A Bit of Brevard Music Center History
WASHINGTON – August 23, 1961
Dr. James Christian Pfohl directed an orchestra of teenagers from the North Carolina mountains yesterday afternoon in a festive outdoor concert for handicapped children and the President of the United States.
So goes the article that appeared in the August 23, 1961, Wednesday edition of papers up and down the east coast — The Evening Star, The Buffalo News, The Transylvania Times, The Washington Post, The Durham Sun — they all reported on this orchestra from Brevard, North Carolina that played on the White House Lawn for President Kennedy.
That was FORTY years ago. The Transylvania Music Camp Orchestra, conducted by James Christian Pfohl, played a program that included Wagner’s Overture to “Rienzi” as well as pieces with vocal accompaniment.
After President Kennedy addressed the orchestra members, he returned to his office, saying that he would “keep his door open,” purportedly so that he could continue to listen to the music, even while working.
If you would like to read more articles about this memorable trip, visit Brevard Music Center’s archive site.
