The Kennett Symphony Orchestra and the Chester County Choral Society take their show on the road Saturday when they blend instruments and voices at Rustin High School in Westtown Township. The 100 musicians include 40 orchestra members and 60 chorale members. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.
“This concert features more musicians on stage," said Michael Hall, music director of the Kennett Symphony. "They are all very accomplished and have been preparing.”
The combination of voice with instruments, along with a sing-along, reflects Hall’s mission to create events that appeal to a wide range of people. The concert features popular songs like “Sleigh Ride” and the “Hallelujah Chorus” as well as lesser-known pieces.
“The program flows from strong pieces to quieter ones and includes straight-up carols,” said Hall.
For the sing-along portion of the concert, a medley of familiar songs will be performed with the words provided in the program.
Hall, a Kennett Square resident, is in his sixth season as music director for the symphony. In addition, he has just been named music director for the Prince George Symphony Orchestra in British Columbia, Canada. “It’s really nice being able to work with other orchestras when the Kennett Symphony isn’t playing,” he said.
While the Kennett Symphony is the only professional symphony orchestra in Chester County, the choral is an all-volunteer group. The group will be singing in both four- and eight-part harmony at the concert, according to Sue Drummond, president of the organization.
“We have local talent from all over Chester County and we range in age from 20 to 70 years old,” she said. “Gary Garletts, our artistic director, gets a wonderful quality sound out of the chorus.”
The two groups will be rehearsing together this week, fine-tuning their performances before Saturday’s concert. The chorus will be learning to respond to Hall’s conducting style.
“It’s very different singing with an orchestra versus only piano accompaniment,” said Drummond.
Both Hall and Drummond are enthusiastic about performing at Rustin. “It’s a great venue, with great acoustics, plenty of parking and easy to get to,” said Hall. Drummond agreed, “It’s a great auditorium, large with good acoustics.”
“Our ongoing challenge is to let people know they can hear great classical and holiday music right in their backyard. Once people know about us, they come back,” Hall said. The holiday concert, Pops Goes the Holidays, is appropriate for all ages, and, as Drummond added, “Come and see what you’re missing.”
Tickets and more information are available online at http://kennettsymphony.org/
About Karen Myers
Karen Myers lives in Pocopson Township and has written for several local publications. A strong supporter of our community, Karen has served on several non-profit boards, such as Pocopson Elementary PTO, The United Way of Southern Chester County, Chester County Art Association and Tick Tock Early Learning Center. She received her M.B.A. from the University of Delaware and worked in marketing and operations with a focus on banking.
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