History of LaVeck Concerts

History of the Pulaski Congregational Church

Founded in 1807, the Pulaski Congregational Church (PCC) has been a contributor to community life across its 200-year history.  Linked to New England Congregationalists, the church seeks to be engaged with the arts and culture, and to integrate both with a contemporary theology that connects with discerning people who are thoughtful and reflective in matters of faith.

The Concert Space

The church sanctuary dates back to 1857—a notable year in classical music!  1857 saw the great Franz Liszt write his Dante Symphony, as well as his beloved Piano Concerto in Eb Major. 1857 was the year of Edward Elgar’s birth (high school and college graduates know him for his “Pomp and Circumstance” played at graduation ceremonies). The great opera composer Richard Wagner was 44.  Johannes Brahms, typically pictured as an old man, was a vigorous 24, and Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky was a teenager. 

Since that time, the sanctuary has hosted many events—plays, meetings, and most notably, a recent concert for student-age children featuring the renowned MIRO Quartet. 

Rhea LaVeck

The concert series is designed to honor the memory of Rhea LaVeck.  A graduate of Westminster Choir College, Rhea devoted her entire career to teaching music in the Pulaski public schools.  She was, additionally, a church musician at local Methodist, Baptist and Congregational churches.  Rhea had a love of music, and believed that music was integral to children’s growth; she felt that music allowed people to examine a wide range of emotions.  Rhea was fiercely loyal to the Eastern Star, a community organization involved and committed to the local community.  Rhea was funny—she was renowned for her “Irish humor,” and was a great storyteller as well.  Perhaps her greatest accomplishment was the development of long-lasting relationships with students, current and former.  

The Kawai Grand Piano

Around the time of Rhea’s passing, the church decided that a grand piano would be the most fitting memorial to her life.  The community was invited to “buy a key” of the piano for $100, thus allowing a grand piano fund to be established in her honor. The piano arrived at PCC December 8, 2008.  The piano fits beautifully in the sanctuary—as though it has always been intended to be there!

The Rhea LaVeck Memorial Concert Series

The purchase of the new instrument soon led to the advent of an Artist Series in Rhea’s honor.  While the congregation uses the piano for services and events, we felt that Rhea’s involvement in the community could be best memorialized by establishing a community concert series.  The series is designed to bring world-class music to Pulaski and surrounding towns—a mission we feel that Rhea would approve of!