Published November 19, 2022.

Press Release

“A Salute to Young Artists,” the second of five subscription series concerts of the Summerville Orchestra (S.O.), debuted the new S.O. Youth Philharmonic as part of two evenings of immersive, interactive experiences last weekend.

To the 75-member orchestra under the baton of Music Director Wojciech Milewski, add the energy of student musicians, visual artists and ballet dancers. Nationally known composer Chris Pilsner joined in as a special guest, conducting his original composition “Snow Falling in Autumn.”

“Having Chris Pilsner here to direct his own composition has been amazing,” said Milewski. “It is so nice to see the DD2 kids and the S.O. musicians playing alongside each other and for both to see where they started or where they can go with music.”

In addition to conducting his own piece, Pilsner led master classes with members of the S.O. and also worked with youth musicians in small group sessions in the days prior to the concert.

“It was amazing to see the energy that the Summerville Orchestra has,” Pilsner said. “From the start to finish, it is evident that they love what they are doing! I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to experience this with them and conduct my own piece.”

The program opened with the classic old world music of Felix Mendelssohn with his Overture to Die Hebriden Opus 26. Erin Yardley, principal French horn and S.O. concerto competition winner, performed a solo during Larghetto for Horn and Orchestra.

The second half of the program featured The Merry Wives of Windsor with special guest Emma Ard as narrator. The program concluded with the Soirees Musicales, [describe], which hosted a performance by Classical Ballet Centre alongside the orchestra.

“The experience given to these kids tonight was absolutely wonderful! To see the youth philharmonic on stage alongside the orchestra and with the amazing conductor was just a sight to see,” anonymous patron.

The S.O. has a lineup of events to round out the year, including Music Chats with Wojciech at the Dorchester County Library on Nov. 16, a Holiday Concert Matinee on Dec. 10, and the Public Works Art Center stroll featuring Strings for the Holidays on Dec. 17. Be sure to register for music chats and the PWAC series, although free, space is limited. Tickets are available now for the Holiday Showcase at SummervilleOrchestra.org.