I’ve considered myself pretty durable in covering Spoleto over the years, usually taking in 15 or so performances in six or seven days. Doing that much in three days and writing about it on an average of five hours sleep nightly was exhausting but exciting. After 10 hours of sleep Tuesday night, I have embarked on the next round.
After some maneuvering, I was able to get into the sold out Piccolo concert by young violinist — and apparently local celebrity — Seth Gilliard. The concert at the City Gallery at Waterfront Park was packed with people of all ages (including the much put-upon former S.C. first Lady Jenny Sanford) there to cheer on the recent Furman University graduate who played a mix of classical (Bach and William Grant Still) in a chamber grouping, jazz with pianist Richard White, and more pop-oriented pieces of his own creation.
Gilliard gave thanks and flowers to former Piccolo director Ellen Dressler Moryl for her long-time support. She first heard about Seth in 1997 when she purchased a car from his dad Rodgers. Dad and mom Andrea were there of course — I sat between the beaming couple. And Moryl joined him on cello for the opening Bach.
The City Gallery doesn’t have great acoustics, but I’ve gone to a number of concerts there over the years and it’s a terrific setting surrounded by art and a view of the park and water.
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