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Flutes for Peace - Beautiful Sounds Promoting Peace on Earth
Welcome to Flutes for Peace International HQ!
OUR MISSION
"Playing the Flute" is more unique than just playing any instrument. It is said that the flute is the instrument closest to the human voice and I believe that. I also believe that that there is a more spiritual aspect to the flute than any other. I have never met another flutist who was not spiritually connected in some capacity. There is a strong connection between the flute and our creator and nature". - Geri Rizzo
OUR MANTRA: "PEACE BEGINS WITH ME! WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN!"
Founded in 2016 by flutist Geri Rizzo, Flutes for Peace was formed to unite flutists to perform together in a joint effort to promote peace. Our humble beginning began with us performing for local public and private events in the name of peace and for shut-ins to bring them peace through our soothing sounds. Our core flute choir members hail from New Jersey and perform with the Atlantic Pops, Bay Atlantic Symphony, Ocean City Pops and also perform in recitals as well as teach flute in schools and private studios.
ENDORSEMENT BY JAMES GALWAY
In March, 2022 we were thrilled that the renowned Sir James Galway endorsed us by carrying the torch in our quest to promote peace for Ukraine with his online performance of "Danny Boy" live on Facebook under the auspices of "Flutes for Peace"!
Our wish is to actively expand to every state of the USA and beyond, internationally. If you have a flute choir or would like us to perform for your peace endeavor please contact us below for more information!
"I SHOT AN ARROW INTO THE AIR, IT FELL TO EARTH, I KNEW NOT WHERE". Henry Wadsworth Longfellow -1807–1882, American Poet:
-One never knows where a new project or endeavor will take them and the possibilities are endless! I am so grateful for the enthusiasm and support of my colleagues, friends and acquaintances as we grow!
When Hemispheres Unite Concert - March 18, 2023
Our first world peace concert featuring Belgian flutist Berten D'Hollander took place at the beautiful Asbury United Methodist Church in Atlantic City, New Jersey and was very successful - concert to remember! Please see videos below. Participating iin the Flutes for Peace Flute Choir were flutists Beverly Pugh-Corry, Rosemarie Cicalese-Jurgaitis, Geri Rizzo, Judith Simmermon, Janet Somers, Carolyn Boxmeyer, Patricia Lazzara, Leslie Grey, Amanda Roth. Featured flutist, Berten D'Hollander, Belgium; Nina Siniakova, piano.
LAST YEAR'S CONCERT: CONCERT FOR UKRAINE March 19, 2022
March 19, 2022 - St. Andrew's by the Sea Lutheran Church
Our New Jersey Flutes for Peace HQ Choir gathered to perform for the plight of the war in Ukraine. Flutists from New Jersey who participated are listed below in alphabetical order:
- Carla Auld, Ridgewood, NJ
- Ronna Ayscue, Cherry Hill, NJ
-Jan Fagan, Cherry Hill, NJ
- Beverly Pugh-Corry, Bridgeton, NJ
- Rosemarie Cicalese-Jurgaitis, Tuckerton, NJ
-JoAnn Mitchell, Margate, NJ
- Geri Rizzo, Atlantic City, NJ - Program Director
- Judith Simmermon, Glassboro, NJ - Librarian
-GUEST CONDUCTOR: Dr. Beverly Vaughn, Professor of Music, Stockton College,
Pomona and Atlantic City, NJ
- COMPOSER Eugene Magalif, native of Belarus, now East Brunswick, NJ - presented a speech regarding his countryman and the Ukraine followed by our performance of his arrangement of "Carol of the Bells" for flute choir.
Thanks to Reverend Arlen for donating the use of this beautiful sanctuary and for leading us in prayer on behalf of Ukraine.
Donate to Flutes for Peace!
HELP OUR CAUSE - WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!
DONATE TO OUR MISSION OF SPREADING PEACE THROUGH MUSIC BY CLICKING THE LINK BELOW!
WE ARE NOW SEEKING DONATIONS FOR OUR PRESENT ENDEAVOR WHICH WILL COVER MUSIC, ADMINISTRATIVE, MUSCIAN AND CONCERT FUNDING! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Peace Like a River Flows
Words and Music by Geri Rizzo
The picture here is of the Hudson River in the beautiful Hudson Valley where I was born. I spent countless hours playing my flute by this river, daydreaming, just loving playing my flute. It was the inspiration for my song of peace, "Peace Like a River Flows", originally composed for flute voice and piano. The wonderful Eugene Magalif was kind enough to arrange it for flute choir for me in time to premiere it for our next concert on March 18th, 2023. Below are the words, which I will sing along with the flute choir:
Peace Like A River Flows / by Geri Rizzo
Intro / Flute
Peace like a river flows
A beautiful dream if we can make it so
But dreams just don't happen on their own.
I think that we all know
It's up to each of us to make it so
A dream is just the start of something real
For if we take a leap of faith
And work together every day
The world would be a happy place
It's up to us to make it so
And then each of us will grow
A ripple effect that rings
through the world
CHORUS
Make a sound of light
Wide rivers take flight
Peace like a river
Working together
We can make it happen!
-Copyright Geri Rizzo - 2023