Sold-out, stand-up crowd welcomes Hall

Posted by Emily Myers on September 17, 2014

Michael Hall offered the audience both challenge and comfort in the inaugural concert for the Kennett Symphony’s 74^th season. The challenge was in the first piece. Comfort was everywhere else.

Hall was warmly welcomed by a sold-out crowd at the Madeleine Wing Adler Theater at West Chester University Saturday September 13. The program opened with a sparkling Star-Spangled Banner.

Introducing the first piece, Hall described it as being modern but having the comfort of classical work. The work named “Postcard” was written by Frank Ticheli to memorialize the mother of a friend and colleague H. Robert Reynolds. Not a dirge, the piece is a celebration of a vibrant life.

Eliezer Gutman stepped out from Concertmaster to soloist for the Concerto No.1 in G Minor for Violin and Orchestra by Max Bruch. Symphony No. 4 in F Minor by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky filled the second half of the concert. The enthusiasm of the musicians toward their new conductor poured out of the piece punctuated with cymbals.

For the Kennett Symphony Executive Director Monica Buffington, the concert represented the result of a year of interview concerts searching for the Musical Director to replace retired Mary Woodmansee Green. “We could not be more grateful or more thrilled with the opening night concert! On behalf of the entire Kennett Symphony organization, we send our sincerest thanks to all who have welcomed our new Music Director, Michael Hall, so graciously and energetically to our community. There is more great music ahead, and we invite everyone to join us at a concert during this Symphonic Celebration season!”

“It truly was a memorable evening - filled with energy and magic that only Michael and these fabulous musicians could bring. Everyone in the house was smiling before, during and – especially, after!” according to Cheryl Kuhn, Executive Director of the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce. “A special thank you and shout out to Monica Buffington, Executive Director – you are awesome! I look forward to the next performance, and the next, and the next.”

Upcoming concerts are “Pops Goes the Holidays” December 6, “Childrens Concerts” March 1 and 8, Classical Music goes to the Movies, June 21 and “Opera Without Words” August 15. For tickets and more information to the web at www.kennettsymphony.org or call 610-444-6363.

"All the elements of a perfect concert came together Saturday night” according to well known local musician Tom Hoey. “In addition to his total command of the music, Michael Hall has a warm personality that endears him to both musicians and audience"

Challenge and comfort received standing ovations.

About Emily Myers

Emily Myers has lived and worked in Chadds Ford for over thirty five years. She founded the parent company of Chadds Ford Live, Decision Design Research, Inc., in 1982. ChaddsFordLive.com represents the confluence of Myers' long time, deep involvement in technology and community. Myers was a founding member of the Chadds Ford Business Association and currently serves on its board of directors. Her hobbies include bridge, golf, photography and Tai Chi. She lives with her husband, Jim Lebedda, in Chadds Ford Township.