By Samuel Strait – September 12, 2022 On Sunday afternoon nearly 200 local citizens crowded the newly refurbished auditorium at Crescent Elk to listen to an exceptional performance of classical music from cellist Thomas Mesa and pianist Ilya Yakushev. Ranging from Beethoven to Rachmaninoff this scintillating duo kept the audience focused on the performance unfolding before them for nearly two hours of listening bliss. Granted not everyone favors classical music in this community, yet this pair of accomplished musicians were well worth the time and effort for a truly pleasurable afternoon of auditory euphoria. We do not often get the opportunity to experience something that may not be within our comfort zone, and classical music may be outside that zone for many in the community. The Del Norte-Curry Community Concert Association has made such an experience both painless and free. The opportunity to receive world class music from exceptionally talented performers is an occasion not to be missed. Skills of this caliber do not frequent our humble community and often require miles of travel at great expense. As such, it was truly a delight to have this opportunity at our very door step. These fine musicians graced the public with their extraordinary talents and continue their gift to the community by performing for our children tomorrow before leaving for Grants Pass to perform on Tuesday. For those that could not attend the local performance, Grants Pass is but a short drive away. After a two year hiatus for Community Concerts, it is a welcoming sight to see it return to Crescent City. Three additional free concerts will round out the year's schedule, October 17th, 2022, March 17th, 2023, and May 5th, 2023. If they are as wonderful as the first by Ilya Yakushev and Thomas Mesa, it will truly be a magical return by Community Concerts.