In this issue
FROM THE PRESIDENT
David Elderkin
After marvelous summer concerts at Longwood, fall brings a new season and several changes to the Symphony. Barb Bullock is our new Executive Director, succeeding Ginna Goodall, who has moved on after five years of good work. We have four new Board members and Bill Simeral is succeeding me as Board president. Our little gem of a Symphony is in good hands.
The 2010 edition of the Classics at Brantwyn is coming in October and the 30th edition of the Kennett Symphony League's Fashion Show and Luncheon is in November. Monica Buffington profiles Symphony musician Karen Schubert and Kristen Albert gives us an update on the Kennett Symphony Children’s Chorus.
SUMMER CONCERTS REPORT
David Kim and Highland Fling! at Longwood Gardens
Beautiful summer evenings, large and appreciative audiences, and magnificent performances made for two memorable concerts at Longwood Gardens. In June, David Kim, Concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra, was simply enchanting as he performed his specialty, Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. His music seemed to reach out and embrace the audience, which responded with an enthusiastic standing ovation.
August brought the Brandywine Harp Orchestra, lead by Janet Witman, Principal Harpist of the Kennett Symphony. Arrayed on the hill behind the stage and joined by the Kennett Symphony Children's Chorus, the dozen harpers were a visual as well as an acoustic delight. As described by Caryl Huffaker in The Kennett Paper:
The enormous outdoor stage at Longwood was hedge-to-hedge musicians, and the music they created was a veritable feast of joyous memories nudged by beautiful music from the heritage of our youth. Who could hear "County Gardens" and not think of dancing the Maypole? Or "Danny Boy" and not think of a warm pint of stout? It was a relaxed fun concert of old favorites.
Thank you to all of the musicians, Longwood and Symphony staff, and volunteers who made these concerts possible. More pictures
2010-2011 SEASON PREVIEW
70 Years of Classics
Maestra Green has prepared a marvelous program to celebrate the Symphony’s 70th Season. Here is how she describes the opening program, Beethoven's Ninth.
A performance of the Ode to Joy is never just another concert, but an event which transforms and takes us with it on its path from darkness to light. Beethoven’s monumental Ninth Symphony: An die Freude! Join us as we enter our 8th decade!
This concert will be performed on Saturday evening, October 16, 2010 at West Chester University and Sunday afternoon, October 17, 2010 at Lincoln University. This is our first "major" concert in the beautiful International Cultural Center at Lincoln. The hall is easily reached from US-1 and features ample, free parking and excellent access for wheelchair patrons. Details
And that's just the start of a great season of programs. Notes on ticket prices and subscriptions:
- A subscription – buying tickets in advance to two or more concerts – makes your seats cost $30 each – a $5 discount from our “advance sale” price of $35. And your discount applies to any additional tickets you purchase for you or your guests during the season.
- Single concert tickets for adults cost $35 in advance and $40 at the door. There is a $3 per order fee for tickets delivered by mail or over the Internet.
- Student tickets cost $5 (down from $10 last season).
- As always, discounts are available for groups of 10 or more, Longwood Gardens Frequent Visitors, and musicians’ families.
If you subscribed last season and haven't already renewed, we are holding your seats for this season's concerts and extending your subscription renewal until September 15.
You can subscribe or buy individual tickets by phone (610-444-6363), by mail, or on-line.
OCTOBER EVENT
The Classics at Brantwyn 2010
The third annual Classics at Brantwyn 2010 on October 3 is just over a month away. Once again we have a wonderful collection of cars, including several historic race cars, a scrumptious champagne brunch, lively entertainment, and a new Ford Mustang as the raffle prize.
Among the thirty cars confirmed for the event, we have some prominent race cars including a 1910 Cadillac Model 30 AAA National Racer, a 1935 MG P-Type Lester Race Car that won many events in the UK in the 1940’s, a 1948 Allard Supercharged K1, a 1962 Rene Bonnet that competed in the 1962 24-Hours of Le Mans, a Lola T-70 that ran in the popular Can Am race series in the 1970’s, and a Porsche 962 that competed in the IMSA GTP race series in the 1980’s.
We also have several rare and unique “civilian” cars including a 1927 Rolls Royce Phantom I Phaeton, a 1930 Packard Convertible, a 1930 DuPont Model G Convertible, a 1947 Cisitalia Nuvolari Spider, a 1955 Cadillac Coupe DeVille, a rare 1947 Bentley Mark VI with body by Franay (pictured), and a 1967 Aston Martin DB6 among others. This year, the Grand Parade will be led by a very special vehicle (top secret!).
The 2010 raffle features a 2011 Ford Mustang with the brand new 305 HP V6 engine as top prize. A maximum of 400 tickets will be sold – so you have a 1 in 400 chance to win! Of course, we have to sell enough tickets to cover the cost of the car (provided by Sheridan Ford) – otherwise the raffle reverts to a 50/50 raffle or a straight cash prize. The drawing will be held during intermission at the Kennett Symphony Christmas concert on December 4, 2010. Please read the back of your raffle ticket or click on the raffle details link on the Classics website - http://www.kennettsymphony.org/classics/ for specific details about the raffle.
