Tag: Fran White

Music in the air! A CAPE ANN SYMPHONY OUTDOOR CONCERT: AUGUST 21

Posted on by Catherine

Heidi Dallin shares a reminder about Cape Ann Symphony’s outdoor concert in Magnolia next week. The program sounds glorious!

CAPE ANN SYMPHONY – THE 70th SEASON

Yoichi Udagawa, Music Director

A SPECIAL CAPE ANN SYMPHONY OUTDOOR CONCERT

Sunday August 21, 2022

ONE PERFORMANCE ONLY: 4:00 PM

LIMITED SEATING

Cape Ann Symphony announces A Special Outdoor Concert on Sunday, August 21, 2022, at 4:00 pm, featuring CAS lead flutist Stephanie Stathos and the Cape Ann Symphony Chamber Orchestra under the direction of CAS Conductor and Music Director Maestro Yoichi Udagawa performing poolside at the home of CAS President Fran White, 179 Hesperus Avenue, Magnolia, MA. Refreshments will be served. Seating for the performance is limited to 75. Ticket prices are $45 for adults, $40 for senior citizens, $20 for students of any age; and $5 for youth 12 years old and under. For tickets and further information, call 978-281-0543 or go to www.capeannsymphony.org.

Maestro Udagawa looks forward to returning to perform at 179 Hesperus Avenue.

“The musicians and I are thrilled and excited to be able to perform together during the summer, and are grateful to Cape Ann President Fran White and her husband David for opening up their large backyard to host a concert again this year. It is such a pleasant, tranquil (and bug free!) venue that offers the audience close proximity to the musicians – a chance we don’t get often in large concert halls! “

This special outdoor concert features Charles Floyd’s Hymn For The Fallen, Wolfgang A. Mozart’s Flute Concerto in G Major, performed by CAS lead Flutist Stephanie Stathos, and Joseph Bologne’s Symphony No. 2 in D Major.

“The musicians and I are delighted to share this gorgeous music with our audiences” explains Maestro Udagawa.

Charles Floyd’s Hymn For The Fallen, commissioned by CAS, had its world premiere in the CAS March 2022 Concert. “Charles Floyd’s incredible piece for CAS was a highlight of our 70th Season, points out Maestro Udagawa, “I was eager to perform this inspiring piece outdoors with our chamber orchestra.”

Floyd wrote Hymn For The Fallen to highlight the sense of isolation and helplessness experienced since 2020.

“Hymn For The Fallen begins in isolation with violins commencing a tuneful exposition that is later joined by violas and cellos. The harmonies that build are bittersweet, but quite tonal in nature. Polytonality (the simultaneous use of two or more keys) plays a big role as a vehicle to prevent the emotional affect from feeling too ‘settled’ or too ‘sweet’. This is to reflect the notion that the emotional aspects of the past two years remain largely unsettled and unresolved. The final result is a haunting melody that is as singable as a hymn which (hopefully) does not gloss over the gravity of sadness rather than to honor with reverence the loss of a loved one. The rise of the COVID-19 pandemic and the insurmountable loss of life as a result of it, various riots, fear, brutality, extremism, civil unrest, confusion, grief, and violence inspired me to create a series of works called The Fallen of which Hymn for The Fallen is one. The series is not intended to be performed in one sitting. Rather it is a collection of works on a series of difficult topics.”

Charles Floyd

Maestro Udagawa looks forward to sharing Mozart’s first flute concerto with audiences, “Mozart’s first Flute Concerto was written in his early twenties. It is a beautiful work, and really requires the soloist to have tons of technique. Stephanie will do an amazing job, and we are all thrilled to be able to perform this work with her. I’m sure the audience will love it.” Commissioned by the Dutch flutist Ferdinand De Jean in 1777, Mozart’s Flute Concerto in G Major, his first flute concerto, was written in 1778. Mozart was supposed to provide four flute quartets and three flute concertos, but he only completed two of the three concertos. The piece is divided into 3 movements: 1. Allegro Maestoso; 2. Adagio Ma Non Troppo; 3. Rondo Tempo di Menuetto. The Andante for Flute and Orchestra K. 315 is thought to have been written as an alternative slow movement for this concerto, but there is no existing manuscript. Stephanie Stathos is the Principal Flute of the Cape Ann Symphony and the soloist in Mozart’s Flute Concerto in G Major Ms. Stathos is thrilled to play this Mozart piece with CAS, ” This wonderful work is part of all classical flutists’ repertoire,” points out Stathos, “Most of us begin learning it in high school and continue to study it throughout our entire careers! The third movement is a favorite of mine for its humor and joyful 3/4 meter, alternating between sparkling 16th note passage work and beautiful, lyrical melodies. I am delighted to be performing this concerto with the Cape Ann Symphony Chamber Orchestra this coming August 21.”

