Rudolph a no-show, but music a delight

Posted by Emily Myers on December 8, 2014

Surprises punctuated the performance of the Kennett Symphony Orchestra Saturday night. For many area residents, the December concert held at Kennett High School starts the holiday season. The program read as one might expect as the holidays approach with seasonal medleys, "Nutcracker Suite," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Skater’s Waltz," and so on.

The audience sat back to enjoy. The first orchestral piece was followed by a choral arrangement of "Hansel and Gretel," sung by the Kennett Symphony Children’s Chorus. Flowing in from both sides, the singers filled the stage. They ranged from kindergarten to 12th grade. Some looked as though they were up past their bedtimes, but all faithfully performed.

The concert then proceeded to selections from Tchaikovsky’s "Nutcracker Suite." Suddenly, when the Arabian Dance began, a dancer appeared on stage. Dressed as a genie, Lauren Frere mimed the sinewy motion of the music.

The next selection was the Russian Dance, "Trepak," with Cossacks on stage with their acrobatic dance performed by Alex Buckner and John Brewer. They were joined by the Sugar Plum Princess danced by Emily Shenaut. The dancers are from First State Ballet. Their full performance of the "Nutcracker" will be held Saturday December 21 and 22. For more information go to http://www.firststateballet.com/

In the audience was Tom Hoey, a professional musician and conductor from West Chester. He commented that the “'Nutcracker' selections were so perfectly played, with every nuance in place. Tchaikovsky himself could have been on the podium! 'Skaters Waltz' was impeccably rendered. The use of harmonics in the violin section was absolutely perfect. Rhythmic syncopation of the ensemble was flawless. This was an audience favorite!”

Kennett Symphony Children's Chorus performs at intermission

During intermission the Children’s Chorus sang in the lobby of the school. The area was buzzing with activity with the food collection for the Kennett Area Food Cupboard.

After intermission the program began, or was supposed to begin, with "Rudolph the Red-Nosed-Reindeer." To Hall’s chagrin, Rudolph didn’t show up for the performance. Fortunately, Rudolph left his hoof-shaped tap shoes on the stage, allowing Hall to put his fingers into the shoes and tap out the performance.

Younger members of the audience and chorus were glad they stayed around because Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus made an appearance at the end of the show. They led the audience in a carol sing and then gave out candy canes.

According to Executive Director Monica Buffington, ticket sales were up 20 percent from last year. “Michael Hall’s energy and enthusiasm for the Kennett Symphony is boundless,” she said.

Hoey agreed. “The Kennett Symphony Holiday Concert was awesome! Just the right blend of classical and popular Christmas music pleased everyone," Hoey said. "Michael Hall and the orchestra received a well-deserved, extended standing ovation. Bravo and Merry Christmas!”

Q & A with Ann Fontenella (violinist), Eileen Keller (Choral Director) Michael Hall (Conductor) and Malcom McDuffee (Trumpet)

After the concert, Hall was joined by Ann Fontenella (violinist), Eileen Keller (Choral Director) and Malcom McDuffee (Trumpet) for a question-and-answer session. Dozens of concert-goers headed toward the stage as the rest of the audience left for their cars.

“How do you get the bows to all go the same way? Is it written down?” Yes, the direction of the bows is orchestrated. The conductor and Concertmaster Eliezer Gutman decide on how the phrasing should go for each phrase in each piece, specifying which notes are stroked up and which down.

“Where does the chorus practice?” The chorus is in residence at West Chester University under the direction of Eileen Keller. Singers selected by audition practice once a week.

“What is on Santa’s wish list for the Kennett Symphony?” All weighed in on the future of Kennett Symphony. Most of the musicians expressed interest in expanding the variety of offerings in the musical programming. Fontenella thinks the resources at Curtis Institute might contribute to the orchestra.

Hall clearly wants to encourage community participation shown by the carol sing and the Q & A. “The groundswell of support from the community and the dedication of the board, staff and musicians has gone beyond my expectations.” he said.

The Q&As will continue as Hall leads the KSO into a new era. For information about upcoming concerts, go to http://www.kennettsymphony.org/

Rudolph was a no-show, but delight showed up throughout the evening.

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.