Mark muddyharp Hodgson will be back with his brand of the blues and his wife Karen accompanying him on vocals. A “Peoples’ Choice” award for the Best of Show will end the festivities in mid-afternoon. As a special treat, Mark and Karen will appear at The Kennett Flash on Saturday night, October 2. Make your reservations early, as The Flash seats only about 120 people.
Please call the Symphony office (610-444-6363) to reserve your place for the 2010 Classics now. We are close to 90% sold out with only a month to go!
This event is made possible by Sheridan Ford, Otto’s BMW, Cloverleaf Auto Service, Algar Ferrari/Maserati, JC Taylor Antique Automobile Insurance, Puleo McFadden Insurance Associates, and Pardo’s Auto Service.
30 YEARS AND COUNTING
Kennett Symphony League's Fashion Show and Luncheon
The Symphony League looks forward to celebrating its 30th Fashion Show and Luncheon on Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at The Mendenhall Inn Grand Ballroom. It celebrates the League's 30 years of Symphony service, our community's 30 years of support of the event, and 30 years of Children's Concerts made possible by proceeds of this event.
The league is proud to announce that this year's event is presented by Financial Solutions for Women.
Festivities begin at 10:30 AM with a social time featuring the silent auction and raffle artfully designed by Rose Ehlen. Think holiday as you browse and buy unique items donated by local businesses. Luncheon follows at 12 noon. Next is the live auction led by Shirley Pritchard, past Board Chair of the Kennett Symphony and talented auctioneer. She will be assisted by Bill Simeral, incoming Symphony Board Chair and Board members Paul Merluzzi and Bill Schaller.
The Fashion Show features clothes and accessories from Willowdale Country Store, a Kennett Square tradition since 1973. Judy Fetters and Cintra Murray, owners for the past 16 years, will provide the commentary.
Contact your friends and join the celebration! (Seating is for tables of 10.)
Additional information can be found at www.kennettsymphony.org or at 610-444-6363.
NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Barb Bullock
Barb Bullock, our new Executive Director of the Kennett Symphony, has enjoyed a career divided between the not-for-profit and for-profit worlds.
Barb has worked for a variety of arts organizations (Grand Opera House, OperaDelaware, and Delaware Theatre Company) in nonprofit management roles, specializing in fundraising, marketing and event management. She was also Executive Director of First Night Wilmington, a non-alcoholic family celebration of the arts held on New Year’s Eve.
She was an Account Executive in Bank of America’s corporate marketing department and an Assistant Vice President at Wilmington Trust working in Wealth Advisory Services. In this role, she planned and managed cultivation events for high-net-worth clients and prospects, and oversaw corporate sponsorships.
A music, theatre and art enthusiast, Barb received a BA degree in theatre with a minor in voice from Shenandoah University (formerly Shenandoah Conservatory of Music) in Winchester, Virginia. She lives in Wilmington, Delaware, with her husband James, a marketing professional, who is actively involved in area theatre.
MANAGEMENT NEWS
New Board Members
Four of your neighbors have joined the Board of Kennett Symphony: Marc Driggs, Leo Jackson, James Sinclair and Cathy Wilson.
Marc Driggs brings more than 15 years of financial experience to the Kennett Symphony of Chester County Board of Directors. He currently serves as a Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney in Wilmington, Delaware, providing comprehensive wealth management and planning solutions to individuals and businesses. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Marc worked in a variety of capacities for a small Delaware community bank, developing skills in management, brokerage operations, and compliance, all while serving as financial advisor to a diverse client base. In addition to his volunteer work at the Symphony, he also contributes time and energy to coaching and building the newly formed Kennett Area Parks and Recreation Board Blue Demons Youth Lacrosse program. Marc lives in Landenberg, PA with his wife Melissa and their two sons.
Leonard D. Jackson, II, Esquire is an associate with Perna & Abracht, LLC, a Chester County general practice law firm. A Kennett Square native, Mr. Jackson's diverse educational pursuits have brought him to many other states and countries, including Rome, where he studied history, art, and music, and Rio de Janeiro, where he studied international business and environmental law. When he is not practicing law, Leo enjoys spending time with friends and family, listening to various genres of music, snowboarding, and reading.
James C. McComb Sinclair II is an eighth generation resident of Kennett Square. He attended Kennett High School and Valley Forge Military Academy. After attending Belknap College and West Chester University, he pursued a career as an engineer, however his real interests lie in the arts. James then began a career as a professional musician and actor. He studied in New York under Warren Robinson and then at the Beverly Hills Playhouse under Milton Katsale. His career took him from New York to Los Angeles, Nashville, and then London. James starred in several films and made-for-TV movies as well as recorded and toured with many well known musicians. James recently published the book World War II Parade Uniforms of the Soviet Union: Marshals, Generals and Admirals. He now resides in Southern Chester County with his wife Ann and his daughter Elizabeth. He is an avid collector and historian.
