6 minute read
The Kennett Symphony: Music to your ears
The Kennett Symphony:
Music to your ears
By Gene Pisasale Contributing Writer
People who have lived in Chester County for many years may not know that we have our own orchestra. The Kennett Symphony is the only one in the county and it has pleased audiences for more than 80 years, yet it is not widely recognized.
Why is that? One reason might be the perception that the symphony only plays music that you would hear at an organ recital. Another misconception may be that the music performed is all 200 years old and not appreciated by people today. Another reason might even be that families with children would not care for the selections performed. All of these are largely incorrect misperceptions which many people have about the repertoire of most orchestras today.
The Kennett Symphony was formed in 1940 as a volunteer organization by Dr. Duer Reynolds and Ray Lyman Ott. Ott was its conductor for 20 years, from 1940 to 1960. Over the years, the group became better known through a series of concerts around the region. Their website states that the symphony has been dedicated to “…producing quality symphonic music…” with a concert series that “…offers innovative, first-class programming in an approachable environment that is electric.” Now, don’t assume that “electric” means ear-splitting electric Photos courtesy of the Kennett Symphony guitars. The symphoA Kennett Symphony brass musician during a performance. ny performs a wide range of classical, Broadway-themed and popular music, the caliber of which will please young and old alike.
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The Music is Back for the 2022-2023 season.
The Kennett Symphony approaches each new season in an attempt to engage audiences and inspire them to appreciate some of the greatest musical works ever created, gems from a repertoire which digs deep into the history of classical music, going back to Bach, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky. The Symphony has a commitment to interact with the music-loving public in unique ways, “…from concerts throughout the community to music themed 5K races.” As noted on their website, they also conduct educational programs with young artist competitions, a children’s chorus and ‘instrument zoo’. Their main message: “We perform. We engage. We enrich.”
Local symphonic music lovers will remember Mary Woodmansee Green, who dedicated more than two decades of her life to the Kennett Symphony. At the end of her 25th anniversary season with the Kennett Symphony, Green stepped down in August of 2012 as the symphony launched a search for her replacement. Under Woodmansee’s long and creative tenure, the Symphony moved from a community orchestra with a mixture of volunteers and paid professionals to a fully staffed professional orchestra serving the southern Chester County region. The Symphony
Kennett Symphony Music Director Michael Hall.
website states that she offered a wide range of imaginative programming, with commentary from the podium that enriched the musical experience and understanding for all those in attendance.
Under Woodmansee’s direction, the symphony had its first sold-out concerts, added its first professional manager, initiated the Kennett Symphony Children’s Chorus and established a vital education program with its annual Instrumental and Voice Competitions as well as annual Children’s Concerts.
Green presented world premieres and composers introducing their own works, featuring world-renowned performers, outstanding first chair players and emerging artists as soloists. She integrated opera, dance and fine art into orchestra concerts and promoted international goodwill with the onstage appearances of senior foreign diplomats.
After a 17-month review process, the search for a replacement for Woodmansee yielded fruit with the hiring of Michael Hall as Music Director, beginning with the 2014- 2015 season.
Said Paul Merluzzi, formerly on the board of directors: “Michael brings a wealth of orchestral
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experience to the KSCC and our community, and we are fortunate to have him join us. His artistic vision, commitment to orchestral performance at the highest level, and welcoming, engaging personality are the perfect fit for the KSCC and our community at this very exciting time in our orchestra’s development.”
The search for a new music director was a painstaking, yet successful effort in which over 100 candidates were interviewed from around the country and internationally. Hall’s background is impressive, including guest appearances with the Houston, Toronto and Vancouver Symphony Orchestras. Hall was formerly Music Director of the Southwest Florida Symphony from 2007 to 2012. He has been praised for his “…drive, artistic excellence, innovative thematic programming, and collaborations with celebrated guest artists…” which resulted in “…unprecedented artistic growth, audience praise, and enthusiastic reviews.”
This author has had the pleasure of seeing many concerts
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performed by the Kennett Symphony. They were all wonderful musical experiences. One particular concert stands out, held at Longwood Gardens, during which the orchestra performed segments from George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. Those who know Gershwin appreciate that he achieved something special: a delicate melding of jazz with classical music. Gershwin formed a new genre, very approachable to the average person, as it combined elements of popular music with the classical style. In the last 50 years, numerous orchestras around the world have performed Gershwin’s pieces, to great fanfare, pleasing audiences of all ages. The Kennett Symphony’s performance of his work was superb, and was met with thunderous applause.
So, whether you enjoy strictly classical music or performances of popular pieces, give the Kennett Symphony a try. You’ll come away with an enhanced appreciation for not only music, but the “finer things in life.”
Gene Pisasale is an historian, author and lecturer based in Kennett Square. His ten books focus on the Chester County/mid-Atlantic region. His latest book is Forgotten Founding Fathers: Pennsylvania and Delaware in the American Revolution. Gene’s books are available on his website at www. GenePisasale.com and also on www.Amazon. com. He can be reached via e-mail at Gene@ GenePisasale.com.
