For Carol Czaja, supporting Kingston Chamber Music Festival (KCMF), whether by attending, volunteering, hosting, or donating, is ultimately about helping something she values with the desire to support its continuation for others. It all started as a singular concert that was initially one stop on a summer vacation for Carol Czaja and her husband, Ted. Before long, it became something they planned their trips to Rhode Island around, and eventually one of the reasons they looked forward to calling the area home in retirement.
But some of Carol’s most meaningful KCMF experiences have happened away from her seat in the audience.
For approximately four years, Carol and Ted opened their home to visiting Festival musicians. Hosting gave them an opportunity to get to know the artists personally and introduced them to another side of KCMF. Those relationships led to greater involvement through volunteering, committee work, and Ted’s service on the KCMF Board. Carol became particularly interested in the Festival’s connection to music education and community outreach.
One experience that has stayed with her was driving cellist Clancy Newman to schools throughout Rhode Island for educational performances. She remembers seeing students become engaged with chamber music through Newman’s approachable style, while the drives between schools gave her the chance to learn about his life as a professional musician.
Another connection began when Carol and Ted hosted cellist Deborah Pae in 2018. Their experience together during the Festival ultimately inspired the couple to later attend a performance of a contemporary work commissioned in Pae’s honor, a relationship with an artist that continued well beyond her time at KCMF.
These experiences are part of what has kept Carol involved year after year. While exceptional chamber music initially introduced her to KCMF, the relationships surrounding that music have made the Festival particularly meaningful.
“We love opportunities to volunteer. It makes us feel even more engaged in the music when we feel we’re able to show our appreciation by giving back.”
Looking ahead, Carol hopes KCMF will continue reaching new audiences throughout Rhode Island and beyond while expanding opportunities for young people to experience chamber music through schools, educational programs, and Festival performances.
For Carol, supporting KCMF with her time, talents and treasures is an obvious choice. As she puts it, “Donating comes naturally when it’s something you believe in.”
