“We’re honored that together, Blier and McNair are helping the FSH Society raise much-needed funds for FSHD research.”- Daniel Perez, President and CEO of the FSH Society
NEW YORK (PRWEB) September 16, 2014
Today The FSH Society, a world leader in combating muscular dystrophy, announced that its annual “Festive Evening of Song,” featuring luminary pianist Steven Blier and two-time Grammy Award winner Sylvia McNair, will take place on Monday, September 29, 2014 at the Tappan Hill Mansion, located on the former Mark Twain estate in Tarrytown, New York. The FSH Society is proud to welcome Blier, who performs each year, and McNair to the event aimed at raising funds for FSHD research.
FSHD, one of the most prevalent types of muscular dystrophy, is a degenerative muscle disease that causes progressive weakness, usually starting with the face, shoulder and arms, but which can attack almost any skeletal muscle. FSHD affects approximately 870,000 people worldwide and between one and two percent of the population carries a genetic trait that places future generations at risk of the disease. Currently, there is no treatment or cure.
The event, organized by FSHD patients and their families, will feature the celebrated musicianship of pianist Steven Blier and singer Sylvia McNair, set in a luxurious room with a spectacular hilltop view overlooking the Hudson River. The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a reception, raffles and buffet dinner, followed by the live auction and concert at 8:00 p.m.
Blier is the Artistic Director of the New York Festival of Song, which he co-founded in 1988. He has fought a personal battle with FSHD his entire adult life. While the degeneration of muscles in his legs has forced him into a motorized wheelchair, FSHD has spared his forearms and his fingers and allowed him to maintain a successful career as a pianist. A prized collaborator with famed opera stars such as Renée Fleming and Cecilia Bartoli, Blier has toured the world and performed at Carnegie Hall, La Scala and Lincoln Center.
Legendary singer Sylvia McNair will sing alongside Blier. McNair’s three-decade career has spanned across the musical realms of opera, oratorio, cabaret and musical theater. Since making her professional concert debut with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, McNair has changed her style focus from classic Opera towards Broadway and jazz music. Past Pops appearances include the Chicago Symphony and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.
“Steven Blier is a brilliant guy, amazing pianist and, above all, a remarkable human being,” says McNair. When asked to perform in this year’s concert, she accepted without hesitation.
“The evening, which will showcase the talents of two amazing performers, is sure to be a magical experience for attendees,” said Daniel Perez, President and CEO of the FSH Society. “We’re honored that together, Blier and McNair are helping the FSH Society raise much-needed funds for FSHD research.”
Tickets for this unique event are limited and on sale now. All proceeds from the evening will benefit the FSH Society, which provides millions of dollars in seed grants to pioneering research worldwide, creating an international collaborative network of patients and researchers.
- What: Festive Evening of Song
- When: Monday, September 29, 2014 – 6:00p.m. (reception, various raffles, live auction, buffet dinner); 8:00p.m. (concert)
- Where: Tappan Hill Mansion, 81 Highland Avenue, Tarrytown, NY
- Tickets: http://www.fshsociety.org/pages/conEFestiveEvening.html
- More Information: Judy Seslowe, FSHConcert2014(at)FSHSociety(dot)org, 914-949-8411