🎼 Review: Cheshire Symphony Orchestra’s 40th Season Finale
Venue: St. Peter’s Church, 59 Main Street
Director: Dr. Hilarie Clark Moore
Theme: America’s 250th Anniversary Celebration
Richard Reggie Smith Research/Editor Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) 4.0
The Atmosphere
The pews at St. Peter’s were packed this past Friday night as our local orchestra celebrated two major milestones: their 40th Season and a musical nod to America’s 250th. The acoustics of the church provided a warm, resonant backdrop for a program that felt like a curated tour of the American spirit.
Musical Highlights
The repertoire was a "History Buff's" dream, featuring a diverse lineup of American composers:
The Powerhouse Openers: The night kicked off with Dudley Buck’s Festival Overture on “The Star Spangled Banner”, which set a grand tone. Morton Gould’s American Salute followed, bringing that familiar, brisk energy we’ve come to expect from Cheshire’s finest.
A Moment of Reflection: The performance of William Grant Still’s In Memoriam was a poignant standout—Still was the first African American composer to have a symphony performed
by a leading orchestra, and the CSO did his legacy justice with a sensitive, moving rendition.The Crowd-Pleasers: Florence Price’s Dances in the Canebrakes added a rhythmic, soulful flair to the evening, while the brass section truly shone during John Williams’ Summon the Heroes.
The Grand Finale: Closing with a medley from The Sound of Music, the orchestra sent the audience out into the Cheshire night humming along to favorites that everyone from 5 to 95 could appreciate.
The Verdict
For $15, you won't find a better cultural value in the 06410. Dr. Moore continues to lead this group with precision and a clear passion for the community. If you missed this one, make sure to keep an eye out for their summer appearances—Cheshire's musical heritage is in very capable hands.
Hitting a High Note: Join the Cheshire Symphony Orchestra
Whether you’re a high school student looking to sharpen your skills or a retiree dusting off a lifelong passion, the Cheshire Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is opening its doors. The ensemble is currently welcoming new volunteer musicians to join its ranks for a season of community and classical mastery.
Pull Up a Chair: Joining the Ensemble
While some regional groups, such as the South Cheshire Orchestra, prioritize pure enthusiasm without formal barriers, the CSO strikes a balance by seeking musicians who are dedicated to high-quality performance. If you have a passion for the craft, there is likely a place for you on the stage.
- Current Openings: The orchestra is particularly interested in expanding its string and
percussion sections. The Rehearsal Grind: Dedication is key. The ensemble gathers every Monday evening from 7:15 PM to 9:15 PM.
The Venue: Rehearsals are held at the historic St. Peter's Episcopal Church (59 Main Street), running through the full season from September to May.
Musical Range: Members should be ready to tackle a diverse repertoire, ranging from rigorous classical masterpieces to lighter pops arrangements.
Mark Your Calendars
The CSO typically anchors the local arts scene with four major performances a year, all held within the resonant acoustics of St. Peter's Episcopal Church.
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to bring your instrument out of the case, Monday night at St. Peter's is the place to be. For those who prefer to listen, keep an eye out for the announcement of the next season's schedule—it's a local tradition you won't want to miss.
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