Richard Ziter and Larry Vaber to perform Babar the Elephant at Music School

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An open house on two consecutive afternoons, October 11 and 12, at the Berkshire Music School will be highlighted by a performance of Francis Poulenc’s Babar the Elephant featuring Berkshire natives Richard Ziter, pianist, and Larry Vaber, narrator. The two 3 p.m. performances are being held to accommodate both children and adults who wish to attend. Ziter recently retired after practicing ophthalmology in Port Chester, N.Y. for more than thirty years. Although his career was medicine, his devotion to the piano spans nearly his entire life. He started giving recitals in his native North Adams at the age of seven, and his formal musical education took him to Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester where he earned both bachelor and master degrees. At Eastman he received the coveted performer’s certificate, and with it the honor of a solo performance with the Eastman-Rochester Philharmonic under the baton of the renowned Howard Hanson. After Eastman he concertized for a year before deciding to enter medical school. During his career and since retiring, Ziter has given numerous benefit concerts, the proceeds from which has enabled several Berkshire public schools to purchase pianos. He has performed frequently with the well-known Ying Quartet and one of his most recent concerts was with renowned violinist Joseph Silverstein to benefit the Berkshire unit of Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts recently recognized Ziter's musical contribution and the several annual scholarships he has created by awarding him an honorary doctorate of fine arts degree. In the spring of 2004 Ziter will perform at Tanglewood’s Ozawa Hall. Vaber, a West Stockbridge native, has enjoyed two careers: early on as a radio and television journalist and announcer and later in corporate public relations. As a young man he earned his college education at Syracuse University as a radio announcer at a leading Syracuse station. In the 1950’s he became a well-known broadcast personality, known as Larry Vaber, in the Berkshires as news director of WBRK and Mt. Greylock television WMGT. He retired several years ago from General Electric where he spent thirty years as manager of community relations at the Pittsfield plant and later as corporate spokesperson in the chairman’s office. For more than 45 years his voice has been heard on countless book tapes recorded as a volunteer for Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic. Several years ago he narrated Babar the Elephant with Ziter at the Harid Conservatory in Boca Raton, FL. Recently he narrated classical pieces for the Berkshire-based Close Encounters With Music in Fort Lauderdale and Coral Gables, FL. The October 12 concert will also feature Berkshire Music School students, Madalyn and Cicely Parnas. The Parnas sisters have studied at the Berkshire Music School since 1999. Madalyn, 12 plays violin, and Cicely, 10 plays cello. Both sisters are also advanced piano students. The October 11 concert is for children and parents. October 12 concert is for adults. Seating is limited. Please call Berkshire Music School at (413) 442-1411 for reservations.
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Friends of Great Barrington Libraries Holiday Book Sale

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Friends of Great Barrington Libraries invite the community to shop their annual Holiday Good-as-New Book Sale, happening now through the end of the year at the Mason Library, 231 Main Street. 
 
With hundreds of curated gently used books to choose from—fiction, nonfiction, children's favorites, gift-quality selections, cookbooks, and more—it's the perfect local stop for holiday gifting.
 
This year's sale is an addition to the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce's Holiday Stroll on this Saturday, Dec. 13, 3–8 PM. Visitors can swing by the Mason Library for early parking, browse the sale until 3:00 PM, then meet Pete the Cat on the front lawn before heading downtown for the Stroll's shopping, music, and festive eats.
 
Can't make the Holiday Stroll? The book sale is open during regular Mason Library hours throughout December.
 
Proceeds support free library programming and events for all ages.
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