Cincinnati, OH (January 24, 2001) "Classical Quest," the educational video featuring the Starling Chamber Orchestra, has been awarded the "Crystal Award Of Excellence" in the educational category of The Communicator Awards 2000 Video Competition. The Communicator Awards is a national competition honoring excellence in visual communications. The award was presented to On Location MultiMedia, Inc., of Cincinnati, Ohio, which produced the video in collaboration with the Starling Project Foundation and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.
"Classical Quest" was released in March 2000 to an initial audience of some 600 public school districts in the state of Ohio. The 30-minute video was designed by music educators to encourage interest and exploration in fine music. The Starling Chamber Orchestra, comprised of talented young string players ages 11-18 and directed by Kurt Sassmannshaus, is based at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. The young musicians in the video convey the connection between written music and the challenges, joys and rewards for those who pursue it today. Fast-paced and colorful, "Classical Quest" examines the interplay of the composers, conductor, players, instruments and audience. "Quest" reveals the emotional intensity of young players practicing and perfecting their performance skills, and demonstrates the fun and timeless appeal of classical music. The featured score is Vivaldi's The Four Seasons.
Earning Communicator Awards recognition is a significant artistic achievement. In 2000, there were 3,312 entries from 47 states, the District of Columbia and eight other countries. About 14 percent of the entries received the prestigious "Award of Excellence." Entries are judged by industry professionals who recognize high standards of excellence and work that serves as a benchmark for the industry.
This is the third award for "Classical Quest" since its release in March 2000. The video has already been honored by The Telly Awards 2000 and the Worldfest-Houston International Film Festival, and was broadcast on PBS and Time-Warner Cable.
Critical acclaim for "Classical Quest," as well as praise from music teachers, has been enthusiastic. The Cincinnati Enquirer called it "an impressive new video," and American Music Teacher Journal hailed the young artists of the Starling Chamber Orchestra as "appealing advocates for serious music from the baroque to the present day." A junior high school teacher in Cincinnati wrote, "An excellent video! I showed this to both of my junior high string classes and it really kept their attention with the superb interview comments and wonderful graphics. Thanks for taking the time to create a video that really speaks to students on their level...it made my students reevaluate why they are playing a stringed instrument."
