Enjoy chamber music by the Ashton Family on Sunday, Oct. 13. The chamber ensemble is led by Dr. J. Bruce Ashton, a professor of music at Southern Adventist University from 1968 to 2006. Now a professor emeritus at SAU, he is a composer, pianist, violist and frequent performer.
This event is sponsored by the Chattanooga Music Club and is free and open to the public. The music will begin at 3 p.m., at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1505 North Moore Road.
The goal of the Chattanooga Music Club is to promote, encourage, and support the music activities of Chattanooga and the surrounding areas. Founded in 1896 by a small group of musicians in Chattanooga, the CMC holds the distinction of being the oldest music club in Tennessee and has played a leadership role in Chattanooga’s fine arts for 128 years.
One of the most notable achievements of the club was the establishment of a scholarship program for students through competitive auditions in 1946. To date, approximately 200 students have received scholarship awards with many becoming professional vocalists, instrumentalists, private and classroom teachers, orchestra directors, church musicians, and scores of others working in professions related to music. In 2023, over $10,000 was awarded in scholarships to high school seniors.
The club is also renowned for purchasing and later restoring the Austin Pipe Organ at the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium, which was installed 99 years ago in 1925. The CMC continues to provide free music concerts to the public and to foster other music activities for its members and guests.