I am a professional classical violinist in New York City. I was winner of an Honorarium Prize in the 2003 Naumburg International Violin Competition, a Career Grant from Concert Artists Guild and have been soloist with many fine orchestra including Dallas Symphony, Greenville Symphony, Philharmonic of Uruguay, Festival of the Atlantic Orchestra, and the Gateways Festival Orchestra. My recitals and chamber music performances have been broadcast live on WFMT radio Chicago, WQXR in New York City, WNYC, Internet streaming video and internationally in 43 countries on BBC World Service. I am a member of the Ritz Chamber Players and the New Jersey Symphony and have performed extensively with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. In March of 2005 founded a new community service-oriented music series called Music Kitchen- Food for the Soul. My mission for this organization is to bring top emerging and established professional musicians together in order to share the inspirational, therapeutic, and uplifting power of music with New York City’s disenfranchised homeless shelter population. I believe a shelter exists to provide not only physical but emotional and spiritual support to those who, for whatever reason, have lost the foundation of their homes and communities. I believe that music reaches the core of our being and can play a vital role in nourishing hope, love and strength, particularly when performed at an extremely high artistic level. Music Kitchen presents 30-45 min. informal and engaging chamber music performances by some of New York City’s top emerging and established musicians. I began the program with my church, Holy Trinity Lutheran’s Men’s shelter program and expanded to include the Olivieri Center for Women. In addition to over 30 top NYC emerging artists, Music Kitchen has presented Albrecht Mayer, principal oboist of the Berlin Philharmonic, world renowned pianist Emanuel Ax, and celebrated jazz singer, Rene Marie!

The idea to create the Music Kitchen Concerts came to me while preparing for a series of solo concerts in February of 2004; my husband Joe suggested that I play through my repertoire for the men at the shelter rather than my usual cadre of colleagues and friends. I did so two consecutive nights and the experience was very rewarding for me. Some had never heard classical music before and some were knowledgeable about it, but all seemed interested and moved by the music. This was even without the proper piano accompaniment. After that experience, I had the idea to found a program in order to share music with them regularly, with a full complement of collaborating professional musicians. My vision for the performances is modeled somewhat on the long-standing tradition of chamber music parties where friends come together for spontaneous readings of their favorite works, often inspiring listeners with the warmth and intensity which often comes across more readily in such situations. Bringing together terrific artists who may or may not know each other has been yet another joy for me in founding this project. Immediately upon the genesis of this endeavor, I received beginning capital from several committed donors including noted arts philanthropists, several musicians, and friends in Japan. My goal is to expand my grass roots support base as well as attract corporate funding for this project. Although Music Kitchen is under the umbrella of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, money is raised through independent sources in a manner which will not infringe upon Holy Trinity’s donations and operations. Pending funding and scheduling, my goal is to present one performance each month in both locations; that means from only November to April at Holy Trinity Shelter Program and year-round for the Olivieri Center, for a total of 18 concerts. With those parameters, I anticipate a very modest total budget of $11,000-$15,000.

In terms of repertoire, I am inspired to offer a diverse combination of string, woodwind and vocal chamber music from the celebrated works of that genre from duos to sextets, including a dabbling of jazz and world music.

This Project continues to be incredibly rewarding for both shelter residents and artists. The joy of making music is augmented by the joy of sharing it with a completely non-served audience. Through discussions and feedback from the shelter residents, I have learned that some are new to classical music and some are lifelong listeners and former concert subscribers. Most importantly, I have seen confirmation that chamber music, when played at a high level of skill and engagement, is accessible and endearing to all! Please help me continue to bring great performances to NYC shelters. I hope you will consider making a contribution! Thank you.

Sincerely,
Kelly Hall-Tompkins, Violinist/Founder/Director