The Springfield Symphony Orchestra : From the Maestro

Greetings and Happy Holidays

Peter Stafford Wilson

The Springfield Symphony Orchestra continues to celebrate 60 years of glorious music making! And we want to share the excitement with everyone in our community!

Our opening concert in October was a great success as we launched our celebratory season with music from the SSO's inaugural year. Opening Night also gave me a chance to introduce you to an old and dear friend of mine, Jeffrey Siegel. Jeffrey was thrilled not only our Kuss Auditorium audience, but also some new friends in Urbana with the first installment of what will be a series of Keyboard Conversations. These informative programs share insightful information about the music as well as uninterrupted solo piano performances, and Jeffrey tailors them to the novice and the seasoned listener alike. Watch the website for future opportunities to participate in Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel.

The Orchestra has just returned from a truly moving concert in Troy, Ohio with "America's Tenor" Daniel Rodriguez, who's voice helped heal a nation immediately following the tragedies of September 11. We made many new friends, and concertgoers promised to visit with us at the Kuss in the near future!

Music is such an integral part of Holiday celebrations in our home, and Barb joins me in inviting you to be with us for this season's Holiday Extravaganza, on Saturday, December 13 at 7:00 PM at the Kuss. The Springfield Youth Symphony will join their adult mentors in a side-by-side performance, the Handbell Choir from Wittenberg University, led by Trudy Faber, will join the Orchestra to ring in the season in style, and the OPAI dancers will present a tribute to the Wise Men as set to the music of Respighi and Duke Ellington.

The frigid days of January will bring the hottest event of the year with the appearance of internationally renowned violinist Hilary Hahn. As a tribute to her late grandmother, Martha Hahn, Hilary will appear with the SSO and the Springfield Youth Symphony in this very special concert. Hilary's appearance is gaining interest across our state, so you will want to reserve your seats NOW before this event sells out. What better gift to that classical music lover on your Holiday List?

And as your year winds down, a gift idea for that favorite Maestro on your list would bea donation to the SSO's Annual Fund Campaign. My New Year's resolution is to share this great Orchestra with as many friends in our community as possible, and your generous gift will help me do just that.

Thank you, and Happy Holidays!

Peter Stafford Wilson

Purchase tickets here.

Hilary Hahn Performs in a Salute to the SSO!

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