On September 29, Stell Huie announced his retirement as the Chair of the Bel Canto Committee. Huie is best known for being a lawyer for MARTA, from the time it was just an idea until the trains were running. Huie has been a faithful and passionate leader of the Bel Canto Committee since he assumed the role from Richard Joel in 2008. During his tenure, Bel Canto contributed $666,800 to its Highlands beneficiaries: the music programs for the children at Highlands School, The Child Development Center and The Gordon Center and the programs of The Bascom.
“It has been a pleasure and an honor to work with such a dedicated and talented committee,” said Huie, “I am very proud of what we accomplished together.”
Huie will be succeeded by retired physician, Michael Crowe. A lifelong musician, Crowe has been captivating crowds with his voice and his piano talents since the 1980s. After an illustrious career as an OB/GYN in Atlanta and a musical journey that took him from the United States to Europe, Crowe became a seasonal resident of Highlands in 2010. He was asked to be the Interim Organist and Choirmaster at the Church of the Incarnation in 2019. He has also performed at the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Lutheran churches here in Highlands. Michael is honored to follow Huie as the long-time chairman of the Bel Canto Committee. He also looks forward to helping plan next year’s thirtieth anniversary Bel Canto Recital.
Bel Canto has made substantial artistic and financial contributions to the Highlands community since its inception in 1993. This annual benefit features international opera singers performing arias from beloved operas and popular songs from Broadway. Bel Canto operates as an independent committee of The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts.