Elaine Kang, 15, of State College, understands the importance of setting goals.
Having studied violin since the age of 4, she has soloed with the Pottstown Symphony, Williamsport Symphony, Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra and the Central Pennsylvania Youth Orchestra as a winner of their young artist competitions. Kang, who is entering her sophomore year at State College Area High School, is now planning to use her musical skills to benefit the needy in the community. She will give a solo recital at 4 p.m. Aug. 23 at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 780 Waupelani Drive Extension, State College, at which she will solicit donations for the State College Area Food Bank. The food bank provides emergency food to those in need in the State College area and supports the network of food pantries in Centre County. At the recital, Kang will play “Carmen Fantasy” by Pablo de Sarasate, “Fisher-man’s Song,” an Asian folk song by Shuhu Xu, and “Violin Concerto No. 3” by Camille Saint Saens. She will be joined by violinist George Woskob, who will play “Concerto For Two Violins” by Johann Sebastian Bach, accompanied by Kang and pianist Hyunjoo Park.
Kang, who has been volunteering at the food bank for a couple of years, said she has been planning the recital for some time. She was inspired to make it a benefit recital, she said, after learning of a donation of about $10,000 Bruce Springsteen made to the food bank in connection with his May 8 show at the Bryce Jordan Center. She also learned that August is one of the months when demand for food bank services is highest.