Cathy A. Wilson, Esq. is a Wealth Management Consultant and Private Banker for First National Bank of Chester County. Prior to joining First National, she practiced law for 26 years, the last 14 of which she spent as a partner at White and Williams LLP. Cathy and her husband, Bill Mitman, also a lawyer, live in West Chester. She is fortunate to have two daughters, both of whom live in the area with their families. Cathy is a past President, and member of the Chester County Bar Association. In addition to serving on the board of the Kennett Symphony, she currently serves on the boards of the West Chester Public Library and Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania.
KENNETT SYMPHONY CHILDREN'S CHORUS
Dr. Kristen Albert, Artistic Director
The Kennett Symphony Children’s Chorus is gearing up for an exciting 21st season and our 4th season as Children’s Chorus In-Residence at West Chester University. We are happy to welcome Kristen Waghorn as the new director of the Chorus. At the first rehearsal on September 14th, we will also welcome 40 newly auditioned members and 60 returning members from Lancaster, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties. The Children’s Chorus is expanding and the future is bright. Repertoire for the 2010-2011 Season will include John Rutter’s Mass of the Children, and December and August performances with our own Kennett Symphony of Chester County. The entire Children’s Chorus will return once again to Lancaster this April for the 8th Annual Children’s Music Festival at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd. The KSCC Youth Chorale, made up of 23 singers in grades 9-12 will launch their spring tour on March 5-6, 2010.
One final note: If you are an alumnus of the Kennett Symphony Children’s Chorus, we want to hear from you! To find out about the Children’s Chorus Alumni Association, send an e-mail to Lucy Grosse. We want to be sure you are invited to our exclusive alumni events this coming season, including the Alumni Banquet on April 28, 2011.
For more information about the Kennett Symphony Children’s Chorus and our upcoming season, visit us on the web We look forward to seeing you this season!
LIVING MUSIC by Monica Buffington
Karen Schubert, Principal Horn
Father knows best. And Mother does, too.
Left to her own devices, KSCC principal horn, Karen Schubert, would probably be sitting in an entirely different section of the orchestra. When Karen announced to her parents as an elementary school student that she had chosen to play the flute, one quip from her father nixed those plans: “Flute? We don’t need a million – and one – flute players!” Karen’s parents gently countered with the suggestion of horn, to which she agreed.
It wasn’t just a good guess that Karen would be successful at horn – her parents really did know best. Both parents were music teachers in her native Long Island, NY, and both were accomplished performing musicians; her father on trumpet, her mother on trombone. When Karen began studying horn, brass music truly became all in the family. Her early music education included an immersion in brass trio literature, which she regularly performed at church with her parents, and she regularly attended concerts in the musical mecca of nearby New York City. Karen recalls a particularly influential experience attending a concert by Julliard’s Pre-College Orchestra. Inspired by hearing her contemporaries performing Brahms Symphony No. 4, she set her sights on joining them, and the following year as a tenth-grade student she successfully auditioned for Julliard’s Pre-College Division and began performing in the orchestra.
A graduate of The Curtis Institute of Music, Karen is principal horn of the Kennett Symphony Orchestra, Delaware Symphony and OperaDelaware, performs with The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia and Opera Company of Philadelphia, and is a member of the Fairmount Brass Quartet. Karen maintains a private teaching studio, and has been on the faculty of Immaculata University, the Music School of Delaware, and Temple University Music Preparatory Division.
Karen is an avid traveler and she has enjoyed exploring Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Austria, Germany and Switzerland, among many other destinations. Her future travel wish list includes Denmark, England, Iceland, and a US cross country tour. She is a collector of depression glass, and she and her husband, Jonathan, whom Karen credits for expanding her culinary horizons, enjoy cooking and entertaining with family and friends.
ESPECIALLY FOR YOU Here’s what Karen would like KSCC audiences to know about Living Music:
“I would like Kennett Symphony audiences to know how much I appreciate their coming to our concerts. I’d like to thank them, and let them know how happy I am to be doing what I love.”© 2010 Monica Buffington
- Save the date - November 3, 2010 - for the twentieth edition of the Luncheon and Fashion Show, presented at the Mendenhall Inn by the Kennett Symphony League. Details will be on our web site soon.
- And while you have your calendar out, please also save April 28, 2011 for the second edition of SymphonyScape, our landscaping and music event. Details soon.
- Did you know that our Music Director, Maestra Mary Woodmansee Green, is an inveterate "clipper," always on the lookout for interesting articles about music and the music business? Here's one on Chopin from the Wall Street Journal.