By Chris and Clara Moffitt,

This week, participants of TPA’s performing arts programs are taking a well-deserved sigh of relief after successfully completing their big December shebang, La Vita D’Amore.

This year’s extensive concert gala fundraiser for TPA’s Performing Arts programs, put on by Cantamus and Sinfonia, La Vita D’Amore, was really quite unique. The exquisite night was  inspired in its conception. It was Tempe Prep mom, Mrs. Gaylynn Che-Piechaczek, who Cantamus conducter Dr. Wolfe says, “had the vision to elevate the event to become much more lovely.” Some of the ways this higher level of quality was reached was through securing a delicious dinner from the gourmet restaurant, VinciTorio’s in Tempe, and making the VIP tables even more impressive . The event included a dinner concert, featuring several talented individual performances including those of TPA alumni and also TPA’s newly created acapella group, Minor Setbacks. This was then followed by a formal concert put on by TPA’s elite fine arts groups of Cantamus and Sinfonia. All in all, Dr. Wolfe correctly anticipated that the night would be a “lovely evening with improvements that will elevate an already good event to be even more spectacular.”

The music of the concert, the central element to the evening, was also much anticipated and carefully chosen. The title of the event, La Vita D’Amore meaning “A Life of Love”, comes from the particular focus to which the music was centered. Dr. Wolfe describes that “the music depicts the love of friendships, the love in romance, the dark vision of love of Edgar Allen Poe, and also a love of God in Vivaldi’s Gloria.” Mrs. Wilkison, conductor of Tempe Prep’s Sinfonia, also describes herself as being “really excited” for the pieces played by Sinfonia. Much thought was put into the pieces of Sinfonia to address the varying levels of experience in the group. Both Dr. Wolfe and Mrs. Wilkison agreed that the groups “are very well prepared to perform well” and they both anticipated that “the music will be amazing.”

The two conductors’ anticipations definitely became reality.  Mrs. Kniaz, a parent attendee says, “I had a really great evening and I was so impressed with all of the performances. It was so nice to see some of the kids we’ve known for a long time become such great musicians!” The performers themselves also feel very good about their concert. Speaking for all, Hanley Carter comments, “I believe that we had a very special night! But most importantly, it was good fun!”

With the musical accomplishment of the concert, and the financial success of the gala, Tempe Prep can surely remain confident about the future of its performing arts programs!