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| NATALIE CHURCH / Scroll |
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| Kurt Bestor, Emmy award-winning musician, was highlighted by the Madison Education Foundation Saturday. His musicial breadth was showcased as he played various instruments in the Rexburg Tabernacle for a full audience. |
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On Sat., Nov. 5, Madison Education Foundation showcased a benefit concert with accomplished musician, composer and songwriter Kurt Bestor.
As he expertly played the piano, trumpet and harmonica, the audience was able to travel the world with Bestor as he recounted experiences from Fiji and Africa and also many things close to his heart through pieces including, “Summer Portrait,” “Father’s Lullaby,” “Windjammer,” “First Morning” and the popular song he wrote in dedication to children, “The Prayer of the Children,” which is sung every year on 9/11 at Ground Zero and at the anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing.
“I honestly thought [the concert] was a delightful escape. The life of a student is very hectic and crazy and it was nice to slow down, close my eyes and enjoy the music,” said Tracy Carroll, a BYU senior and former BYU-I student from Stafford, Va.
As an advocate for education and the arts and a member of the Alpine School District board of directors in Utah, Bestor did not hesitate when asked by the Madison Education Foundation to help in efforts to raise money to preserve and enhance educational programs in the Madison County School District.
Bestor willingly donated 100 percent of the proceeds from the concert and after-concert CD sales to the foundation.
Bestor’s sister, Jill Anderson, Madison Education Foundation board member, explained that the foundation was established 12 years ago for educators and parents interested in raising funds for educational opportunities.
“I believe like the Greeks believed, that humanities make us human, and if all we do is go to school to earn money, then we fall short of being human,” said Bestor. “I think the arts bring out the best in humans.”
Best known for his approach to Christmas carols on Kurt Bestor Christmas, Volumes One and Two, Bestor began his career writing music for television and movies.
He has written more than 30 film scores and more than 40 themes for national TV programs and commercials. His music has not only moved audiences around the country, but has introduced Good Morning America, NFL Monday Night Football and ABC’s Sunday Night Movie. His credits also include many distinguished awards.
Bestor received an Emmy award for his collaboration with Sam Cardon for the ABC’s coverage of the 1988 Winter Olympics, and was the recipient of the Outstanding Film Score award at the New York Film and Television Festival. He conducted his music during the Closing Ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