Stephanie Stathos earned her degree in Flute Performance from Boston University’s School for the Arts. Based in Lincoln, MA, Ms. Stathos is first piccolo for the Lexington Symphony. She has served as the piccolo and second flute with the touring orchestra of the National Lyric Opera of New York. As soloist she has performed throughout the United States and Europe. Other appearances include performances with many of New England’s ensembles including Boston Landmarks Orchestra, Rhode Island Philharmonic, Symphony New Hampshire, Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, Concord Chorale (NH), Newburyport Choral Society, and North Shore Chamber Music. Ms. Stathos also is passionate about jazz, new music and ethnic music.

Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, is the first known classical musician of African descent. A man of many talents he was a composer, virtuoso violinist, conductor of the leading symphony orchestra in Paris, and a soldier and a renowned champion fencer. He was celebrated in Paris when the then unknown Mozart visited the city.

“Joseph Bologne had an extraordinary life, and it’s reflected in his music, ” says Maestro Udagawa, “Audiences will be enthralled with his Symphony No. 2. Last summer we performed Bologne’s Symphony No. 1 and I am so pleased to be able to share more of his extraordinary work with our audiences!”

photo credits:

Yoichi Udagawa, CAS Conductor and Music Director Photo Credit Jeph Ellis

Cape Ann Symphony Chamber Orchestra led by Maestro Udagawa performing at 179 Hesperus Avenue Courtesy photo

Stephanie Stathos, Principal Flute of the Cape Ann Symphony and the soloist in Mozart’s Flute Concerto in G Major Photo Credit: Robert Torres
Charles Floyd, Composer Hymn For The Fallen Courtesy Photo

Joy to the Orchestra World: Cape Ann Symphony is BACK! Launching its 70th Season

Posted on by Catherine

CAPE ANN SYMPHONY HOLIDAY POPS CONCERT

A Festive Musical Celebration to Celebrate the Season for orchestra and chorus. Featuring the Cape Ann Symphony Chorus

News and notes from Heidi Dallin:

“Cape Ann Symphony

Bringing back the Cape Ann Holiday tradition

PLUS

It’s the first performance of the Cape Ann Symphony orchestra

in

more

than

18 months!”

Heidi Dallin

The Cape Ann Symphony’s Annual Holiday Pops Concert, returns to kick off our 70th season  with our traditional holiday concert on Saturday, November 27 at 2 pm at the Dolan Performing Arts Center at Ipswich High School on 134 High Street, Ipswich, MA; Saturday, November 27 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, November 28 at 2 pm at Manchester-Essex High School auditorium on 36 Lincoln Street in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA.  

For tickets and information about this Cape Ann Holiday tradition, call 978-281-0543 or visit www.capeannsymphony.org

The 2021 Holiday Pops Concert led by CAS Conductor and Music Director Yoichi Udagawa features the return of the Cape Ann Symphony Chorus under the direction of Rockport’s Wendy Betts. Udagawa has planned a joyful program of music from Anderson, Humperdinck, Rutter, Tchaikovsky plus Mark Hayes’ Believe from the hit film Polar Express, Courtney’s Musicological Journey Through the 12 Days of Christmas, Davis/Hayes’ Little Drummer Boy, and Hayman’s Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.

Cape Ann Symphony Board President Fran White is thrilled to have the orchestra back in performance in Manchester and Ipswich.

