Rounding up our day on Sunday after hiking we took in an afternoon of culture at the Sevenars Music Hall in South Worthington with an all-Beethoven Program by Pianist: Paul-André Bempéchat.

Sevenars Concerts, established in 1968, is now in its 58th season of bringing music to the Hilltowns.Founded by internationally known pianist Robert Schrade and his celebrated composer/songwriter/pianist wife Rolande Young Schrade, it all began with “Schrade Family Concerts” in the small Methodist Church across from its current home of the Academy, at 15 Ireland Street.

Robert and Rolande included in their concerts their five young pianist children, Robelyn, Rhonda Lee, Rolisa, Randolph, and Rorianne (hence the name “Sevenars” as all seven performers had names starting with the letter “R”), and concerts drew growing crowds that spilled out of the church. A larger space was needed!

In 1976, the concerts moved across the little street to the historic Academy building, established in 1895 by Russell Conwell, founder of Temple University and author of the famous “Acres of Diamonds” lecture.  In the years that followed Sevenars was able to present over 300 guest artists, both world-renowned performers and prizewinning newcomers. Enrichment programs for schoolchildren and arts and crafts exhibits have also been presented, but the  concerts were “a natural” –  partly due to the  in the landmark Academy’s  miraculous acoustics.

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