragement. Past Plymouth performances at the PAC have included “Scrooge…The Musical” and recital accompanying. Outside interests include humor, gardening, pets and travel. Mr. Ognavic is looking forward to performing at this program

ANDREW KRUEGER: Andrew Krueger started playing the violin at age 3 and the piano at the age of 12. Through his studies, he was able to join some of the top youth orchestras in Wisconsin, such as the WSMA State Honors Orchestra and the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra’s flagship orchestra, the senior symphony, as a pianist and first violinist. He has also played with the Sheboygan Area Youth Symphony, the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra, and many pit orchestras in the area. He would like to thank his teachers, including Elisabeth Daniels, Jerome Franke, Samantha George, Wayne Wildman, and many more, as well as his parents for supporting him through his musical journey and life. Outside of music, Andrew is a full-time student at LTC, is a potter/ceramic artist, and loves to bake. He is grateful and excited to be part of the Sartori Concert Series.

CHRISTOPHER GUY is an Elementary Intellectual Disabilities Teacher in the Sheboygan Area School District. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Silver Lake College. He also has his license in Special Education and is currently working toward his Master’s Degree in Literacy & Language through the University in Wisconsin - Oshkosh. Christopher has performed as a soloist, choir member, and music director throughout the Fox Valley and Southeastern WI. Besides his passion for education and music, Christopher is also a certified TOPSoccer coach, which combines his passion for children with disabilities with his love of soccer. He has coached children of varying abilities from the age of four to the high school varsity level. Christopher is happily married to his wife, Emily. They reside in Plymouth, WI with their son, Jonah, dogs, Baxter and Coco, and cat, Squirt. They are also excited to welcome another son to their family this May!

The Joseph Sartori Concert Series was initiated at the Plymouth Arts Center as a tribute to the late Joseph Sartori in honor of his musical talent and in appreciation of the Sartori Family’s generous contribution to the Plymouth Arts Center. “AN EVENING OF THE CLASSICS” made its debut at the Plymouth Arts Center in November 2008 by Ensemble `Eclatant, directed by Riley McKinch. The Joseph Sartori Concert Series is presented twice per year in April and October and is coordinated by the Plymouth Arts Center. This year’s fall concert will be held Saturday, October 9, 2021. Performers who wish to be considered for future concerts may contact the Plymouth Arts Center by emailing: donna@plymoutharts.org

Jim Sartori, CEO of the Sartori Company, offered these comments after the first show: “our dad, Joseph Sartori, while known primarily for his work with S & R Cheese/Sartori Company, for most of his life, was also known as a highly accomplished pianist. Joseph’s aunt, Ada Lombardi, an acclaimed concert pianist with the Philadelphia Philharmonic Orchestra, taught Joseph the piano, and especially “The Classics.” While he did not pursue a musical career, as his aunt thought he should, he did continue to play, practically daily, for the rest of his life. The Steinway grand piano used for “An Evening of the Classics” is the one our dad bought in the early 1960s. He played for his own enjoyment, as well as that of his family and friends. Many pianists who have played “Papa Joe’s” Steinway at the Plymouth Arts Center speak highly of its sound and feel privileged to have the opportunity to play such a wonderful instrument. Our dad will be listening to the concert, and the Sartori family is proud to be a part of “An Evening of The Classics.”