As one of the originators of the idea to form a small ensemble within Calliope, I am especially thrilled now as Harmonia moves into our 2nd year of events! The Board of Directors initially approved Harmonia last year on a trial basis only - through Festival 2000 in July. But after a year of successful fundraising and community outreach, the organization decided to keep the ensemble alive. Harmonia's calendar is once again filling for a full year of performances. The biggest of these is our Variety Show scheduled for the spring. Last year our theme celebrated Valentine's Day, but with Calliope's concert scheduled in January, February seemed too soon for us to schedule another event. Harmonia decided to help everyone get a jump start on Spring by scheduling our Variety Show on Sunday, March 18th - two days before the Spring Equinox!

This year's show will feature individual and group selections around the theme Ends and Beginnings. This theme will celebrate life in its many diverse stages. Harmonia will sing several songs including the two new pieces the group performed at GALA's Festival 2000 in San Jose - When a Woman by Lee Hayes, and Lizzie Kean's original composition, Witness. But this show isn't just about Harmonia - it will also feature the talents of other Calliope members and collaboration with another group (yet to be finalized). When we say Variety Show, we really mean it and hope to have dramatic readings, instrumental performances and much more. You won't want to miss it! Join Harmonia in celebrating life's Ends and Beginnings!

When: Sunday, March 18th Time: 3pm Where: Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center, Macalester College Campus in St. Paul Tickets: $10 for adults, $5 for children under 12 For more information, call Calliope's voicemail at (612) 285-5835 or e-mail us at Calliopewc@aol.com.