Sounds of the Season
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 75th anniversary this month. Learn how you can celebrate with the Symphony all season long.
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The Springfield Symphony Orchestra is ready to celebrate. Since 1934, the Symphony has worked hard to establish a viable arts presence in the community, and lucky for us, they want to celebrate their 75th anniversary in the way only a symphony can. This year’s season is entitled “A Season to Celebrate—Springfield Symphony 75 Years.” Read on to learn how you can partake in the musical festivities.
Triple the Talent
To kick off the Symphony’s anniversary season on September 19, the first show—The Three Maestros—features not one conductor but three. Ron Spigelman, who first took on the role of music director in 2004, will partner with two of the Symphony’s former music directors: Apo Hsu and Charles Bontrager. “[The Symphony] started as a group of musicians with talent who got together and played concerts,” says Spigelman. “Now we’re a group that’s part of Springfield’s economic growth engine that spreads the joy of music throughout the city.”
The performance also features 23-year-old cellist Madeleine Kabat, who won the 2009 Hellam Young Artists’ Competition. Music for the classical show includes selections such as Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme, and the world premiere of Fanfare, a piece specially commissioned by local composer Carlyle Sharpe. “Every concert has a lot of anticipation and excitement behind it,” says Spigelman. “We’re looking forward to giving more concerts to the community.”
Double the Arts
In addition to partnering with former conductors, the Symphony’s entire season features original works of art commissioned by local artists, including Brad Noble, Renée Alyson, Jane Troup, Robert Smith, Sophie Parker, Bill Armstrong, Kate Baird, Debra Sutherland and Kathleen Allie. Each work of art has been inspired by the Symphony and all of the pieces will be auctioned off in an ongoing silent auction throughout the season. “The idea is to celebrate community artists and their contribution,” says Spigelman. “Once the music stops playing, there’s still this work of art celebrating the music.”b The Symphony’s endowment campaign and the artists will split the proceeds from the artwork.
The season also welcomes back the popular free Christmas matinee and the new Spooky Symphony, a free Halloween show in the Central High School auditorium that includes trick-or-treating, a costume contest and plenty of prizes. Musical selections include pieces from films such as Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, Spider-Man, The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and more.
Springfield Symphony Orchestra Season Line-up
September 19, 2009: The Three Maestros
September 27, 2009: Hymn Sing with Messiah Project: Heritage of Hymns Concert in Memory of Larry Dalton
October 17, 2009: The Sounds of Satchmo! A Tribute to Louis Armstrong
October 31, 2009: Spooky Symphony
November 14, 2009: Tripping the Light Fantasia
December 12, 2009: Home for the Holidays
January 16, 2010: American Dreamscapes
February 13, 2010: Gold for Your Valentine
March 20, 2010: Ancient Splendor
April 10, 2010: String Sing
May 15, 2010: Five by Design
Visit springfieldmosymphony.org or call 417-864-6683.
