Painted cellos in 'cello-bration' of orchestra

MOLINE, Ill. - It involves painted cellos and world renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma. It's what one organizer calls "a cello-bration."

The (Moline) Dispatch reports that the Quad City Symphony Orchestra plans to showcase 100 artistically painted cellos to raise $100,000. It's all part of festivities to mark the orchestra's 100th birthday.

Cello virtuoso Yo-Yo Ma will give a concert May 14 at the Adler Theatre. The same day, 10 of the decorated cellos will be sold off at an auction. The rest will be sponsored at $1,000 apiece by individuals and businesses.

The Volunteers for Symphony group is helping with arrangements. Its co-president, Mary Kae Waytenick, dubs the next five-month effort a "cello-bration."

The money raised will help fund music education programs for area schools.