“This is a milestone year for CAS, our 70th anniversary of making music on Cape Ann! We stayed strong during the pandemic due to the diligence and Herculean efforts of our board, music director, and musicians and most importantly, the incredible support from our patrons! The Holiday Pops kicks off a spectacular 70th anniversary concert season! We are back and ready to make music for you for the next 70 years! “

Fran White, Cape Ann Symphony Board President

Cape Ann Symphony Conductor and Music Director Yoichi Udagawa is looking forward to this year’s Holiday Pops Concert,

“The musicians of the Cape Ann Symphony and I are very excited to be back to performing live with a full orchestra for our amazing audiences starting with the Holiday Pops. The wonderful singers of the Cape Ann Symphony Chorus under the fabulous direction of Wendy Betts will be featured in the concert, and it will be a joyous celebration of the Holiday Season. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we all feel a tremendous sense of gratitude to the incredible outpouring of support from our audiences and supporters, and we can’t wait to be together again with our loyal audiences to make music and celebrate!”

Yoichi Udagawa, Cape Ann Symphony Conductor & Director

The 2021 Holiday Pops program includes Tchaikovsky’s Selections from The Nutcracker; Anderson’s Christmas Festival , Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel Prelude, Hayman’s Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer,Davis/Hayes’ Little Drummer Boy, John Rutter’s Joy To The World and Candlelight Carol, Mark Hayes’ Believe from the hit film Polar Express, John Leavitt’s Bashana Haba’ah, and Holcomb’s Festive Sounds of Hanukkah.

The Cape Ann Symphony launched The Cape Ann Symphony Chorus at the 2005 Holiday Pops Concert. The Cape Ann Symphony Chorus is a chorale with over 75 voices from the North Shore area. The group performed with the Cape Ann Symphony at Holiday Pops Concerts in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 2013, 2014. 2015, 2016. 2017, 2018 and 2019. The 75 plus member chorale under the direction of Wendy Betts is comprised mostly of North Shore residents, the majority of which live on Cape Ann.

“The CAS Chorus is glad to be back together! I have missed working with these tremendous singers! They work hard, are disciplined in their music tasks, and put out a lovely choral sound. But best of all, they truly enjoy one another, which is what choral singing is all about! Making music TOGETHER!”

Wendy Betts, musical director Cape Ann Symphony Chorus (north shore community residents)

Founded in Gloucester in 1951, the Cape Ann Symphony is a professional orchestra of over 70 players from throughout the New England area. They perform a subscription season of four concerts per year plus several Pops and youth concerts. The Symphony Board of Directors named Yoichi Udagawa the Music Director and Conductor of the Cape Ann Symphony in the summer of 2000 after a yearlong search. In addition to his leadership of Cape Ann Symphony, he is Music Director and Conductor of the Melrose Symphony Orchestra, and the Quincy Symphony Orchestra and a cover conductor at the Boston Pops Orchestra. Frequently invited to guest conduct, Mr. Udagawa has worked with many different orchestras including the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, Nobeoka Philharmonic Orchestra, the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Boston, the University of Texas Symphony Orchestra, the Indian Hill Symphony, the Garden State Philharmonic, the Brown University Orchestra, the Syracuse Society for New Music, the Boston Conservatory Orchestra, the Midcoast Symphony Orchestra, the Newton Symphony, the Austin Civic Orchestra, and the Mid-Texas Symphony. Mr. Udagawa is at home in popular and contemporary music as well as the standard symphonic repertoire. He is known for his relaxed manner and ability to speak from the podium which has helped new audiences as well as enthusiasts gain a greater appreciation for symphonic music. His programs often include premieres of new works – some specially commissioned for the orchestra — as well as great orchestral works across the symphonic repertoire and lively Pops programs. He is also an integral part of the Cape Ann Symphony Youth Outreach programs to area schools.

Cape Ann Symphony’s Holiday Pops Concert is Saturday, November 27 at 2 pm at the Dolan Performing Arts Center at Ipswich High School on 134 High Street, Ipswich, MA; Saturday, November 27 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, November 28 at 2 pm at Manchester-Essex High School auditorium on 36 Lincoln Street in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA. Single ticket prices are $45 for adults, $40 for senior citizens age 65 and above, $20 for Students of any age with a valid student id; $5 for youth 12 years old and under. For tickets and information, call 978-281-0543 or visit www.capeannsymphony.org.

