A Benefit Concert in Memory of Claire Cucchiari-Loring
By Siaga Johnson
The fifth annual Scholarship benefit, “Her Melody Lingers On,” was held at Old Dominion University on Friday, Feb. 3 at the Diehn Recital Hall in memory of ODU student Claire Cucchiari-Loring. The benefit featured a silent auction where various prizes and services were auctioned off, and also hosted various pianists and choir vocalists who performed a variety of numbers.
Having a passion for music, Claire Cucchiari-Loring was on her way to graduating Magna Cum Laude from Old Dominion University in May 2007 with a degree in music. Her musical experience at Old Dominion ranged from collaborations with the Madrigal Singers and Jazz Choir, as well as singing vocals for the Jazz Band.
Tragically, the community lost her to the hands of domestic violence. Her memory is currently being honored by a scholarship in her name, as well as a yearly benefit geared toward showcasing musical talent and hosting a silent auction from various vendors in the Hampton Roads community.
The Claire Cucchiari-Loring Memorial Scholarship was established in Claire’s memory, as an opportunity to reward students of ODU with outstanding musical talent. Students who receive this scholarship are viewed to embody similar ideals that Claire had in terms of musical talent.
The scholarship is sponsored by donations from family, friends and supporters. “In recognition of the musically talented recipients of the Claire Cucchairi-Loring Memorial Scholarship, established by her family and friends in 2006 to honor her memory and her gifts of music, passion and a generous spirit,” is engraved in the plaque students awarded the scholarship are given.
In addition to celebrating Claire’s legacy, the fifth annual benefit brought supporters together to participate in a silent-auction and musical recital. The silent auction featured goods and services ranging from a one-hour flight tour of Hampton Roads, to skincare services at a spa. There were 40 auction vendors who participated.
Featured musical performances ranged from a song from the ODU jazz choir, to jazz piano performed by John Toomey and Justin Kauflin, with concluding performances done by pianists Andrey Kasparov and Oksana Lutsyshn.
In an interview with Barbara Besal, a close friend of Claire’s and a co-coordinator of the event, it was stated that the first benefit held in Claire’s memory was a variety of talent performances ranging from martial arts to belly dancing. A strong focus on music was therefore not present until recently when officials in ODU’s music department were able to introduce jazz performers and pianists of Claire’s musical inclinations into the performance.
“Tonight has been the best turnout for people to still come back. It is overwhelming, and a testament to Claire. Truthfully, Claire didn’t have any idea how powerful her presence was. She would be honored,” said Besal.
The fifth annual scholarship benefit to remember Claire’s legacy had the highest turnout of participants of all benefits held in her honor. The students recognized for their musical achievement are seen to be talented in such a way that Claire’s legacy is able to live through others.
This was also an opportunity to learn about resources that are made available by The Samaritan House to help people who are either suffering from or know others who suffer from domestic abuse.
Scholarship donations can be mailed to
ODU Educational Foundation, Attention: Cathy Craft
Old Dominion University, 9000 BAL Hall
Norfolk, VA 23529.
Resources to help cope with domestic abuse can be found at www.samaritanhouseva.org. They can also be reached at their 24 hour crisis hotline at (757)-430-2120.
