By LINDA COREY

Why would a well-known symphony violinist and concert pianist want to perform a classical concert in Cave Junction?

“We passionately support the arts!” said both musicians.

On Sunday, April 15, Dorothea Hover-Kramer and Arlene Tayloe will perform the lively music of Mozart, Bach, Dvorak and Bartok in a celebration of spring. A special guest, Brian Alec Thom, also will appear in the free concert. Thom, a pianist, with Hover-Kramer and Tayloe will present world-class music right in Illinois Valley.

The concert will begin at 3 p.m. at Immanuel United Methodist Church, 200 W. Watkins St. in Cave Junction across from Shop Smart Food Warehouse.

Although admission is free, donations are encouraged to support Illinois River Valley Arts Council (IRVAC) programs. Following the afternoon concert there will be a reception and refreshments.

As background for the performance, it should be noted that Cave Junction is a hotbed of talented artists, musicians, artisans, writers, dancers and college-educated people who love the arts. As a result, many are members of IRVAC. It sponsors Second Friday Art Walk in Downtown Cave Junction each month from April through December, and presents Learning Through Art programs at valley schools.

Exposure to a wide variety of art forms and cultures broadens the awareness and understanding of students and adults alike. Parents, community volunteers, and businesses support these programs year after year because they enrich individuals and the community as a whole.

Fund-raisers are held throughout the year to help keep these programs going. Art Walk requires many hours of planning, organizing, and publicizing by IRVAC members each month. Dedicated members say that the effort is worth it. It’s the social event of the month for many.

The Second Friday ArtWalk attracts people for dinner, music and strolling around Downtown CJ to see the arts and crafts, and performers at various businesses. It’s also a time to socialize with friends and new acquaintances. In other words, it’s a big event for a small town.

Dorothea Hover-Kramer, current IRVAC president, is an accomplished pianist, artist, author, poet and a driving force for the arts in Illinois Valley. She typically organizes two or three classical music concerts each year to benefit the council.

Other professional musicians, who donate their time and talent for this good cause, perform with her.

Tayloe has a master’s degree in music from Northwestern University in Illinois, and has played violin with symphonies and opera companies in Dallas, Denver, Chicago, Santa Fe and San Jose. After moving to Ashland three years ago, she began performing with Rogue Valley Symphony, Rogue Valley Opera and Rogue Valley Chamber Players.

Tayloe enjoys performing with kindred spirit Hover-Kramer at Sunday afternoon musicales to benefit IRVAC.

For more information, phone 592-5296.