Community Concerts, established as the Community Concert Association of Miami Beach in 1956 by a group of outstanding local citizens led by Mr. Ernest Silverman, presented the first classical music series of Miami Beach. From its inception, Community Concert's objective has been to present top quality performing arts at affordable rates. The organization's management has always been voluntary with a small stipend set aside for administrative costs; this remains unchanged.

Attesting to the excellence of its programming during its more than forty years, some of the artists who have graced our stage include: Lazar Berman, Shirley Verrett, The Boston Symphony with Seiji Ozawa, Roberta Peters, Aaron Rosand, Royal Ballet of Flanders, The King Singers, The Mark Morris Dance Group, Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane with their STILL/HERE, and Dance Theatre of Harlem for five consecutive years. From 1956 to the early 1980's all concerts were sold-out in advance, often necessitating a second performance to accommodate the overwhelming public response.

Beginning in the mid 1980's, the demographics of Miami Beach changed, embracing a historic influx of immigrant population from Latin America and the Caribbean. In response, Community Concerts under the leadership of Dr. Hillard "Hilly" Gold took action to present a wider variety of stage presentations, extending its programming to a more diverse audience. We developed a Board of Directors consisting of professional and community leaders representing South Florida as a whole. As a continuation of these efforts, the ArtReach project was born.

Through the ArtReach Project, Community Concerts began to make available subsidized and/or free tickets to seniors on fixed income, youths-at-risk, underprivileged youths, and all those who had been cut off from the arts. Today, we consider the ArtReach project our primary mandate. Community Concerts brings visiting artists to schools, community centers and the stage to provide access to the arts through workshops and master classes. The ArtReach Project creates an environment in which youth can meet the artists and learn first-hand the impact the arts have had on the artist lives and the impact they have on society. These are precious situations that can trigger the innate talents inherent in our youth, motivating them to shift the directions of their lives.

Our extraordinary programs continue to unfold for the entire community of South Florida. Since 1998, in collaboration with Patrons of Exceptional Artists, we have been successfully producing the annual Miami International Piano Festival, which has established an enviable reputation internationally as a unique festival of unparalleled excellence. We thank you for your support and invite your participation.