Musical Bridges Around the World is proud to announce the recipients of its honorary 2014 awards!
Dr. Yurii & Elena Borshch have become a leading light in the San Antonio arts and music patronage scene. Because of their dedication and support, San Antonio audiences have been given access to world class music performances free of charge. In immeasurable ways, they have provided both inspiration and financial support to improve San Antonio’s cultural scene.
Dr. Yurii Borshch obtained his Fellowship in Pain Management and completed his residency in Anesthesiology at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He later practiced as an assistant professor and Chronic Pain Clinic Director at The Department of Anesthesiology at Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada for seven years, and in private practice for three years in upstate New York. Before moving to North America, Dr. Borshch practiced as a general surgeon in the former USSR.
Mary Kathryn Archuleta holds a B.A. in Psychology/Music Education from the University of Colorado. A nationally recognized leader and author in Adaptive Music Education, she has devoted nearly 50 years to students with special needs. As founder and Executive Director of Dreams Fulfilled Through Music, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the joy of music to those with special needs, Ms. Archuletas life has been dedicated to customizing and adapting traditional music education materials and equipment to meet the needs of her specially challenged students. Her teaching career began in Boulder, Colorado where she resided until 1984, when she moved to San Antonio, TX. During her 47 years of teaching accordion and piano lessons, she has taught not only students with special learning needs, but also students who are college bound music majors in her own private music studio. This unique mix of students of all levels of ability enables her to offer a wide range of activities, performances and competitions that meet every individual need. She currently resides in San Antonio with her daughter where she continues to teach and serve as a coauthor/consultant for the Pre-Primer Level of the Theory Time Reporducible Series of music theory materials.
Elizabeth Friedman has become a symbol of San Antonio hospitality in the eyes of Musical Bridges International artists. Elizabeth’s big soul, beautiful house and wonderful family took our famous artists under their wing. Many creative one-of-a-kind performances and collaborations were formed in Elizabeth’s living room and professional chef kitchen. She has become a invaluable asset to our organization; hosting musicians from all over the world and taking care of them as if they were family. Her tireless volunteering and quiet determination has touched many lives, young and old. We would like to express our gratitude for the vital role she has played in making every concert a great success!
The Outstanding Volunteer Award was founded in 2009 in memory of Musical Bridges dear friend and Board Member Sharon Romer.