A Full Range of Sounds and Emotions
On Wednesday (3/22/2017) the Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Douglas Meyer, performed music of Mozart, Prokofiev and Rossini for the The State College Friends School K-8 students. This was one stop on our 2017 series of visits to six area elementary schools, a project supported by SHEETZ, The State College Kiwanis, Gordon Wells, and Anne and Lynn Hutcheson.
A message from our soloist, Claudia Schaer
I am very excited to perform with the wonderful Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra and Yaniv Attar this Sunday, collaborating on one of my favorite works of all.
The Beethoven concerto has always been in my mind one of, if not the most sublime work, certainly for the violin, and perhaps at all. It speaks to me of hope and truth and all that's beautiful in the world, not with naiveté, but taking into account all that transpires. When I was a child, I remember my excellent teacher, Dr. Lise Elson, saying that it is a concerto to play after one is thirty; one simply isn't mature enough for it beforehand. Beethoven wrote it when he was thirty-five - now, I'm not sure if I want to betray my age (which is indeed very close to his) but I think I finally feel that I may have enough life-experience to qualify to play it. The form of the piece, as well as the themes and musical lines themselves, are in a way so simple - one could say almost just scales and arpeggios - but how they are varied, orchestrated, put together is so rich and full of meaning - perhaps that is why. Knowing that the concerto was written just a few years after the Heiligenstadt Testament, in which Beethoven contemplates but ultimately rejects suicide, finding meaning in Art, I can add a possible historical meaning to my feeling that the concerto is immensely life-affirming, despite all hardships; reaching joy despite grief and despair.
I am greatly looking forward to share this experience with you.
Yours sincerely,
Claudia
Message from Maestro Attar
I am extremely pleased to enter my second year as Music Director of the Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra; the passion and dedication of our musicians is a constant inspiration to me!
I am thrilled to present this season of noteworthy musical intersections: classical standards, mixed with lesser known works; our outstanding musicians, sharing the stage with international virtuosos, right here in beautiful State College.
I am especially excited about the soloists who will join us for our concerts this year: Canadian violinist Claudia Schaer, Israeli clarinetist Moran Katz, and local artists James Lyon and Timothy Shafer in a double concerto for violin and piano.
The Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra is your own jewel in State College. I am so excited to stand on the podium for each concert; the combined energy from the musicians and you in the audience is truly magical. It is an honor to share this musical journey and I hope to see you all at our concerts.
Musically Yours,
Yaniv Attar
Music Director
Seven Mountains Summer Music Fest
The Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra
Yaniv Attar, Music Director
Presents the 7th Annual
Seven Mountains Summer Music Fest
At Seven Mountains Wine Cellars
Located on Decker Valley Road, just one mile off of US Route 322 between Lewistown and State College, Pennsylvania.
GPS users try 324 Decker Valley Road, Spring Mills PA 16875
Featuring the Curtin Street Chamber Players
Sunday, July 24, 2016
Hors d’oeuvres will be served at 2 pm. Wine is available for purchase by the glass or bottle. The concert begins at 3:00 p.m.
Also included -- a silent auction to benefit PCO
Advance Reservations Requested by July 22
Tickets: $35 available online or call 814.234.8313
The Curtin Street Chamber Players is a new local ensemble of professional musicians based in Bellefonte, PA, with Susan Kroeker, flute - Barry Kroeker, oboe - Mark Weaver, clarinet - Kurt Kroeker, violin - Carly Andriaccio, bassoon - Tricia Andriaccio, piano
In 2015, when Barry and Susan Kroeker moved from State College to Curtin Street in Bellefonte, they were excited to get involved in the musical life in their new town, forming the group with other local musicians. Each of their members are well-known in central Pennsylvania as performers in area orchestras, chamber groups, and as private music instructors. Although the ensemble specializes in classical music, they also enjoy performing some eclectic repertoire of audience-pleasing Broadway selections and light popular tunes. Since their formation less than one year ago, they have been featured performers at Sunday Afternoons at the Library, Bellefonte Victorian Christmas, and the Bellefonte Inter-Valley Chamber of Commerce events. They are pleased to be making their first appearance at the Seven Mountains Summer Music Fest to benefit the Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra.
