The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Chappaqua Orchestra

FRANKENSTEIN-THE MOVIE SCORE Comes to the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center March 22

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FRANKENSTEIN-THE MOVIE SCORE is a Production of Friends of Chappaqua Performing Arts Center

Grammy-nominated composer Michael Shapiro’s FRANKENSTEIN-THE MOVIE SCORE with live orchestra will be performed by the New Chappaqua Orchestra under the direction of the composer at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, 480 Bedford Road, Chappaqua, New York 10514 (info@chappaquapac.org) on Saturday night, March 22, 2025 at 8 p.m.  Doors open at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are available at https://chappaquapac.org/

The classic early sound horror film Frankenstein starred Colin Clive and Boris Karloff (in his breakout role as the Monster) and was directed by James Whale.  The hit movie Frankenstein is largely credited with saving Universal Pictures from bankruptcy, breaking all box office records during the Depression era. However, the film was produced prior to through composed film scores being typically used (indeed King Kong in 1933 was the first film to have a full film score).

In 2002, Michael Shapiro composed an orchestral film score for the classic film Frankenstein and was premiered by The Chappaqua Orchestra at the Jacob Burns Film Center played simultaneously with the movie.  Since its premiere in Pleasantville, the score has been performed in one of its four versions (chamber orchestra, full orchestra, wind ensemble, and opera) worldwide over 65 times from St. Petersburg, Russia, Milan, Italy, Bergen, Norway, Trier, Germany, Birmingham, Liverpool, and Manchester, UK, to performances all over the United States and Canada, including the opera version premieres at the Los Angeles Opera and Atlanta Opera and the wind ensemble version by the Dallas Winds at the Meyersohn Symphony Center. 

The Chappaqua performance, under the direction of composer Michael Shapiro, will be the first time the score has been played in Westchester in over ten years.

Chappaqua Orchestra Announces a Comeback Concert at the Paramount

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Junior Division winner Sean Yu performs Tchaikovsky’s – Pezzo Capriccioso
Senior Division Second Place winner Vivian Chen performs Ravel’s – Piano Concerto in G Major
Senior Division First Place winner Jiaxun Yao will perform with the Chappaqua Orchestra next season

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The Chappaqua Orchestra (TCO) is inviting everyone to join them for a first live concert on Friday, June 11 at 8 pm. at the historic Paramount Theater in Peekskill, NY  It is the first time the TCO will be performing together live since March 2019. This long-awaited event will showcase two of the talented young winners of the 2021 Concerto Competition held this spring.

The concert will feature CFO final Music Director candidate Teresa Cheung conducting with the Second-Place winner of the Senior Division, Vivian Chen performing the Ravel Piano Concerto in G Major, and our Junior Division First-Place winner, Sean Yu performing Tchaikovsky’s Pezzo Capriccioso. The concert will conclude with Schubert’s Fourth Symphony. Due to Covid restrictions, Senior Division First Place winner, Jiaxun Yao, will not be able to attend as she is currently in China, but she will be performing with CFO next season.

After such a long time in lock down, the Chappaqua Orchestra is eager to perform on the stage again in front of a live audience. They will be following strict New York State safety guidelines. They are asking that concert goers wear a mask and show proof of vaccination or a negative covid test to attend this event. There will be a small reception to meet the performers following the concert.

This is a private event with limited seating. Please RSVP to info@chappaquaorchestra.org or call 845-842-0010 by June 4.

A Happy Hudson Valley Holiday: 10 Cultural Events that Celebrate the Joys of the Season

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Photo Courtesy of Salzburg Marionette Theater

This holiday season, there’s no need to travel far to soak up the holiday spirit. Whether you are looking for something traditional or off the beaten path, here’s a roundup of some of Westchester’s best cultural arts events to delight the biggest Scrooges or the tiniest Sugar Plums.

1. Holiday Tea Musicale

Caramoor, Katonah
caramoor.org
December 4–21
$32.50-65

Feel the magic of the season with Caramoor’s holiday tradition of classical concerts with charismatic musicians, festive decorations, a chance to sing-a-long, and tea service in the majestic Music Room.

2. Holiday Sing-along with the Chappaqua Orchestra

Robert E. Bell School, Chappaqua
chappaquaorchestra.org
December 7
FREE

Guest conductor Mina Kim leads the orchestra’s annual Holiday sing-along followed by the New Castle Historical Society tree lighting at the famous Horace Greeley House.

