Ernie Marquez interviews members of the renowned Pacifica Quartet Aug. 12 at Salida High School Auditorium. Dan Smith photo.
The final concert of the six-week season for the Salida/Aspen Concert series Saturday featured the renowned Pacifica Quartet presenting classical music works by Beethoven and Prokofiev.
The quartet, comprised of Simin Ganatra and Austin Hartman on violin, Mark Holloway on viola and Brandon Vamos on cello, drew a near-capacity crowd to the Salida High School auditorium.
Cheryl Hardy-Moore presents Ernie Marquez with a blown glass Aspen leaf in recognition of his 16 years of service to the event. Dan Smith photo.
The pre-concert talk with the musicians was led by Ernie Marquez, who is retiring, after 16 years, from his central role in leading the series, now in its 47th season.
Sheryl Wight, Board President, and Cheryl Hardy-Moore, treasurer, presented Ernie Marquez with an inscribed blown glass Aspen leaf by artist Brice Turnbull in appreciation of his 16 years helping make the Salida/Aspen Concerts a community success.
Kate Larkin, past board member and president spoke to Marquez’ impact on the organization.
“The success of the series success is people; who work tirelessly, commit endless hours to the series’ success and provide financial support which is the life line for the series’ future,” she said.
Former board member Kate Larkin spoke of Ernie Marquez years of accomplishments with the Salida/Aspen Concert series. Dan Smith photo.
All of those, she noted, apply to Ernie Marquez:
- He was the Board connection to the Aspen Musical Festival and School where he was well respected. He coordinated the Salida schedule and artistic necessities with Aspen in good times and during “uncertainties.”
- He spearheaded the acquisition of the onstage acoustical panels, including research, fundraising and even instructing how to erect them.
- He and Louise, his wife and partner, have financially supported the Series for decades as donors, advertisers, sponsors and concert party hosts.
“But for me personally,”Larkin said, “Ernie was an objective voice on the Board, who listened quietly, contemplated the issue and then responded. He kept us going forward and was my ever-present sounding board,”
“A saying that I relish states: “Your thoughts become your words; your words become your deeds; and your deeds become your character.”
“No better quote describes Ernie. His deeds for this series reflect who the human is,” she added.
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