In accordance with the CAS Covid Safety Policy, all concert attendees will be required to show proof of Covid 19 vaccination or to present documentation of a negative test within 72 hours prior to the event and will be required to wear a mask during the performance.

photo caption: Yoichi Udagawa, Conductor and Music Director, Cape Ann Symphony Orchestra joined by Wendy Betts, Director Cape Ann Symphony Chorus | photo © Jeph Ellis

Rain Date! Cape Ann Symphony postponed to July 25 classical music outdoors Magnolia #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

Heidi Dallin shares the news:

Cape Ann Symphony musicians led by Maestro Udagawa performing at 179 Hesperus Avenue  Courtesy photo 

CAPE ANN SYMPHONY BRINGS BACK LIVE SYMPHONIC MUSIC ON…JULY 25th!

Cape Ann Symphony announces An Outdoor Musical Celebration of Summer: two live outdoor concerts on Sunday, July 25th at 3:00 pm and 5:30 pm, featuring a chamber orchestra of CAS musicians under the direction of CAS Conductor and Music Director Maestro Yoichi Udagwa performing poolside at the home of CAS President Fran White in Magnolia, MA.

This special outdoor musical celebration to benefit the orchestra features Adolphus Hailstork’s Sonata de chiesa; Cécile Chaminade’s Concertino for Flute highlighting CAS Principal Flutist Stephanie Stathos; and Joseph Bologne’s Symphony No. 1. 

Seating for each performance is limited to 70. Tickets are $100 per person. Tickets include wine, beer, soft drinks and light hors d’oeuvres as well as a meet and greet with Maestro Udagawa and the members of the orchestra following each performance Call Cape Ann Symphony at 978-281-0543 or go to www.capeannsymphony.org for tickets and further information.




Sun. July 25, 3 and 5:30PM, at the home of CAS President Fran White:

179 Hesperus Ave.
Gloucester, MA 01930


Wine and refreshments will be served prior to each performance.

Meet Cape Ann Symphony principal flutist Stephanie Stathos!

Posted on by Catherine

Heidi Dallin writes,

“Stephanie Stathos will be the featured soloist in Cécile Chaminade’s Concertino for Flute this coming July 18 at the symphony’s two outdoor concerts.“

Stephanie Stathos | Photo Credit: Robert Torres

About Stephanie Stathos

Stephanie Stathos earned her degree in Flute Performance from Boston University’s School for the Arts. Based in Lincoln, MA, Ms. Stathos is first piccolo for the Lexington Symphony. She has served as the piccolo and second flute with the touring orchestra of the National Lyric Opera of New York. As soloist she has performed throughout the United States and Europe. Other appearances include performances with many of New England’s ensembles including Boston Landmarks Orchestra, Rhode Island Philharmonic, Symphony New Hampshire, Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, Concord Chorale (NH), Newburyport Choral Society, and North Shore Chamber Music.

A lover of all forms of music – classical, jazz, new music, ethnic – Stephanie has performed as soloist throughout the United States and Europe. Here she is seen rehearsing Domenico Cimarosa’s Concerto for two flutes and orchestra with the Orchestra Del Concentus Musicus Patavinus in the Sala Dei Giganti in Padua, Italy.

photo description: The performance in the Sala Dei Giganti in Padua, with Stephanie Stathos, Flute]

Stephanie Stathos is the Principal Flute of the Cape Ann Symphony and the soloist in Cécile Chaminade’s Concertino for Flute. She is thrilled to play this special piece with CAS:

“Cécile Chaminade’s Concertino was commissioned by the Paris Conservatoire in 1902.  It is a popular piece in the flute repertoire and features a beautiful, memorable melody that recurs throughout the piece.  As a young flute student the beautiful melody captured my attention and I began learning it. Although I‘ve performed the Concertino with piano over the years, playing it with the Cape Ann Symphony is a dream come true. 

