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MCDUFFIE AND SPANO TO CELEBRATE 20 YEARS You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone with better musical credentials than Macon-born violin virtuoso Robert McDuffie. A gregarious, Grammy-nominated genius who grew up in a musical family, McDuffie has appeared as a soloist with most of the world's major orchestras, and he's also shared the stage with homegrown heroes like his childhood pal Mike Mills, Chuck Leavell and the late Gregg Allman. He founded the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings at Mercer University to offer talented students the kind of focused educational experience that will best prepare them for careers as working musicians. Currently, McDuffie lives in New York City with his family, but still can be spotted out and about in his hometown from time to time. He's no stranger to the Macon Concert Association, having performed twice before. In spring 2021, McDuffie and pianist Robert Spano will commemorate more than 20 years of partnership and collaboration by taking to the Porter Auditorium stage for a duo recital that will include the works of Brahms, Corigliano and Beethoven. Spano, who is entering his 19th year as music director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, is an approachable and enthusiastic conductor with a passion for American contemporary music and an impressive resume of accolades, engagements and awards. He is one of only two classical musicians to have been inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. In recent years, the Concert Association received funding for some performances via the Linda Harris Lane Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, which board member Susan Morton describes as a "lifeline." "Linda herself was a longtime, very active board member," said Morton, "and her gift to the community has helped us maintain the quality of performances that the Concert Association presents." e McDuffie and Spano concert will be presented with support from this fund. is performance promises to be an iconic one, and Concert Association board members hope to see the city turn out to fill the auditorium and support a talented hometown musician at the height of his abilities. "For 87 years, we have promoted classical music and the performing arts, helping make Macon the 'Music City' that it is," said Macon Concert Association Board President Stephen Reichert. e music we nurture here isn't confined to one genre, and the captivating performances curated by the Macon Concert Association promise to enthrall, inspire and embrace all audiences. "It's a gem that this organization is here," said Eikner. "We have longevity to prove our worth, and I would like to invite anyone who would like to experience it to come to a concert or subscribe to a season. We would love to share our riches with more of the community." d d d To learn more about the Macon Concert Association, visit them on Facebook at facebook.com/ MaconConcert or call 478-301-5470. From left: Violinist Sara Domjanic; Ambassador Kurt Jaeger of the Embassy of the Principality of Liechtenstein; Dr. Bruce Allen, honorary consul of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the Southern United States; pianist Tanya Gabrielian and Dr. Jennifer Allen celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Principality of Liechtenstein with Macon Concert Association at a performance at Wesleyan College. MCA board member Susan Morton presents Wesleyan College with a 2019 Cultural Award from Macon Arts Alliance for its tremendous support of MCA and dedication to the arts. d d d 38 maconmagazine.com | APRIL/MAY 2020