A Full House for the Last Concert of 2014 at the Old Stone School!

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Hillsboro, VA—More than 80 people came to enjoy the last concert of the 2014 season at the Old Stone School on Sunday, December 21. Called Christmas Throughout the Ages, this was the final of four classical concerts at the historic building directed by Neil Weston to help raise funds for much needed repairs and renovations, and the last of three weekends of holiday festivities at the Old Stone School. The concert series was co-hosted by the Hillsboro Community Association, the non-profit that manages and maintains the Old Stone School, along with the Town of Hillsboro which owns the historic building.

The holiday performance featured a quartet of singers, two of whom had performed at the Old Stone School for other classical concerts: Grace Srinivasan, soprano; Greta Arnold, alto; Jeffry Newberger, tenor; and Kevin Frey, bass. This and the other three classical concerts at the Old Stone School were directed and accompanied by Neil Weston who has performed at several of the nation’s most prestigious venues, including the Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington National Cathedral, and the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Songs performed included Deck the Halls, Welcome Yule, What Child is This?, The Wassail Song, and O Holy Night, with interesting historical information presented before each. The evening concluded with a sing along for the audience to join in.

The delicious dinner of Coq au vin, stuffed potato, and a roll with mini cheesecakes for dessert, catered by It’s a Peace of Cake, sold out 45 minutes after the doors opened. The caterer also had gingerbread houses and other treats wrapped and ready to go for presents. Breaux Vineyards sold wine by the glass and the bottle before and during the concert. Adding to the holiday feel, there were decorations on the stage and tables prepared by members of the concert committee which included a garland of fresh greens; poinsettias; hurricane shades and globes with greens, cranberries, and pinecones; and candles.

The classical concert series was sponsored by Fieldstone Farm Bed and Breakfast, Middleburg Bank, and United Real Estate Purcellville; and supported by Breaux Vineyards, Doukénie Winery, Food4Thought Catering, Hillsborough Vineyards, Hunt Country Jewelers, It’s a Peace of Cake, Karen Fuog, North Gate Vineyard, and Petals and Hedges. The classical concert committee included co-chairs Carrie Crossfield and Robbie Thompson, and members Zeynep Baki, Greg Burnside, Carol Lenhart, Amy Marasco Newton, Dee Taplin, Roger Vance, Maura Walsh-Copeland, Amie Ware, and Belle Ware.

The Old Stone School is located at 37098 Charles Town Pike in the historic Town of Hillsboro. Funding to manage, maintain, and renovate the building comes from generous donations, membership dues, and rentals. Help by becoming a Friend of the Old Stone School. Learn more at www.OldStoneSchool.org and Like the Hillsboro Community Association and Friends of the Old Stone School on Facebook.