I am very much looking forward to seeing my colleagues and Yoichi again, but also to see those who have supported us through this incredibly difficult period. Each person makes a huge difference,  and we are grateful to all those who attend our concerts and also to all those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the orchestra going. 

I welcome the chance to say thank you in person on July 18 at the post-concert meet and greet! 

Personally, the canceling of all live music that accompanied the Covid months has made me reevaluate what it means to play.  It’s a huge privilege and I cherish each opportunity to perform more than ever.  No one should take music making for granted – because, as we saw, it can go away very quickly.”

Stephanie Stathos, Principal Flute, Soloist

About this “Outdoor Musical Celebration”

This July 18 program is inspired by Cape Ann Symphony 2021 Composer Series emails celebrating Black History and Women’s History.

This special outdoor musical celebration to benefit the orchestra features Adolphus Hailstork’s Sonata de chiesa; Cécile Chaminade’s Concertino for Flute highlighting CAS Principal Flutist Stephanie Stathos; and Joseph Bologne’s Symphony No. 1. 

Seating for each performance is limited to 70. Tickets are $100 per person. Tickets include wine, beer, soft drinks and light hors d’oeuvres as well as a meet and greet with Maestro Udagawa and the members of the orchestra following each performance Call Cape Ann Symphony at 978-281-0543 or go to www.capeannsymphony.org for tickets and further information.

Preview listen! 5 Days Until Cape Ann Symphony classical music event of the summer 🎧🎼🎻🥂🎶

Posted on by Catherine

Exciting to imagine how the pieces will sound outdoors in Magnolia this coming Sunday!

Until that time, sample a listen:

Hailstork’s Sonata de chiesa [Paul Freeman conducting the Czech National Symphony Orchestra]

Chaminade’s Concertino for Flute with CAS Principal Flutist Stephanie Stathos as soloist. [Below- flutist Julie Lee at Merkin Concert Hall, NJ – Cecile Chaminade Concertino for Flute and Orchestra, Op. 107]

Bologne’s Symphony No. 1 [Boise Baroque Orchestra, 2020]

TICKETS ARE LIMITED. CALL CAPE ANN SYMPHONY AT 978-281-0543 OR GO TO WWW.CAPEANNSYMPHONY.ORG FOR TICKETS AND FURTHER INFORMATION. 

Cape Ann Symphony celebration sounds gorgeous – One Sunday two Summer Concerts – LIVE Classical music Magnolia #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

July 18 program inspired by 2021 Composer Series emails celebrating Black History and Women’s History – featuring stephanie stathos flutist solo

Heidi Dallin shares the news:

Cape Ann Symphony musicians led by Maestro Udagawa performing at 179 Hesperus Avenue  Courtesy photo 

CAPE ANN SYMPHONY BRINGS BACK LIVE SYMPHONIC MUSIC ON JULY 18

Cape Ann Symphony announces An Outdoor Musical Celebration of Summer: two live outdoor concerts on Sunday, July 18 at 3:00 pm and 5:30 pm, featuring a chamber orchestra of CAS musicians under the direction of CAS Conductor and Music Director Maestro Yoichi Udagwa performing poolside at the home of CAS President Fran White in Magnolia, MA.

This special outdoor musical celebration to benefit the orchestra features Adolphus Hailstork’s Sonata de chiesa; Cécile Chaminade’s Concertino for Flute highlighting CAS Principal Flutist Stephanie Stathos; and Joseph Bologne’s Symphony No. 1. 

Seating for each performance is limited to 70. Tickets are $100 per person. Tickets include wine, beer, soft drinks and light hors d’oeuvres as well as a meet and greet with Maestro Udagawa and the members of the orchestra following each performance Call Cape Ann Symphony at 978-281-0543 or go to www.capeannsymphony.org for tickets and further information.

“While we love the worldwide accessibility of our virtual concert series, we at CAS recognize nothing beats hearing live classical music in person. At this time there are few opportunities for that live classical music experience. This concert really is a special treat to hear CAS in the summer. Normally we do not perform in the summer, but we are currently in the planning stages of full season in November and just could not wait until November to reunite with our audiences.

