Help Bring Music, Travel and Community Together!

**Introduction:**

Hello everyone!

I’m cellist Elisa Kohanski (www.elisakohanski.com) and I am thrilled to share with you an incredible opportunity that lies ahead. In May of 2025, I have been given the honor to perform a concerto with the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra. Amazingly, this project is not just about music; it embodies my passion for exploration, connection, and community.

**The Project:**

A lifetime dream of mine is to perform on all seven continents; Australia would be my last. Composer Jonathan Kolm reached out to me a few years ago expressing interest in writing a piece for me. Meanwhile, I was asked to play a concerto with the Wheeling symphony. Conductor John Devlin had the concept of a concerto consisting of seven movements, each representing one of the continents. Everything seemed to magically align and we began planning this celebration of diversity, culture, and unity through music. Before COVID-19 disrupted our plans, the initial vision included a trip to Australia. This trip would have allowed composer, Jonathan Kolm, and me to immerse ourselves in the culture, inspiring the composition of the Australian segment of the concerto. Additionally, we planned workshops and performances to engage with the local Pittsburgh and Wheeling communities. While the world has changed, the spirit of this project remains strong.

**Why Fundraising Matters:**

Unfortunately, due to current circumstances, the symphony no longer has the means to support our trip or the extensive chamber music and educational elements. Therefore, I am reaching out to you, our supportive community, to help keep this project alive. Your contributions will fund Jonathan's travels and the necessary documentation of our activities. Moreover, we aim to present educational programs, including chamber music performances and workshops, free of charge in the Pittsburgh and Wheeling areas from September 2024 to May 2025.

**Educational Outreach:**

These programs will not only familiarize audiences with Jonathan Kolm's music but also provide insight into the creative process behind such a project. We envision workshops like "Meet the Composer," "How Does A Project Like This Come To Be," and "Travels With My Cello" to engage and inspire learners of all ages. By supporting these efforts, you'll contribute to the enrichment of our communities and the cultivation of a deeper appreciation for classical music.

**Your Contribution:**

Every dollar raised will directly support our work in both Australia and the Pittsburgh-Wheeling areas, including:

- Funding Jonathan’s travels to Australia, where he will compose the final movement of the concerto

- Compensating my musician colleagues for their rehearsals and performances of Jonathan’s works in Wheeling and Pittsburgh

- Facilitating the educational programs mentioned above

- Enabling us to offer both concerts and educational programs for free!

- Funding the documentation of the project in its entirety

Together, we can ensure that this project not only thrives but also has a lasting impact on our communities. Furthermore, your support will help increase attendance at the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra concerts, particularly during my concerto presentation in May 2025.

**Conclusion:**

Thank you for considering supporting this! Your generosity will not only bring music, travel, and community together but also leave a lasting legacy of cultural exchange and artistic collaboration. Let's embark on this journey together and create something truly extraordinary!

**Donate today and be a part of something special!**