West Chester, PA (August 15, 2024): The Chester County History Center (CCHC) is thrilled to unveil a new cultural partnership with the Kennett Symphony of Chester County. This partnership represents a powerful alliance between the arts and history, enriching the cultural landscape of the region. These institutions will create unique and engaging experiences for the community of Chester County. The collaboration not only broadens the reach and impact of both organizations but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the arts and history within the constituents. The partnership’s inaugural event will be a special Holiday Concert in December 2024, presenting a brass quintet within the historic setting of the CCHC.
This partnership is possible thanks to the vision of Dr. Timothy V. Blair, Board President of the Kennett Symphony of Chester County, and Conor Hepp, President of the Chester County History Center.
To celebrate this new cultural partnership, Dr. Blair has established a generous planned contribution in support of the History Center at the Chester County Community Foundation. Dr. Blair states, “this planned gift is given to benefit the cultural life of the greater Chester County community and to encourage others to do the same.” Dr. Blair’s kind donation will help sustain and expand the CCHC’s mission to preserve and share the region’s rich history.
About the partnership and bequest, Conor Hepp states, “We are honored to partner with the Kennett Symphony of Chester County and excited to unite the power of music with the depth of history to create truly unforgettable experiences for our community. Dr. Blair’s generous gift and his commitment to arts and culture ensures that the Chester County History Center can continue to thrive, preserving our shared heritage and inspiring future generations.”
Dr. Timothy V. Blair, Dean and Professor Emeritus, served for 30 years in higher education, with 27 years at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. While there, he served as dean of the School of Music, then as Founding Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, and finally, as Founding Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities. A Steinway Artist, Blair is Board President of the Kennett Symphony and serves on the Board of Philadelphia’s Grammy-award-winning Crossing Choir, chosen by Musical America as the 2023 ensemble of the year. He is also an Educational Partner and Professor for Steinway Asia Pacific, headquartered in Shanghai, and recently served as the American Judge for Steinway Asia Pacific’s Southeast Asia International Youth Piano Competition. He was inducted into the Steinway Teacher Hall of Fame by Steinway/New York. In addition, he serves as Board President of the Alexander & Buono Foundation of New York. As a pianist, Dr. Blair performs internationally and serves as a visiting clinician and adjudicator. He is a member of numerous professional organizations and boards, and serves as an NASM accreditation evaluator. Dr. Blair is married to Sally Marie Coveleskie, a former music industry Executive and Children’s Author.
About the Kennett Symphony of Chester County
Founded in 1940, the Kennett Symphony of Chester County (KSCC) is Chester County’s only fully professional symphony orchestra, serving over 5000 people throughout the Brandywine Valley during the concert season. KSCC provides the musical landscape of a historic region renowned for the arts through a fresh approach to classical and contemporary symphonic works. Their inclusive and engaging environment allows all to share in the uplifting experience of quality live music in an approachable and affordable way.