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BROCKTON —
Folks who already enjoy classical music – and those who want to attend a concert for the first time – can do so right in the “City of Champions.”
For 64 years, the Brockton Symphony Orchestra has been a cultural mainstay in the city.
“It’s actually unusual for a city to have a high-caliber symphony orchestra, right here in Brockton,” said Carolyn Baughman, vice-chairwoman of the symphony board.
Baughman, who plays flute, said the musicians have extensive training and experience.
“The people who play here are graduates of music schools, people who have been teaching music for many years – absolutely the best you can get,” said Baughman.
The orchestra is made up of 30 members, with additional musicians from communities surrounding Brockton and beyond. Some come from as far as Natick to play in the concerts.
The orchestra got its start with the community orchestra movement in the 1940s, said James Orent, musical director and conductor.
“So many people were taking music lessons, they wanted an outlet to play their music and to play with other people,” said Orent. “A group of people got together – and it’s been going ever since.”
The orchestra performs pieces from composers such as Tchaikovsky and Brahms that local concert goers rarely get to hear live.
“I think the Brockton Symphony serves as a great springboard for people to learn about classical music,” said Orent, also an assistant conductor and understudy for Keith Lockhart at the Boston Pops Orchestra.
“I remember a couple of people were going through very difficult times and they said hearing the live music was a very healing experience for them,” he added.
The orchestra also offers opportunities to promising young musicians. Among them is 16- year-old violinist Enchi Chang of Belmont, who will be playing in a concert on Sunday.
“I love playing with orchestras,” said Chang, who has also performed with the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra. “I feel rather connected with a crowd when I’m playing. There’s an emotional attachment there.”
Chang was selected to play in Brockton after finishing second in the symphony’s Feinberg Youth Competition, which recognizes “students of exceptional musical talent.”
“There’s no promise that they’ll be able to play with us if they’re a winner, but quite a few have,” said secretary of the board and first violin Irene Kelley “and we like to give them that experience if possible.”
The orchestra will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday at the West Middle School in Brockton. The concert is called “Life,” featuring pieces by Mendelssohn, Dvorak and Borodin.
Daniel McCready may be reached at dmccready@enterprisenews.com.
READ MORE about this issue.
Folks who already enjoy classical music – and those who want to attend a concert for the first time – can do so right in the “City of Champions.”
For 64 years, the Brockton Symphony Orchestra has been a cultural mainstay in the city.
“It’s actually unusual for a city to have a high-caliber symphony orchestra, right here in Brockton,” said Carolyn Baughman, vice-chairwoman of the symphony board.
Baughman, who plays flute, said the musicians have extensive training and experience.
“The people who play here are graduates of music schools, people who have been teaching music for many years – absolutely the best you can get,” said Baughman.
The orchestra is made up of 30 members, with additional musicians from communities surrounding Brockton and beyond. Some come from as far as Natick to play in the concerts.
The orchestra got its start with the community orchestra movement in the 1940s, said James Orent, musical director and conductor.
“So many people were taking music lessons, they wanted an outlet to play their music and to play with other people,” said Orent. “A group of people got together – and it’s been going ever since.”
The orchestra performs pieces from composers such as Tchaikovsky and Brahms that local concert goers rarely get to hear live.
“I think the Brockton Symphony serves as a great springboard for people to learn about classical music,” said Orent, also an assistant conductor and understudy for Keith Lockhart at the Boston Pops Orchestra.
“I remember a couple of people were going through very difficult times and they said hearing the live music was a very healing experience for them,” he added.
The orchestra also offers opportunities to promising young musicians. Among them is 16- year-old violinist Enchi Chang of Belmont, who will be playing in a concert on Sunday.
“I love playing with orchestras,” said Chang, who has also performed with the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra. “I feel rather connected with a crowd when I’m playing. There’s an emotional attachment there.”
Chang was selected to play in Brockton after finishing second in the symphony’s Feinberg Youth Competition, which recognizes “students of exceptional musical talent.”
“There’s no promise that they’ll be able to play with us if they’re a winner, but quite a few have,” said secretary of the board and first violin Irene Kelley “and we like to give them that experience if possible.”
The orchestra will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday at the West Middle School in Brockton. The concert is called “Life,” featuring pieces by Mendelssohn, Dvorak and Borodin.
Daniel McCready may be reached at dmccready@enterprisenews.com.
READ MORE about this issue.
