In partnership with Verso Studios at Westport Public Library, Stamford Symphony’s Wind Quintet performance at 2 p.m., this Sunday, Nov. 21, at the library.
— an announcement from Stamford Symphony
Tickets are available online, here.
As a follow up to the Stamford Symphony Gala, which streamed live from the Westport Library in October, this performance marks a significant milestone in our partnership.
Serving as the eastern hub for the Stamford Symphony, the Westport Library partnership strengthens the Symphony’s mission to serve its many audiences in Fairfield County, making music accessible for all-ages.
“The symphony’s first live performance from the Westport Library will showcase the wind quintet’s versatility and demonstrate a uniquely different expression and unique flare,” said Russell Jones, president and CEO of Stamford Symphony. “This is just a taste of what is to come as we expand our footprint and build upon this partnership.”
Image from Westport Public Library website
Wind instruments
This partnership is one example of Stamford Symphony’s plans to bring professional music performances to local audiences across Fairfield County. As the 2021-2022 season progresses, expect to see the schedule expand with a variety of chamber concerts, performances and our educational programs.
“We have an audience here that is looking for more arts and cultural opportunities,” said William H. Harmer, executive director of Westport Public Library.
“Creating community partnerships is essential to what public libraries are all about. It is refreshing to work with Russell Jones and the symphony. Our shared philosophy and approach will make for a great collaboration.”
About the Stamford Symphony Wind Quintet Performance:
When: 2 p.m., Nov. 21, 2021 [The library website says the event ends at 3:30 p.m.]
Location: Westport Public Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport
Ticket price: $25, general admission
You can buy tickets online, here.
A wind quintet comprises flute, oboe, clarinet, French horn and bassoon. Unlike the string quartet, with its homogeneous blend of sound color, the instruments in a wind quintet differ from each other considerably in technique, expression, and musical character.
A fun, spirited program demonstrates the versatility of the ensemble and the creativity it inspired from many composers.
The Musical Program Includes:
Ibert Trois pièces brèves
Valerie Coleman Red Clay, Mississippi Delta
Hindemith Kleine Kammermusic Op24 No 2
Ravel Le Tombeau de Couperin
D’Rivera Aires Tropicales (excerpts)
Featured Artists:
Elizabeth Mann, flute
Elizabeth Mann is a featured performer in concert halls throughout the United States, Europe and the Far East. She is the principal flutist of the Orchestra of St. Lukes, the St. Lukes Chamber Ensemble and is a member of the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra.
Melanie Field, oboe
Since 1980, Melanie Field has been principal oboist of the Stamford Symphony Orchestra. She is a member of the Orchestra of St. Luke’s and American Composers Orchestra and is principal oboist of the Westchester Philharmonic.
Todd Palmer, clarinet
Todd Palmer is a three-time Grammy nominee and has appeared as soloist, recitalist, chamber music collaborator, educator, arranger, and presenter in a variety of musical endeavors around the world.
Cynde Iverson, bassoon
Cynde Iverson is principal bassoonist with the Stamford Symphony and New Haven Symphony and a member of the American Ballet Theater Orchestra. She performs with many of New York’s most prestigious ensembles, including the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, the Orchestra of St. Luke’s and the American Symphony Orchestra.
Lawrence DiBello, horn
In addition to his position as principal horn of the Stamford Symphony Orchestra Lawrence DiBello is currently Principal horn of the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra at Lincoln Center as well as 3rd horn in the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.
About Stamford Symphony
The Stamford Symphony comprises professional musicians from the tri-state area, drawing its members from premiere ensembles including the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Ballet, the American Symphony Orchestra, the New York Pops, and the Orchestra of St. Luke’s.
Originally formed in 1919, the Stamford Symphony thrived under the leadership of Clayton Hotchkiss, Music Director of the Stamford Public Schools, until after WWII, when many of its musicians returned to their homelands. It languished until its rebirth in 1967 as a regional orchestra of amateur musicians.
Skitch Henderson was appointed Music Director in 1974, and with the hiring of Barbara Smith-Soroca as General Manager in 1979, the orchestra began its ascent to a fully professional orchestra and an integral part of the cultural fabric of Fairfield County.
The year 1980 brought a new music director, Roger Nierenberg, who spent the next 24 years recruiting top musicians from the New York metro area and crafting a balanced ensemble of remarkable versatility. Maestro Nierenberg expanded the Orchestra Classics Series and created new music and education programs, developing the Stamford Symphony as a valuable classical music resource for Stamford and its surrounding communities.
His successor, Eckart Preu, was appointed in October 2005, following an international search that attracted more than 250 applicants, and concluded his final season with Stamford Symphony in 2017. Beginning with the 2020/2021 season, the Orchestra welcomes Michael Stern as its fourth music director.
The Stamford Symphony’s home is at the Palace Theatre where most performances occur in the beautifully restored venue.
Music Education programs serving 6,000 students have grown to include FREE tickets for kids under 18, Concerts for Students: The Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute Link-Up Program, Master Classes with students from the HARTT School of Music and more.