3. It’s a Wonderful Life

Bedford Playhouse, Bedford
bedfordplayhouse.org
December 8
$14

Frank Capra’s heartwarming masterpiece continues to endure, and after 70 years, this beloved classic still remains as powerful and moving as the day it was made. Presented in 4K!

4. The Chordsmen: ‘Tis The Season Winter Concert

First Presbyterian Church, Ossining
chordsmen.org
December 8
$20-25

The Chordsmen is an all-male chorus that sings in 4-part a cappella harmony, often in the barbershop style. This lively concert features a selection of seasonal songs by the entire Chorus and selected quartets.

5. Mr. Dickens Tells a Christmas Carol

Lyndhurst, Tarrytown
lyndhurst.org
December 13-29
$40

This timeless event recreates the famous performance tour by Charles Dickens in 1867 with his classic tale bringing the travails of Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim alive.

6. Canadian Brass: Holiday Time is Here

Performing Arts Center, Purchase
artscenter.org
December 15
$16.25-$72.50

Renowned for genre-bending versatility and joyous performances, the award-winning quintet delights with holiday favorites from classical presentation to music served up with lively dialogue and theatrical effects.

7. The Magic Dreidels

White Plains Performing Arts
Center, White Plains
wppac.com
December 26 & 30
$17-22

When young Jakob meets a goblin who offers him dreidels that work miracles, the boy and others learn the true meaning of Hanukkah. By Jenna Zark, adapted from the book by Eric A. Kimmel.

AND..A Nutcracker for Everyone!

8. Salzburg Marionette Theatre: The Nutcracker

Westchester Community College, Valhalla
sunywcc.edu
December 8
$8-28

From Austria with love, these marionettes have delighted children since 1913 worldwide. This original production features live actors with their marionettes bringing the famous holiday tale of The Nutcracker to sparkling life while set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score.

9. The Nutcracker Westchester Ballet Company

County Center, White Plains
westchesterballet.org
December 13-15
$23-35

Westchester Ballet Company’s crown jewel is its annual Nutcracker production. This classic is chock full of exquisite choreography, stunning costumes, and exciting special effects.

10. Nutcracker Short & Sweet

Paramount Hudson Valley, Peekskill
paramounthudsonvalley.com
December 21
$13-15

Only one hour long and fully narrated from the point of view of Clara, this show is sure to hold the attention of even the youngest ballet fan.

The Chappaqua Orchestra: “High Quality Musical Experience”

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Since 1959, the Chappaqua Orchestra has promoted live classical music in the Hudson Valley region by presenting a high-quality musical experience for diverse audiences through community outreach, educational and creative programming. The Chappaqua Orchestra is proud to note its:

  • Together in Music concert which features children from the Special Needs community performing along with the orchestra
  • Nationally recognized concerto competition, highlighted on The Violin Channel, as one of the premier competitions in the nation.
  • Grace Notes prison concert program, bringing music and cultural enrichment to NY prison populations.

The Chappaqua Orchestra brings high quality orchestral and chamber music performances that reach audiences of all types. chappaquaorchestra.org.

Courtesy of the Chappaqua Orchestra.

Chappaqua Orchestra on Community Day, Photo by Grace Bennett

Heart and Soul at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center (ChappPAC)

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Founded in 2017, the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center (ChappPAC) was established to provide diverse arts and cultural programming for residents of New Castle and communities throughout the region. Located in the heart of Chappaqua at Chappaqua Crossing (the former Reader’s Digest campus), this amazing 425-seat venue was saved from demolition and brought back to life through a unique consortium of municipal and private support.

ChappPAC’s programming presents a diverse, imaginative and exceptionally entertaining mix of arts and cultural opportunities such as art exhibits, theater, comedy, author talks and perennial favorites such as “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and an interactive “Elf” experience. Artists such as Tim Kubart and the Space Cadets have had children dancing in the aisles, while the sweet sounds of Vanessa Williams and the rocking music of the Allman Brothers have delighted adults. ChappPAC also is the home of the Chappaqua Orchestra, and has hosted master acting classes with current Broadway stars. ChappPAC offers a full slate of children’s and senior programming and also aims to provide programs and opportunities for under-served communities and people with special needs.

The Town’s Arts and Culture Committee oversees the facility and is the liaison between the Town and the needs of ChappPAC. The Friends of ChappPAC, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, is the entity sanctioned to work with the Town to provide financial support to ChappPAC for capital projects and programming at the theater. For information about ChappPAC and future programming, visit chappaquapac.org. For information about the Friends of ChappPAC, contact friendsofchapppac@gmail.com.

Courtesy of the Town of New Castle Arts and Culture Committee