May 31, 2007

People's Bank and the Hartt School Bank on the Arts With a Summer Concert Series in West Hartford Center

Series to be Hosted in Courtyard of People's Bank Office at 1013 Farmington Avenue

BRIDGEPORT, CONN. - People's Bank is partnering with The Hartt School Community Division of the University of Hartford to present the People's Summer Concert Series in West Hartford Center. The series will begin Thursday, June 7 and end Thursday, June 28. The concerts are free and open to the public.

The concert series is comprised of four performances by young, talented musicians, some of whom are high school and middle school students, participating in The Hartt School's Community Division program. This program offers pre-college musicians the opportunity to develop a love of music and for students seeking a musical career to receive exceptional training in preparation for some of the great music schools in the world, including Julliard.

"People's Bank is pleased to offer our neighbors in the West Hartford community a series of musical performances to enjoy while they shop, dine or browse downtown," said Nancy Brecher, vice president and market manager for People's West Hartford branches. "The accomplished musicians trained at The Hartt School will provide great evening accompaniment to the many who enjoy the Center in June."

The Hartt School's Community Division is one of the leading community arts schools in the country, serving approximately 2,500 students in the greater Hartford area, including inner-city youngsters. "West Hartford residents have long enjoyed musical performances by students of the Hartt School," said Alana Seddon, interim executive director and interim director of The Hartt School's Community Division. "We're honored to partner with People's Bank to provide our promising musical talent a venue like West Hartford Center in which to perform. This summer concert series is an excellent example of how both People's and Hartt demonstrate their commitment to community."

The People's Summer Concert series schedule follows (subject to change). All concerts will take place at the front courtyard of the People's Bank branch at 1013 Farmington Avenue.

Date                                        Time                            Performance

Thursday, June 7                     7 - 8 pm                     Chamber Music I

Thursday, June 14                   7- 8 pm                       Instrumental Solos

Thursday, June 21                   7 - 8 pm                     Guitar and Voice

Thursday, June 28                   7 - 8 pm                     Broadway Selections

The Community Division of The Hartt School of the University of Hartford (www.hartford.edu/hartt/community) is committed to providing students of all ages and levels of accomplishment with quality instruction in the performing arts, including theatre as well as music. Through its Fund for Access, supported by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and others, the Community Division offers financial aid for students with arts interest but with limited funds. Home to the Connecticut Youth Symphony, the Connecticut Children's Chorus and a variety of ensemble and private lesson programs, the Community Division affords its students both the quality of a comprehensive conservatory and an open admissions policy to encourage participation.