We are very proud to announce that our Resident Artist, Karol Bennett, is the winner of the Father Eugène Merlet Award for Community Service from the Pro Musicis Foundation, for her tireless dedication to Musiqa’s education.
On May 9, 2019, Karol performed and accepted the award at the Pro Musicis gala dinner at the Consulate of France in New York City. Created in 2015 by Pro Musicis, the Father Eugène Merlet Award for Community Service celebrates and advances the creativity of individuals whose community service initiatives awaken the human spirit through the transformative power of music.
In 2004, Musiqa’s Artistic Board composers created an original music education production, “Around the World with Musiqa,” which introduces school-age children to global cultures and modern music through folk songs, followed by “Musiqa Remix” in 2010. Both of these award-winning programs have become national models of multidisciplinary music education.
Thanks to Karol’s tremendous efforts and tireless passion, we have witnessed the transformative power of our programs in the students and schools all around Houston. More than 67,000 public school students and teachers have participated, singing with her and learning about music – all at no cost.
“Workshopping so many schools all over the Houston area has been an enlightening experience,” Karol says. “I am grateful to have seen so many joyous faces, to have led so many beautiful voices, and hear from heroic teachers and administrators eager to provide musical opportunities for their students. Our education programs help students discover their voices and empower them with tools for success they can use throughout their lives.”
We are very proud of what Musiqa has accomplished over the past 15 years. Our esteemed composers and talented performers, like Karol, are helping to raise Houston to new cultural heights while inspiring new generations of music lovers and performers. This would not have been possible without our generous supporters. Please consider making a gift to Musiqa by June 30 and join us to create a brighter future for Houston school children!