Maestro Udgawa, the musicians and the entire CAS organization are very excited about being able to perform these special outdoor live concerts on July 18.  Maestro Udagwa has programmed an excellent and distinctive selection of music from three unique composers to perform in a comfortable, intimate setting. We are thrilled audiences will also get the opportunity to meet and chat with Maestro Udgawa and the musicians following each concert.”

Fran White, Cape Ann Symphony (CAS) Board President

Maestro Udagawa looks forward to performing live and reuniting with CAS musicians , “The musicians and I are thrilled to be able to perform together, and are grateful to Cape Ann President Fran White and her husband David for opening up their large backyard to host a concert again this year. It is such a pleasant, tranquil (and bug free!) venue that offers the audience close proximity to the musicians – a chance we don’t get often in large concert halls.  The opportunity to make music and share it with an audience is always a thrill and more than ever, we musicians are aware of what a privilege it is. The musicians and I are looking forward to the post-concert meet and greet so we can thank our audiences in person for their unwavering support.”   

An Outdoor Musical Celebration of Summer will feature a chamber orchestra from the Cape Ann Symphony under the direction of Maestro Udagawa performing the music of Adolphus Hailstork, Cécile Chaminade and Joseph Bologne. 

“The three pieces are gorgeous, and our principal flutist Stephanie Stathos will be playing a solo in Cécile Chaminade’s Concertino. 

Adolphus Hailstork is a living composer who has written unbelievably beautiful pieces. Inspired by our email about Hailstork during Black History Month, I did a deep dive into Hailstork’s body of work and found it hard to choose just one piece for the concert! I decided on his Sonata de chiesa for its rich and romantic work for strings.

Cécile Chaminade’s Concertino is a piece I have admired for a long time, but when she was featured during Women’s History Month, it reminded me that I have to program something written by her. When this concert was in the planning stages, it seemed like the perfect time to feature some of her music and I knew Stephanie Stathos, our principal flutist would be the perfect soloist.

The Joseph Bologne Symphony No. 1 is a perfect classical symphony with clear themes that are light and yet full of energy. He had an extraordinary life, and it’s reflected in his music. I’m grateful that we are all starting to become more aware of the incredible contributions of these great composers and can’t wait to share them with our audiences!”

Yoichi Udagwa, Cape Ann Symphony Music Director, Maestro

Stephanie Stathos | Photo Credit: Robert Torres

Stephanie Stathos is the Principal Flute of the Cape Ann Symphony and the soloist in Cécile Chaminade’s Concertino for Flute. Ms. Stathos is thrilled to play this special piece with CAS, “”Cécile Chaminade’s Concertino was commissioned by the Paris Conservatoire in 1902.  It is a popular piece in the flute repertoire and features a beautiful, memorable melody that recurs throughout the piece.  As a young flute student the beautiful melody captured my attention and I began learning it. Although I‘ve performed the Concertino with piano over the years, playing it with the Cape Ann Symphony is a dream come true. I am very much looking forward to seeing my colleagues and Yoichi again, but also to see those who have supported us through this incredibly difficult period…

“…Each person makes a huge difference,  and we are grateful to all those who attend our concerts and also to all those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the orchestra going. I welcome the chance to say thank you in person on July 18 at the post-concert meet and greet! Personally, the canceling of all live music that accompanied the Covid months has made me reevaluate what it means to play.  It’s a huge privilege and I cherish each opportunity to perform more than ever.  No one should take music making for granted – because, as we saw, it can go away very quickly.”

Stephanie Stathos, Principal Flute, Soloist

About Stephanie Stathos

Stephanie Stathos earned her degree in Flute Performance from Boston University’s School for the Arts. Based in Lincoln, MA, Ms. Stathos is first piccolo for the Lexington Symphony. She has served as the piccolo and second flute with the touring orchestra of the National Lyric Opera of New York. As soloist she has performed throughout the United States and Europe. Other appearances include performances with many of New England’s ensembles including Boston Landmarks Orchestra, Rhode Island Philharmonic, Symphony New Hampshire, Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, Concord Chorale (NH), Newburyport Choral Society, and North Shore Chamber Music. Ms. Stathos also is passionate about jazz, new music and ethnic music.

