Classical music in small towns

As John Contiguglia sat and listened to a classical piano concert performed at Emerson Park in 1970, he felt something he had never felt before. As he watched the performer strike the keys with perfect rhythm, and listened to the powerful music envelop the lake front pavilion, the beating of his heart grew steadier, and the chills up his spine grew stronger.

"I was feeling inspiration," explained Contiguglia.

As a teenager, Auburn was the place where Contiguglia would become familiar with that feeling.