Where would Ensemble Eclectica! be without the Goodwins?
Where would Ensemble Eclectica! be without the Goodwins?
By Grace Antonucci & Anna Gatch
Dick and Winifried (“Winkie”) Goodwin
Dick and Winifred (better known as Winkie) Goodwin have shared their creativity and artistic talents with the organization since its inception in 2016, Dick's amazing arranging and composition skills and Winkie's incredible piano expertise, have certainly played a role in the success of Ensemble Eclectica!.
To wit, Winkie has performed as a pianist twice with Ensemble Eclectica!: once in the 2018 production, We Could Have Danced All Night! and in the 2019 production Around the World in 80 Minutes. Dick's original composition, Dessau Dances was performed in 2017 at Ensemble Eclectica!s Premiere: Dinner Theater. He also created four arrangements for the 2018 performance,·We Could Have Danced All Night! "I have really enjoyed composing and arranging music for Ensemble Eclectica! because the players that Dr. Pavlovsky has lined up are very talented, and I also know them and their technical capabilities," Dick exclaimed. “Performing with Ensemble Eclectica was different, but fun because we are not separated from the audience," Winifred said. "Artistic and Music Director Suzanna Pavlovsky is a very hard worker and wants a good product, and Ensemble Eclectica is delivering."
The couple found the idea of different elements of the arts woven into a single performance fascinating. They are both very appreciative of being involved in the productions that Ensemble Eclectica! has created.
The Goodwins are not new faces to Columbia audiences. Both were involved in the University of South Carolina's School of Music which, coincidentally, is where they first met. Prior to coming to Columbia in 1973 to establish the doctoral program in music composition, Dick had been teaching at The University of Texas at Austin for about 10 years. Since first combining their talents, they have both been very involved in the arts in South Carolina. Their tremendous contributions can be found throughout Columbia's art scene, evidenced by their involvement in diverse arts groups; and their artistic versatility has made them favorites with many audiences in Columbia and beyond.
The Goodwins explain how important the arts are for the community and how it is especially important to support the Columbia arts during the pandemic. “We need to support our own. We need a thriving arts scene because it's important for a city's (cultural) development,”· Winifred exclaimed. “One would be more attracted to a place that has a thriving arts community, whether that's the performing arts, visual arts, everything!" The benefits of the arts during difficult times can be seen in improved mental health, reduced stress, and even growth of the communities.
Hence, supporting the arts, particularly local arts, has become more important than ever. Because of their busy schedules, sometimes it is hard for the couple to find time to make music together, but they continue the tradition of playing together as they have been for years. "We both are usually on fairly fast tracks, so we very often get our calendars out and say, 'I'll save the first Thursday in July if you will," Dick explained. It's not unusual for their neighbors to come sit by their house and listen in on their music making. The Goodwins are indeed, a special couple and a dynamic duo! And, we are hopeful that in the not too distant future they will once again be able to join us as part of the Ensemble Eclectica! family!
