RENO --  More than 100 music students from the Washoe County School District (WCSD) will receive free tickets to hear acclaimed violinist Itzhak Perlman in concert on Feb. 14, thanks to a donation from Christine Kelly, owner of Sundance Books and Music. The donation was facilitated by Artown, and the tickets are worth approximately $5,000.

“We know the school district has been challenged by this tough economy and that times are lean,” said Kelly. “But there is so much talent and earnestness out there among our music students, and we are happy to help them attend this concert.”

“I think to be able to see a world class musician like Itzhak Perlman is amazing for someone who wants to pursue music and art as a profession,” said Dave Aiazzi, a member of the Artown Board of Directors and the Washoe County School District Board of Trustees. “To see him in person means everything to these kids.”

One hundred and six orchestra students from across WCSD will attend the concert at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, which features violinist Perlman and pianist Rohan De Silva.

“We are just so delighted to help make this possible for students,” said Kelly. “I was fortunate enough to attend the Yo Yo Ma concert last year, and it was an amazing experience to see such excellence and grace. We wanted our young musicians to have that same opportunity