Joseph Sartori Concert Series

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, May 28, 2022, at 7:30 PM. The series is graciously underwritten by the Sartori Company. The concert performers are: Lydia Harrington, piano; Annika Nelson, guitar; Alex Weisensel, Saxophone; Chloe Meyer, piano; and Jaylon Jones, piano. The Master of Ceremonies is Thomas Armstrong. 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:

Lydia Harrington has been teaching private piano lessons since 2012 and holds a Bachelor’s of Music in piano performance and pedagogy from Silver Lake College. Recently married, she is soon moving to Oshkosh and currently teaches students in both Oshkosh and Kiel, where she was raised. She strives to make a difference in the lives of her students by connecting with each one and helping them develop as musicians and individuals. Lydia is also involved with the Wisconsin Music Teachers’ Association and was voted Member of the Year in 2021 for her local organization. Her students regularly participate and place well in competitions as well as playing for church or community events. Besides teaching, Lydia enjoys playing for weddings, church and community events, and accompanying vocalists or choirs.

Annika Nelson began playing guitar at 7 years old and is currently a senior at Plymouth High School. She joined the band at Riverview Middle School in 7th grade playing the flute, and has since been involved in the Junge Kameraden, Jazz Band, Show Choir Combo, and Musical Pit Band at PHS. Since 2020, she has competed in various online and in person competitions, taking 2nd place in the Milwaukee LASP competition two years in a row, and 1st place in the Indiana International Guitar Competition. Next fall, she is excited to be majoring in Classical Guitar Performance at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Annika’s aspiration is to become a professor and have the opportunities to perform, compete, and teach at the collegiate level. She would like to thank her past and current teachers, including Sergio Hernandez, Ben Damron, Jason Sebranek, and Cody Wisman.

Alex Weisensel began playing the tenor saxophone in the 6th grade at Riverview Middle School, and is currently a Junior at Plymouth High School. He began playing bassoon his freshman year for concert band. Currently, he plays saxophone for the Plymouth High School Pit Band, Show Choir Combo, Jazz Band, and Junge Kameraden. Since beginning band, Alex has participated in WSMA Solo and Ensemble performing in solos, quartets, and large group ensembles. In his senior year, Alex will be getting involved in the band program more by aiding with Beginning Band at Riverview. He would like to thank his current and prior instructors, Cody Wisman and Jason Sebranek.

Chloe R. Meyer started studying piano at the age of six, it’s been her love ever since. She has been the pianist for the Sheboygan Symphony Youth Orchestra (SSYO) for three years and plans to finish her senior year of high school with the SSYO. Chloe has also had the opportunity to participate in the Youth Chamber program. She has participated in many competitions and has been in the top of her division. Chloe is currently studying piano through Tricia Marton. She would like to thank Tricia Marton for pushing her musically and for the support of her parents, grandparents, and friends.

Jaylon Jones is currently a senior at Sheboygan North High School. He began studying piano in kindergarten with Tricia Marton and hasn’t looked back. Through the years Jaylon has participated regularly in local and state competitions through Wisconsin Music Teachers Association, winning many local competitions and being named Runner Up and 2nd place at the state level. He shares his talents with classmates through talent shows like Expo. Recently he won the honor of presenting a solo program during the Senior Honor Recital at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center. Jaylon plans to major in music and will attend University of Green Bay in the fall.

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 the group Ensemble `Eclatant, directed by Riley McKinch. The Joseph Sartori Concert Series is presented twice per year in Spring and Fall and is coordinated by the Plymouth Arts Center. Performers who wish to be considered for future concerts may contact the PAC by emailing donna@plymoutharts.org

Jim Sartori, CEO of the Sartori Company, offered these comments after the very 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.”