Serafin Summer Music 2024 kicks off June 4 in Wilmington and Milford

Over recent months, from countless thoughtful people, I have received kind expressions of congratulations on my “retirement. ''

I was surprised and humbled by accolades extended from The Music School of Delaware Board, staff, faculty and community. I have appreciatively but reluctantly received these merits. Credit for the accomplishments of organizations does not accrue to one person. The work of “pushing the rock up the hill” is the work of many. Resultant successes are shared by the team who strive together to make something happen.

For 33 years, it was my highest priority to devote my time, energy, and attention to leading two wonderful music organizations — The Harid Conservatory (now Conservatory of Music at Lynn University) and The Music School of Delaware (formerly Wilmington Music School).  At the end of January, I stepped aside from administration.

Giving up the leadership role has prompted for me a time of reflection and provided relief from the heavy responsibility of immediate and long-term problem-solving. During all those years, I maintained a limited regimen of daily practice, and continued to perform with colleagues around the nation. The latter not only kept me tied to my root passion — chamber music performance — but also connected me directly to the work of the teachers —people I consider more to be colleagues and collaborators, rather than “employees.”

The most important takeaway from my experience in organizational leadership is that there is no substitute for hard work, courage, and putting people and purpose first. Finding solutions to resource development, including necessary financial support, flows from those tenets, which can easily be compromised by fear-based, “bottom line thinking” and the erosion of commitments to excellence and consistent delivery of service.

My greatest lessons were learned through the work of becoming a musician, including countless hours of effort, and the hardships, disappointments and heartbreak that go along with continually reaching higher, striving to do better.

In music, you learn to dust yourself off and try again. Learning is a lifelong pursuit, and being a musician is a passion, not a job or a hobby. Pablo Casals said, “There is no substitute for work; what seems ease of performance comes from the greatest labor.”  What a privilege to have applied my best efforts to these organizations to strive to bring forth a better world, one student at a time.

Stepping down from a consuming role affords me renewed dedication to my life as a violinist, teacher and performer. In no way am I ready to rest! I feel the luxury and necessity, now more than ever, of adequate practice time, and appreciate the ability to focus on my small studio of wonderful students at The Music School of Delaware. I feel as compelled as ever to share the music performance experience with my cherished Serafin colleagues and other friends and to connect with audiences.

Serafin Summer Music 2024 will take place starting Tuesday, June 4 in Wilmington and Milford. On tap this year is an array of performers, including Grammy-winning cellist of Eroica Trio, Sara Sant’Ambrogio, Steinway Artist Victor Asuncion, the superb hornist of Empire Brass fame, Gregory Miller and wonderful singers Gus Mercante (countertenor) and Gina Perregrino (mezzo soprano) who call Delaware home. Twelve additional artists, including returning festival favorites and newcomers, assemble from around the nation to bring nine stunning performances to life.

I love to hear these great musicians play. They are amazing. When I am in the mix in the ensemble, it is a privilege and a joy. Collaboration is a very special meeting of musical minds and hearts, and what we share in the process, and then with the audience, is one of the most gratifying experiences I know.

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None of this happens without the tremendous dedication of musicians’ time and effort. It is also only possible because of a communal commitment to support — not only in dollars. Something unique and special happens because sponsors and friends get the word out, housing hosts make our visiting artists feel welcome and comfortable, audience members give purpose through their interest, and, of course, donors recognize that excellence and access cannot be funded by ticket sales alone.

Casals also said: “My work is life. I cannot think of one without the other. To ‘retire’ means to begin to die.”  I hope to continue to contribute to the musical life of our region for many years to come!

Visit www.serafinensemble.org for more information.

Kate Ransom is a violinist and artistic director with Serafin Ensemble.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Serafin Summer Music 2024 to host world-class musicians