One last round of much deserved applause

There have been many editorials written in the Daily Inter Lake about the Community Concert Association over the past 78 years, usually to applaud the organization for its tireless service in bringing quality music to the Flathead.

This, alas, may well be the last editorial to cite the organization, now known as Flathead Valley Live on Stage. Board President Chris Amyes has announced that due to declining volunteer participation, changing demographics and, yes, just the passage of 78 years, it is time to say goodbye to a concept that has served the community well since 1939.

A story announcing the creation of the Flathead Community Concert Association was published on Sept. 16 of that year, headlined “Plans formulated for an ambitious concert program.” The annual membership dues of $5 would entitle you to attendance at all the season’s concerts, of which there would be at least three. Although prices have increased over the years, the quality music presented has always been a bargain.

The first concert was presented on Nov. 17, 1939, by New York City soprano Lucy Monroe, who one year later became known as “The Star-Spangled Banner Girl.” An anonymous reviewer in the Inter Lake praised her “lovely voice” and “charming personality,” but noted that her song choices “did not measure up to the excellence of her voice.”

In any case, she was the first of a long line of musical talent that graced the stage of Flathead High School under the auspices of the concert association. Among the top names of their day to pass through the valley were the New Christy Minstrels, the Boston Pops, Nelson Eddy, Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians (twice over a period of 15 years!) and the Belafonte Folk Singers. They were joined by innumerable international talents who we would never even have heard of were it not for the efforts of the association.

The final concert is slated for April 19, when the Celtic group known as Cherish the Ladies will perform. It promises to be a tearful occasion.

We understand exactly why Flathead Valley Live on Stage decided that it was finally time to retire the concept of community concerts, but we applaud the organization for 78 years of service.

As Bob Hope sang on so many occasions, “Thanks for the memory!”