Composer and pianist Mary Beth Carlson has encouraged and inspired audiences with her music for two decades.
Mary Beth Carlson celebrates 20 years of music Composer, pianist to hold anniversary concert in May By SCOTT NOBLE
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omposer and performing artist Mary Beth Carlson admits there were two periods during her life when her hope and inspiration were challenged. “The first was learning that our daughter was born with cerebral palsy and soon after diagnosed with autism,” she said. During this first challenge, Carlson said she was determined to find ways to reach her daughter. “Learning that music was a strong bonding force between us, I gradually realized her increasing level of responsiveness to songs I sang and piano music I played for her,” she said. “In my quest for understanding Jody more deeply, I wrote songs as a perception of what she sees, thinks and how she feels about her world.” The second challenge to Carlson’s
IF YOU GO WHAT: WHO: WHEN: WHERE:
20th anniversary concert Mary Beth Carlson Friday, May 16, 7:00 pm St.Michael’s Lutheran Church Bloomington COST: $15 ($7.50 16 & under) TICKETS: www.marybethcarlson.com hope and inspiration occurred when Jody was 17. She developed a severe mental illness following the death of her grandfather and other losses in her life. “The consequences of her psychosis and related illnesses have been devastating and for a season, hope and inspiration seemed nearly out of reach,” Carlson recalled. “I again turned to writing music. It was more important to me than ever to reach out to others who are impacted by similar challenges.” Over the past 20 years, Carlson has produced and recorded two dozen albums of piano orchestral music and six DVDs. In addition, she has been featured on numerous other CDs.
To celebrate the 20-year anniversary of her music, Carlson is holding a concert at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Bloomington on Friday, May 16. She will be joined by Mark David Williams, John Trones and Debi Kilde, Kenni Holmen and Cory Wong. “How exciting it is to look back on 20 years of writing, recording and performing music God has given me to share with such appreciative, supportive listeners,” Carlson said. “I’m truly blessed to give a concert of celebration with some of the world class, gifted artists I’ve worked with from the very beginning up to my 21st year in this ministry.” Carlson’s two decades in music have been driven by her desire to honor and glorify God with her music. “My vision for the music ministry God has given me has always been driven by His purpose and plan for how He can be most effectively and powerfully honored and glorified,” Carlson said. “This is revealed to me through His Word and in prayer as well as through people He has placed in my path to encourage me, teach and affirm specifically how God may be lifted up.” ■ April 2014 | REFRESHED
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