Arts and Humanities People and Community

Winter Wonderful supports music mentorship

The University of Miami Frost School of Music's annual holiday event raises funds for the Donna E. Shalala MusicReach program.
Winter Wonderful at the JW Marriott Marquis

The Frost School of Music at the University of Miami ushered in the holiday season on Sunday with the magical sights and sounds of Winter Wonderful, the annual gala that enables Frost students to share the world of music with youngsters across Miami-Dade County.

The glittering, candle-lit celebration featured performances by the Frost School’s vocal and instrumental ensembles, including the Frost Choral Union, Frost Chorale, Frost Holiday Orchestra, Frost Herald Trumpeters, Frost Winter Jazz Combo, Frost Winter Wind Ensemble, Frost Winter String Quartet, Women’s Chorale, and Symphonic Choir.

During the festivities at the JW Marriott Marquis in downtown Miami, Frost School Dean Shelton Berg presented the 2019 Frost Legacy Award to Olga and David Melin to recognize the enduring impact the couple’s support for the visual and performing arts has had on the community. The directors of the Olga and David Foundation, the Melins are long-time supporters of the Frost School, as well as UM Grand Founder Society members.

The benefit raised funds for the Donna E. Shalala MusicReach Program, which aims to keep local children and youth in school and on a path to college. Through the program, Frost students act as music ambassadors, working with local schools, after-school programs, and the Greater Miami Youth Symphony to help young people thrive by studying, practicing, and performing music.