An Outdoor Musical Celebration of Summer Composers:

Adolphus Hailstork, 1941-

A prolific composer of music in every form from solo works to opera, symphony and chamber music. Adolphus Hailstork (1941- ) was born in Rochester, New York and grew up in Albany where he studied violin, piano, organ, and voice. He currently resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia. His works blend musical ideas from both the African American and European traditions.

Dr. Hailstork began his studies in composition at Howard University. He then attended the American Conservatory at Fontainebleau, France, where he studied with Nadia Boulanger. He received his Bachelor and Master of Music from the Manhattan School of Music and received his PhD in composition from Michigan State University. From 1969 to 1971, Dr. Hailstork taught at Michigan State University. He then served as professor at Youngstown State University in Ohio from 1971 to 1976, and in 1977 he became professor of music and Composer-in-Residence at Virginia’s Norfolk State University. He is currently a professor of music and Composer-in-Residence at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.

Cecile Chaminade, 1857-1944

French composer Cécile Louise Stéphanie Chaminade (1857–1944) enjoyed considerable success touring as a pianist and performing her own works. In the United States she was so popular that a national group of musical clubs was named after her, and in England her Prélude for Organ was played at Queen Victoria’s funeral in 1901. In 1913 she was awarded the Légion d’Honneur, a first for a female composer. Composer Ambroise Thomas said, “This is not a woman who composes, but a composer who is a woman.”

When Ms. Chaminade was a young her family moved to the village of Le Vésinet, west of Paris, and acquired Georges Bizet as a neighbor. She began playing the piano, composing keyboard music and pieces and Bizet praised her talent. Franz Liszt also praised the talent of the  young pianist. Ms. Chaminade  was urged to study at the Paris Conservatory but her father forbade it, saying it would be improper for a young woman of her class. However, she was allowed to take private lessons with Conservatory faculty. Ms. Chaminade toured steadily around Europe in the 1890s, finding special success in England. Audiences, including the Queen, loved her. Queen Victoria invited her to perform at Windsor Castle.

Today, thanks to an enlightened interest in the music of women composers, Cécile Chaminade’s compositions have experienced a revival in popularity.

Joseph Bologne, 1745-1799

Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745-1799) is the first known classical musician of African descent. A man of many talents he was a composer, virtuoso violinist, conductor of the leading symphony orchestra in Paris, and a renowned champion fencer.

Born in the French colony of Guadeloupe, he was the son of George Bologne de Saint-Georges, a wealthy planter and Anne Nano, his wife’s African slave. At the age of seven his father took him to France, where he received an extensive education. During the French Revolution, he served as a colonel of the Légion St.-Georges, the first all-black regiment in Europe, fighting on the side of the Republic. Mr. Bologne traveled throughout Europe and England, fighting in many battles and, in competition, beating some of the most famous swordsmen in his time, while also conducting, performing and composing numerous string quartets, many instrumental pieces and several operas.

Cape Ann Symphony’s Outdoor Musical Celebration of Summer Benefit Concerts are Sunday, July 18 at 3:00 pm and 5:30 pm at 179 Hesperus Avenue, Magnolia, MA. Rain date is Sunday, July 25. Tickets are $100 per person. Tickets include wine, beer, soft drinks and light hors d’oeuvres as well as a meet and greet with Maestro Udagawa and the members of the orchestra following each performance.

Tickets are limited. Call Cape Ann Symphony at 978-281-0543 or go to www.capeannsymphony.org for tickets and further information. 

Photo credits:

  • Stephanie Stathos, Principal Flute of the Cape Ann Symphony and the soloist in Cécile Chaminade’s Concertino for Flute in An Outdoor Musical Celebration of Summer on July 18 Photo Credit: Robert Torres
  • Adolphus Hailstork, Composer Courtesy photo 
  • Joseph Bologne, Composer Courtesy photo 
  • Cape Ann Symphony musicians led by Maestro Udagawa performing at 179 Hesperus Avenue  Courtesy photo