A title means a lot. We just got a book in the office the other day by respected music author Jay Warner with a less than winning name --- "Notable Moments of Women in Music History." It's essentially a timeline of past events, and a helpful resource, but it sounds like he is saying: "Way to go, women, your accomplishments have been noted."
A better job is the Duquesne University Women, which just announced it will give out three Women of Distinction Awards at its annual gala. Who wouldn't want an award like this? The recipients are: Judge Joy Flowers Conti, coach Suzie McConnell Serio and mezzo soprano Marianne Cornetti.
Based on the criteria for the award, Cornetti deserves it (I am sure the others did, too, but, hey, this is a music blog!):
"The Women of Distinction award acknowledges women who have achieved major success in their chosen fields, demonstrated significant community accomplishments, and who have a strong relationship with Duquesne."
Cornetti has maintained strong ties with the region and her school (graduated from Duquesne's School of Music), even as she has scaled the latter internationally as a star Verdi mezzo. She has a whole fan club that follows her around the world. And she constantly praises her training and Western Pa. Congrats to her.
But back to the name game. The Duquesne University Women got it right for their award, but not so for their annual gala (Nov. 8), at which the awards are presented. It is called "Power Ball 2008." While that's because it is taking place at the new Power Center on the Duquesne campus, it's still a pretty silly name. Can we get scratch tickets there, too?
Posted
Oct 07 2008, 12:48 AM
by
Andrew Druckenbrod