Three Artists, One Vision: A Tenor, Pianist, and Interpreter

As the sun set behind the Cairnwood Estate on August 15th, guests at the McCartney Foundation’s inaugural gala were already expecting a night of fine music. Few, however, anticipated witnessing a concert that would blur the line between performance and translation, where sound itself seemed to take shape in the air.

The evening’s private concert featured renowned opera tenor Stephen Costello, one of the best tenors in the world, and Min Kwon, a Steinway Artist, acclaimed pianist and educator whose career spans solo, concerto, and chamber performances across 60+ countries. Costello, just having finished a round of performances at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City, has performed in some of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, and has been called the “All-American tenor” by the Associated Press. Kwon, an accomplished pianist, Juilliard doctoral graduate and professor of music at Rutgers University, accompanied him in playing songs from Costello’s soon to be released album featuring a tribute to Mario Lanza, and favorites such as Danny Boy, You’ll Never Walk Along and the Lord’s Prayer.

What made their stunning performance unforgettable, though, was the presence of Brandice Mazic, an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, positioned just beside the stage. All eyes were on her. With each sweeping phrase of Costello’s aria, the interpreter’s hands carved arcs that matched the rise and fall of his voice. When the pianist leaned into a gentle passage, the interpreter softened into delicate, fluttering gestures. She breathed air into the music with her movements. The music was not only heard—it was seen, embodied, and shared.

“I’ve never experienced opera like that,” one guest remarked afterward. “The interpreter wasn’t just translating words, they were dancing the lyrics.”

The collaboration became a metaphor for the evening’s mission: inclusion. What began as a performance of sound transformed into a performance of positive vibrations and connection, reminding the audience why the McCartney Foundation’s work is so vital. Throughout the evening, McCartney Foundation President, Norm Veit, discussed with the audience the mission of the foundation which was founded in honor of the late Dr. Brian McCartney, a deaf educator, who was the first deaf superintendent for the Michigan School for the Deaf. Veit shared the foundations mission to support four key areas in helping the deaf and hard of hearing: educational programs, family and individual mentorship programs, summer deaf camps, and job training and placement. Representatives from the Deaf Hearing Communications Centre and the Marist Brothers Center, beneficiaries of the Foundation, also spoke about the work and services they provide for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the importance of the partnerships they share with the McCartney Foundation.

“Without the McCartney Foundation, we wouldn’t be able to continue supporting these bright young minds,” commented a representative from the Marist Brothers Center. “For us, inclusion means more than access—it means ensuring that every child, regardless of hearing ability, feels valued, respected, and part of a community where their gifts can shine.”

On the terrace of the Cairwood Estate, three artists—a pianist, a tenor, and an interpreter—offered a glimpse of what belonging can feel like when music moves through every channel available: the ear, the eye, and the heart.

About the McCartney Foundation

The McCartney Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, is steadfast in its mission to support the deaf and hard of hearing community, as well as fostering inclusivity and equal opportunity. The Foundation is actively looking for volunteers and welcomes

donations . Please contact Norm Veit for more information (nveit@mccartneyfoundation.org).