Symphony of the mountainS Renews Contract for Music Director

Dr. Chris Neglia, Board Chair of Symphony of the Mountains has announced a five-year extension to music director Cornelia Laemmli Orth’s contract:

“We are fortunate to have someone so talented and personable continue at the helm of our organization. Swiss-born, Cornelia has been with the Symphony of the Mountains for 16 years. She has become a beloved figure in our region which extends from the Tri-Cities into Southwest Virginia and Western North Carolina. As a conductor she has artfully promoted and incorporated the music of our area into the symphony orchestra hall. She has attracted Grammy winning composers and musicians from all over the country, building Symphony of the Mountains into an orchestra comparable to those of much-bigger cities. She has created a ‘hidden gem’ nestled in the Appalachian Mountains.”

Attending a symphony orchestra performance can be quite intimidating for the uninitiated, but Cornelia immediately places concert goers at ease. She will often take time to explain a musical piece in lay terms, providing an instructional guide very reminiscent of the famous American conductor Leonard Bernstein. All appreciate her artistry and exuberance on stage. And although a superstar, she will always be found in the audience afterwards easily and equally accessible to all fans from grade school patrons to long time symphony donors.

She has attracted highly talented professional musicians to the Symphony of the Mountains orchestra. Musicians want to play for her and many of our core orchestra drive in for rehearsals and performances from as far away as Knoxville, TN, Boone and Asheville, NC, and Charlottesville, VA. Maybe it is her Swiss DNA that keeps multiple parts running smoothly, but it is her musical vision which maintains such a high-caliber orchestra and the Symphony of the Mountains’ artistic excellence.

Cornelia’s greatest musical legacy may, however, not be on the podium, but in the community. Much of her role with Symphony of the Mountains is outside of the concert hall enriching our communities through musical entertainment and education. She is involved in education in the local schools not only nurturing aspiring musicians but fostering music appreciation for all. She has also astutely recognized the importance of music in transcending people’s lives and social situations, securing grants and donations for free community concerts as well as free student tickets for all Symphony of the Mountains performances. Cornelia also launched the orchestra’s ‘Paths to Dignity’ program sending musicians into shelters and food banks to bring music to all.”

Peter the Wolf e and Family Concert

Symphony of the Mountains will celebrate its Music Director at the Venetian Gala April 29 at the Marriott MeadowView Convention Center in Kingsport. Entitled Benvenuti in Italia!, the 14th Annual Evening of Musical & Epicurean Delights will feature a six-course dinner with wine pairings followed by dancing with the Fred Goodwin band. A symphony string quartet will play in addition to other musical offerings. Funds will be raised for the continuing efforts of Symphony of the Mountains through both a silent and live auction. The Symphony Gala is considered by many to be the most elegant event in the region. Tickets for the event are $150 and are available through the Sym phony of the Mountains Box Office at (423) 392-8423 or online