Emma Weller
The Bel Canto Recital committee has chosen Emma Weller as its 2020 scholarship award winter. Throughout her school career Weller pursued several art disciplines, including dance, voice and percussion in the school’s band, as well as visual art.
Weller demonstrated talent and leadership skills in the dance program. She also took art classes in school and at The Bascom Visual Arts Center.
Working at the Highlands Decorating Center after school and during the summer enabled Weller to explore a vocation that would further develop her interest in the arts. She plans to attend NC State where she will major in fashion merchandising at the Wilson College of Design.
“We had six strong candidates for the award this year,” Stell Huie, chairman of the Bel Canto committee said. “The decision was especially difficult given the need during this very difficult time for High School Seniors. Emma’s application stood out because of the consistency and variety of her arts interests throughout High School and because she accumulated real life work experience related to the arts.”
“We are especially gratified that every applicant recognized that the arts can provide solace, escape and comfort during times of stress and uncertainty,” Huie said.
For 28 years, the Bel Canto Recital – Italian for beautiful singing – has introduced Highlanders to extraordinary emerging musical artists, many of whom have established international reputations for opera. Planning for the 2020 concert is well underway by artistic director Stella Zambalis (an accomplished soprano with a wide repertoire herself), and musical director Dr. Stephen Dubberly (Associate Professor of Opera, University of North Texas and Associate Conductor and Chorus Master, Fort Worth Opera).
The date for this year’s concert and dinner is Sept. 13, 2020. Due to the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic, plans are still fluid. Call 828-787-2867 for most up-to-date information and to be added to the Bel Canto mailing list or send contact information to PO Box 2392, Highlands, NC 28741.