Renowned musicians Julie Coucheron, Charae Krueger, and Holly Mulcahy are set to perform at Walker State Faith and Character Based Prison in a unique concert titled “There’s Always Room for Cello!” The event, scheduled for September 23, 2024, will bring the healing power of music to the prison residents, featuring works by Florence Price, Felix Mendelssohn, and Camille Saint-Saëns, among others.
Julie Coucheron, an internationally acclaimed pianist born in Oslo, Norway, began playing piano at the age of four and has since developed an illustrious career. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music in London with first-class honors, Ms. Coucheron has performed in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Wigmore Hall, and the Kennedy Center. She has collaborated with world-famous artists including Emanuel Ax, Yo-Yo Ma, and Elton John, and regularly appears at prominent festivals around the globe. Currently, she serves as the Artistic Director of the Fjord Cadenza festival in Norway and the Kon Tiki Chamber Music Festival in Oslo.
Charae Krueger, a celebrated cellist, is the Principal Cellist for the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra and the Atlanta Opera Orchestra. She is also a Senior Lecturer and Artist in Residence at Kennesaw State University. Ms. Krueger’s performances have graced iconic stages such as Carnegie Hall and Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, and she has shared the stage with music legends like The Eagles, The Who, and Bruce Springsteen. Her commitment to chamber music is reflected in her frequent performances with the Atlanta Chamber Players and other esteemed ensembles.
Holly Mulcahy, the visionary Executive Director of Arts Capacity, is known for her dynamic performances as a violinist and her dedication to the transformative power of music. Currently serving as Concertmaster for the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, Holly is passionate about performing contemporary works by living American composers. Her commitment to bringing music to underserved communities led her to found Arts Capacity, a nonprofit organization that focuses on delivering live chamber music and art experiences to prisons, fostering emotional growth and rehabilitation.
The concert at Walker State Prison is particularly significant as it celebrates the recent donation of cellos to the prison’s growing music program. Originally a violin class, the program has expanded to include other string instruments, fostering a vibrant community of musical learning and expression among the residents.
“There’s Always Room for Cello!” will not only showcase the talents of these world-class artists but also serve as a powerful reminder of music’s ability to heal and inspire. Through this special performance, residents will experience the transformative impact of live music, encouraging hope and personal growth.
About Arts Capacity
Arts Capacity is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to bringing live music, art, and cultural experiences to underserved communities, particularly within the prison system. Founded by Holly Mulcahy, Arts Capacity aims to inspire and heal through the arts, fostering emotional and character development in individuals preparing to reenter society.