Kennett Symphony’s new digs and Pop Up Art

Posted by Lora B. Englehart on November 5, 2018

Members of the community gather to cut the ribbon in front of the Kennett Symphony office

Dana Allaband plays for passers by at Kennett Symphony office on First Friday

The Kennett Symphony chose a great night, the November 2nd First Friday Art Stroll, to celebrate its one-year anniversary at its 206 East State Street headquarters. The weather was mild, with a change in temperature in the air, which complemented the excitement at Symphony headquarters. Standing near the entrance, violinist Dana Allaband entertained as guests drifted into the reception. Kennett Symphony and Southern Chester County Chamber board members arrived early for a 5:00 pm official ribbon cutting. Music director Michael Hall, casually dressed in a plaid sports shirt and slacks, mingled with the crowd.

Executive Director Monica Buffington proudly shared some of the new facility’s advantages. “Being on a main artery into town has been great for us,” she declared. “We have great visibility." Buffington pointed out the commercial display window as a huge plus. “It’s easy for people to come in and ask questions about our programs or buy concert tickets,” she continued. We plan to create dramatic displays for every season and for every concert. Pedestrians walking by and traffic passing by on State Street can easily see us.” she enthused.

Caitlin Kelley is Director of Programming for Pop Up Art KSQ

Maestro Hall is excited about the Symphony’s upcoming concerts and new community outreach programs scheduled for the 2018-2019 season. “One I am really excited about is scheduled for a small audience at the Mendenhall Inn. The orchestra will play one symphony to people unfamiliar with the symphony concert experience, and we will describe the piece as we go,” he explained.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in Kennett, during the Expanded Art Stroll, a mix of student art and art by established Philadelphia and Wilmington contemporary artists was on display in four diverse locations. “Pop up art KSQ,” the brainchild of friends Caroline Roosevelt, Caitlin Kelley and Aaron Morgan, is a great addition to the First Friday Art Stroll. While supporting emerging artists, guests can also talk with the artists and purchase artwork.

About Lora B. Englehart

Lora has a passion for art, gardening, yoga, music and dancing. She continues to research the life of locally born abolitionist and 1998 National Women's Hall of Fame inductee Mary Ann Shadd Cary. She is a dedicated community volunteer, working with the American Association of University Women, Wilmington, DE branch (programs chair), Chadds Ford Historical Society (former board member) and Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art. Lora lives in Birmingham Township with her husband Bill and son Brad. Daughter Erika lives in Pittsburgh with husband Bob and baby Wilhelmina. She is a former French, Spanish and ESL teacher, bilingual life insurance underwriter and public relations coordinator for Delaware Art Museum and Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art.