"While we mourn Carol each day, we wanted to celebrate all that she meant to us at the Conservatory with a grand concert featuring her Music Conservatory of Westchester family and friends," said MCW director of communications Jon Chattman. "To paraphrase a speech she once gave, she may have been small in stature but took mighty big steps.”
The non-profit community music school, which serves as many as 3,700 students each year, will honor the memory of its recently deceased executive director Carol Shiffman of Rye with a free special tribute concert Friday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. in WCM, 216 Central Avenue, White Plains, NY.
Share the Light: Celebrating the Life of Carol Shiffman will include performances by members of the conservatory community. The event will also mark the establishment of the Carol Shiffman Fund, a partnership between MCW and her husband Larry Harbison.
Shiffman lost her battle with breast cancer this past Oct. 24. at age 65. Prior to taking the helm at WCM during its 80th anniversary in 2009, Schiffman was Dean of the SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance–nationally respected as an arts administrator, music, dance and arts educator as well as dance performer and choreographer.
Shiffman herself believed she was uniquely suited for the position of executive director at MCW.
Trustee Mary Bianco said, “She told me on more than one occasion, ‘this is my dream job, what I spent my life preparing for’ and how evident this was in Carol’s eyes, smiles and words. How fortunate we are to have Carol to remind us of the wonders and the possibilities going forward; and how we shall delight her by accomplishing her dreams and ours.”
During her time at the helm, Shiffman had a major impact on the school's capacity to expand student opportunities and secured significant grants for educational programming and building preservation.
“She was a true champion of the arts who cared so very deeply for this organization. Her impact on the Conservatory, its students, faculty, board, and staff will be felt for years to come,” Board President Rodd Berro said.
For more information about the free concert event tonight, follow this link. Donations to The Carol Shiffman Fund may be sent to Music Conservatory of Westchester, 216 Central Avenue, White Plains, N.Y., 10606– checks drafted to “Music Conservatory of Westchester” with “Carol Shiffman Fund” in the memo line.
The Music Conservatory of Westchester can be reached at (914) 761-3900.
