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People On The Move: Mary Weir
03/05/2009 - By Tobi D. Tesoriero
CREATING BEAUTIFUL HARMONY
Colts Neck resident Mary Weir was on the other side of the world (in Sydney, Australia) when she found her mission – providing opportunities for talented individuals to perform while using those performances to support charitable causes through benefit concerts.
While in Australia for a fine arts reciprocity project for a Boston museum, Mary became acquainted with the Pacific Opera group and its artistic director (now her husband), Barry Henry. The company that Barry founded was dedicated to providing a bridge for performers between the conservatory and main stages. Realizing that there was no similar organization in the United States, she brought the concept and company to New York City in 1999.
Mary adjusted the group’s mission to better reflect the demands of this country. Rather than focusing on opera alone, she expanded the goals of the organization to match the needs of the American market by expanding their performance areas. The musical repertoire widened to also include Broadway standards, operetta, cabaret, folk songs, spirituals, and well-known melodies.
Twenty years later, Pacific Encore Performances is an internationally acclaimed organization, providing opportunities to singers from all over the world. There are presently 21 performers in the ensemble, and the group’s performances reflect their diverse base, with a dynamic and multicultural program.
When asked how participants are selected, Mary shared that members are truly the cream of the crop, undergoing a difficult audition process. “There are probably about 100 candidates to fill one spot,” she said. All have very impressive resumes and have dedicated themselves to their crafts. Most have studied at the top conservatories around the world. “Day jobs” for most include bartending, waiting tables, or other non-related fields, allowing them the opportunity to hone their talent. Rehearsals for Pacific Encore Performances are held in New York City, and performers gather from various locales such as Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC, to be a part of the esteemed group.
Pacific Encore Performances has just finished their premiere television special (by NJN), filmed at Wilson Hall at Monmouth University. It is slated to air on the PBS station, as well as other major cable and international outlets. One reason for using this Monmouth County location is Mary’s relationship with Monmouth University. She is involved with and serves on the boards of several Monmouth County arts organizations. One such organization she has been involved with for the past 15 years is the Monmouth University Library Association; thus, her familiarity with Wilson Hall.
Besides being a non-profit organization, Pacific Encore Performances further extends its reach through giving concerts to support fundraising efforts of other non-profit organizations. In the past, Pacific Encore has raised funds for Families of the Flight 587 plane crash; the Children’s Aid Society; the Olivia Zonis Foundation; the American Cancer Society; Monmouth Medical Center; and the United Nations Memorial (in remembrance of the tragedy of September 11th).
In addition to their TV appearance, the group can be seen at several live performances around the area. They are already confirmed to perform their ninth benefit concert at Carnegie Hall this summer.
Mary has always been involved in the arts. She graduated from Pennsylvania State University, with a degree from their school of Art and Architecture; she then pursued a career in architecture. She started to buy big estates and became involved in their restoration. She has also been involved in magazine publishing and, as mentioned, in curating for museums.
During their down time, Mary and Barry love living in Colts Neck; they moved here last summer. Mary said they were drawn to the area for its beautiful rural and uncongested atmosphere. Prior to living in Colts Neck they were residents of Oceanport, New Jersey.
STATS
FAVORITE RESTAURANT
Huddy’s
FAVORITE MUSIC
classical, opera
FAVORITE MOVIE
Gone with the Wind
PET PEEVE
I don’t really have one
THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH
President Obama, Winston Churchill, and FDR
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