When 33-year-old Roumanian pianist Mihaela Ursuleasa died suddenly of a cerebral hemorrhage, musicians and music lovers alike mourned the too-soon passing of a rising star. Â Now, those who wish to mark her passing in a tangible way have taken it upon themselves to make certain that more than just her music is remembered.
Young pianist Mihaela Ursuleasa was the single mother of a 7-year-old daughter, Stefanie, who has gone to live with her grandmother Agripina.  A fund has been established to aid in her support.  Her mother's affairs are being handled by Bernhard Kerres.  (bernhard@kerres.com)
In a report filed by Norman Lebrecht, he stated that "many from all corners of the music world â artists, festivals, promoters â are looking out for her future and have contributed to a fund that has raised, so far, a remarkable 30,000 Euros." The video above is from her last performance in June of 2012. Read Tragic death of young pianist (Slipped Disc)
 Nine Denver Institutions to Share $57 Million Bond Windfall
A Denver bond initiative has turned into an unexpected source of funds for several Denver arts organizations. It also pitted one organization against another as they battled to have a shot at money to fund everything from building renovations to a pedestrian bridge to help get patrons across a busy thoroughfare to the Denver Performing Arts Center. Maybe this is a sign that the support-pendulum has begun to swing back the other way when it comes to helping cultural institutions in the U.S. Read Nine Denver Institutions to Share $57 Million Bond Windfall (denverpost.com)
Random Acts of Culture Continue to Pop Up
There is something about a flash mob which can unite a crowd in a matter of seconds. Â The Knight Foundation has been sponsoring Random Acts of Culture for 2 years, hiding tenors in show departments, sopranos in restaurant lines, and clarinets in the canned foods. Â It also might be the first time I've seen a strolling pianist! Read The five best - and worst - moments from 1,000 Random Acts of Culture (Knight Foundation) Watch a Random Act of Culture at Whole Foods in Miami Beach http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yzo3alLODkc