Chappaqua Orchestra performs free Poe-inspired concert on Saturday, Oct. 17

October 16, 2009
by Michael Shapiro

The Chappaqua Orchestra thinks everyone should have access to great music during difficult economic times. That’s why the orchestra will be offering many free and low cost events this season. Music has the power to transport. Let The Chappaqua Orchestra, with its first rate musicians, innovative programming and exciting interpretations, ignite your imagination and take you to another world.

Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 8:00 pm – Music inspired by Poe

In collaboration with the Chappaqua Library’s month long celebration of
the 200th birthday of Edgar Allan Poe, The Chappaqua Orchestra will present
music by Claude Debussy, Philip Glass, Joan Baez, the Beatles and others
inspired by Poe’s writings. Join us for a spooky journey with stories and
music that will make your spine tingle.

Poe’s life and times will be examined through works by Frederic Chopin and the
ball scene from Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique performed with
reduced orchestration. Claude Debussy and Philip Glass both composed operas
to Poe’s “Fall of the House of Usher,” and both works will be excerpted at the
concert.

In addition, songs by Joan Baez and Stephen Foster based on Poe’s
“Annabel Lee” will be performed by soprano Elizabeth Farnum.

The showpiece of the evening will be a work composed by Andre Caplet,
Conte Fantastique, written for string quartet and harp, and based on
Poe’s “The Masque of the Red Death.” This work, with its complex interplay
of rhythms and instruments, is a crown jewel in the harp repertoire, and will feature
harpist Mariko Anraku of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.

The evening will also include the premiere of a new work by Patrick Soluri
from his ballet music based on the stories of Edgar Allan Poe.

The concert will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2009, at 8:00 p.m. at the
Chappaqua Library Auditorium, 195 South Greeley Avenue, Chappaqua, New
York. The concert is free and will be followed by a reception with the
artists featuring “thematic” treats. Attendees are encouraged to look the
part in dark and macabre costume. For information call 914-921-4642, or
visit http://www.chappaquaorchestra.org.

Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 3:30 pm – New Castle Community Sing

December 5th brings the second annual New Castle Community Sing back to
downtown Chappaqua. All ages and voices are welcome to join musicians,
choristers, friends, and neighbors to raise the roof with the sound of
music. This combination “variety show” and “sing-a-long” will feature the
talents of local performers.

Everyone’s favorite music will be included, with new selections added this year.
Lyrics will be provided so that everyone can join in the fun, or simply listen to
the sound of a full orchestra celebrating a season of holiday cheer.

This free concert will conclude with a short parade to the old Greeley House for
the New Castle Historical Society’s Holiday Tree Lighting. The music will begin on
Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 3:30 pm at the Robert E. Bell Middle School
Auditorium, 50 Senter Street in Chappaqua, NY.

The Tree Lighting will follow at the New Castle Historical Society at 4:30 p.m.
Family activities are being planned throughout the day in the Town of New Castle
and visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the hospitality and special offers
available in local shops and restaurants. Visit http://www.chappaquaorchestra.org
for an up-to-date list of all the happenings.

Sunday, May 23, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. – Brahm’s Double Concerto with Tim Fain and
Edward Arron

Violinist Tim Fain and cellist Edward Arron have both performed with The
Chappaqua Orchestra to rave reviews. They’re famous, they’re in demand,
they’re local favorites, and now they’re back! This concert is all about
them. The Chappaqua Orchestra will feature the dynamic duo in one of the
greatest double concerti every composed, Johannes Brahm’s Double Concerto
for violin and cello. In addition, Tim and Ed will each play a solo
concerto of their own choosing. Come be inspired by their phenomenal
talent.

The concert will be held on Sunday, May 23, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at the
Horace Greeley High School Auditorium, 70 Roaring Brook Road in Chappaqua,
NY. Tickets are $20 and students are free. Purchase tickets before April 1,
2010, and obtain reserved seats. All other seats will be general admission.
For tickets and information call 914-921-4642, or visit
www.chappaquaorchestra.org.

Michael Shapiro is the conductor of The Chappaqua Orchestra.