ACTU to hold live online Fridays at Noon event
Post Published On:In light of the COVID-19 precaution of social distancing, the popular Arts for the Community at Thomas University (ACTU) will move events online for everyone to enjoy from their homes in a series of “Thomasville Live” performances.
“Since we can’t gather together for the usual ACTU performances because of COVID-19, we decided to livestream these performances so everyone can watch no matter where they are,” Dr. Karl Barton, ACTU coordinator, said.
The first event will be this Friday, April 3, at 12 p.m. featuring Boyan Bonev at the Thomasville Center for the Arts. It will include an interview with Bonev about his career and music experience along with performances.
“Boyan is an amazing musician, and we’re so lucky to have someone with his talent right here in Thomasville,” Barton said. “Plus, how often do you get to have a conversation with an internationally recognized musician about their craft? It’s going to be a great event!”
An award-winning cellist, Bonev serves as co-producer for the Center for the Arts’ productions and is also the orchestra director for Thomas County Schools. A native of Bulgaria, he holds doctorate and master’s degrees in music from Florida State University, and a bachelor’s degree in music from the National Academy of Music in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Bonev was a soloist in the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, the UWF Chamber Orchestra, the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra and the Stara Zagora Symphony Orchestra. He has performed at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall. Bonev is a prizewinner from the Bulgarian National Competition for Singers and Instrumentalists and the Music and Earth International Competition. He is also a recipient of the Radio Stara Zagora National Award for Outstanding Concert and Artistic Achievements.
The event will begin at 12 p.m. on the ACTU Facebook page, facebook.com/actu31792/live.
“We’re working with other organizations in the area to create more of these ‘Thomasville Live’ performances,” Barton said. “We’ll be sure to share more about those events as the details are finalized.”