2011

Sheila Swartzman, MD

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Sheila Swartzman, MD immigrated to the US in 1972.  Dr. Swartzman earned her MD at University of Witwatersrand Medical School, in Johannesburg, South Africa, and was a Fellow of Royal College of Physicians (FRCPC), at the University of Toronto, Canada (Anesthesiology).  Dr. Swartzman moved to San Antonio in 1979, and has made her home here ever since. She is a long time, avid supporter of the San Antonio Chamber Music Society, Tuesday Musical Club, Camerata San Antonio, Opera San Antonio, and Houston Grand Opera.  Dr. Swartzman was a founder and first Board President of Musical Bridges Around The World.  Currently, Dr. Swartzman is a Board Member of the San Antonio Symphony, the San Antonio International Piano Competition, as well as the Board President of the Cactus Pear Music Festival.  She is married to Dr. Kenneth Bloom, Pediatric Cardiologist, and Board Member of the San Antonio Chamber Music Society.  Together they have two children, Dianne and Rob.

2010

Dr. Gustavo J. Medellin

In 2001, Musical Bridges found a new patron in Dr Gustavo J. Medellin, who wanted to see Chamber Music performed "in chambers," as it was designed hundreds of years ago! Across Europe, music was performed in parlors and palaces before small, private audiences who loved the intimacy of a performance where the instruments and musicians were just a few feet away. There is nothing quite like it for a true musical experience!

Dr. Medellin created the Musica Viva series and has continuously sponsored its existence as his personal commitment to great music in San Antonio. The concerts are performed in beautiful homes around San Antonio four times a year. Along with great music, Musica Viva members enjoy great food and wine, along with the company of the performing artists and guests after the show.

While Musica Viva concerts are great entertainment, they also serve as a major fundraiser for Musical Bridges' other concert events. The revenues raised through Musica Viva memberships (priced at $750 for two adults) help to underwrite the cost of several free concerts offered to San Antonio residents and visitors year round.