MARK O'CONNOR'S APPALACHIA WALTZ TRIO SHOWCASED THE HALL'S PURITY OF SOUND.

Mark O'Connor's Appalachia Waltz Trio showcased the hall's purity of sound.
By LINDA M. LINONIS
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Ford Family Recital Hall, called a gem of a theater because of its quality, sparkled in its debut Friday.
Before the concert, people socialized and had refreshments. Those attending wore everything from casual to dressy attire. After the show, people looked at CDs of the performers and met the musicians, visited with friends or stopped by Overture, the restaurant at the center.
The hall and its adjacent Eleanor Beecher Flad Pavilion are located in the DeYor Center for the Performing Arts Complex, which also includes Powers Auditorium.
Patricia Syak, executive director of the Youngstown Symphony Society, which operates the DeYor Center, had said in a previous interview that everyone has a good vantage point in the 600-seat semicircular hall. "It is a gem," she said.
'Cultural Mecca'
Denise DeBartolo York and Mayor Jay Williams were among participants in the opening ceremony. Mrs. York used the term "cultural Mecca" to describe the complex, and Williams said he liked the description so much he planned to borrow it. He also talked about the "value and potential" of downtown.
The hall, which offers the only acoustic or unamplified musical performance site locally, was well-suited as the backdrop for its inaugural act -- Mark O'Connor's Appalachia Waltz Trio. O'Connor, violinist Carol Cook and cellist Natalie Haas dazzled the audience with their exuberant cross between folk-style fiddle and classical string arrangements. It's been described as a cross between chamber music and Appalachian bluegrass. The purity of sound was enhanced by the hardwood flooring of the stage.
Among the opening night audience were Dorothy and Vincent Leone of Campbell. "We wanted to check out the new addition. I can see a future in downtown Youngstown," Mrs. Leone said. "This is great," her husband added.
Becky Schueller, 16, and Allyson Pollice, 15, both of Boardman, attended the event.
"The acoustics are perfect here," Becky said.
Allyson, who is involved in theater, said of the musicians: "You can tell how much they love the music by the way they play."
Both agreed the new hall is "beautiful" and no matter where one would sit, it's a good vantage point.
Helen Knuff of Hubbard said, "I saw Mark O'Connor on a TV program and loved his music. ... "I love this hall. It's important to support the arts."
The opening night audience was treated to the music of O'Connor's 1995 composition "Crossing Bridges, written for cellist Yo-Yo Ma. The music motivated O'Connor to form Appalachia Waltz Trio to perform the music. The trio received warm applause to the classical music intertwined with hoedown style
In an interview published in The Vindicator April 16, O'Connor said he wanted to "get across a real joy of in string playing," and he succeeded. Between selections, O'Connor offered insight into the backgrounds and inspirations for the music. The musicians received a standing ovation as their reward, and played a delightful rendition of "Amazing "Grace" as an encore.
Enthusiastic audience
The theater had some empty seats, but an enthusiastic audience filled in the gaps. It and the pavilion are part of an $11 million project that also included the renovation of Powers Auditorium and construction of the East Wing.
Overture has joined the other downtown eating establishments being visited by concert- and theater-goers. The restaurant is open for dinner on event nights at DeYor. Chrystal's Catering of Youngstown owns and operates Overture.
Jim and Cathy Morrison of Poland were among diners trying out the opening night fare that included sea bass, duck and steak filet. "We saw the story in the newspaper and thought we'd try it. We are long-time fans of [chef] Jeff Chrystal," Morrison said. "The place is gorgeous," his wife added.
Other shows scheduled at Ford are Storytyme, an interactive musical session for young children, at 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. Thursday, and world-renowned symphonic pianist Andre Watts at 8 p.m. April 29. For tickets call (330) 744-0264.