Making Music in the Brandywine Valley EXPLORE OUR REGION’S MUSIC SCENE THIS SEASON AND BEYOND Elizabeth Hughes
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PHOTO CREDIT: SKYLER COLE
HE BRANDYWINE VALLEY IS KNOWN FOR charming towns, pastoral countryside and scenic vistas. It’s also home to a vibrant arts scene, including a very busy music community. From student groups to professional orchestras, the performing arts are thriving in our area. As the end of the year approaches, many local ensembles are gearing up for fall and holiday concerts, making it the perfect time to discover a new favorite. Here are just a few of the talented groups — symphony and pops orchestras, as well as early music ensembles — bringing music to the region, along with their upcoming performances.
eral performances throughout the year, including a patriotic concert in July and the fan-favorite Halloween Series. The Chesco Pops are getting ready for two holiday concerts in December. The first show is at First Presbyterian Church of West Chester on December 8, and the second show on December 10 is at Phoenixville Area Middle School, where guests are asked to donate nonperishable food. Both performances include a variety of old and new holiday favorites, featured vocalists and a special appearance by Santa Claus. For tickets and more performances, visit ChescoPops.org.
SYMPHONY AND POPS ORCHESTRAS
The Delaware Symphony Orchestra has a long and storied history, dating back to the early 19th century when it was founded as Alfred I. du Pont’s Tankopanicum Orchestra (meaning “the rushing waters of the Brandywine River”). Delaware’s only professional orchestra brings symphonic music to thousands with Classics and Chamber Series performances, as well as special family-friendly performances and community outreach programs. The DSO’s 118th season features a diverse lineup of artists and repertoire that audiences of all ages can enjoy. Next up in the Classics Series (featuring the full orchestra) is “¡Música Bravo!,” featuring Argentinian-Italian conductor Michelle Di Russo. This concert
The Brandywine Valley has a number of talented orchestras, both symphonies and pops. While symphony orchestras tend to focus on classical music, pops orchestras have a wider repertoire, including popular music and show tunes. Here’s what’s new with some of our local orchestras.
CHESTER COUNTY POPS ORCHESTRA Comprised of 65 musicians from across the county, the Chester County Pops Orchestra has brought a pops, jazz and light-classic repertoire to southeastern Pennsylvania since 2005. They have sev28
County Lines | November 2023 | CountyLinesMagazine.com
DELAWARE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
