Saturday, May 21st at 8 p.m. – Wallace Auditorium @ Chappaqua Crossing
Beethoven Symphony No. 4, Coriolan Overture,
and Concerto Competition winner Sakurako Saimaru in the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto with full Orchestra
Chappaqua Orchestra
A Hearty Bravo to Chappaqua Orchestra’s First “Children’s Story Concert”
Article and Photos by Matt Smith
As you make your way toward the red velvet seat in the newly refurbished Wallace Auditorium, clutching your program to the Children’s Story Concert, which boasts the titular characters of the evening’s respective pieces, you hear the faint murmurs of the Chappaqua Orchestra tuning up, and almost immediately feel a rush of excitement. You pause to breathe, look around, and take it all in; you’re preparing yourself for the journey on which you are about to embark.
Upon exiting the building, you’ll snap back to reality and remember you’re indeed in Westchester, but inside the auditorium, that detail is sure to be easily forgotten. With your eyes closed, the sound of the orchestra makes you feel like you’re at Lincoln Center… and you are, in fact, after all, witnessing “the Jewel of New Castle” perform one of the most popular and well-known pieces in the history of classical music. In short, it’s an incredibly moving experience you’re sure to remember. 
The November afternoon began with The Runaway Bunny, a musical adaptation of the classic children’s story by Margaret Wise Brown, as composed by Glen Roven–who, it should be noted, was in attendance at the event. Narrated by WQXR’s Elliott Forrest, the composition was accompanied by a series of illustrative projections, which guided the audience visually through the titular bunny’s journey–from the trout stream to the mountains to the circus. The arrangement itself provided a beautiful instrumental background to the story, that served to set the tone of the piece, establish a musical theme for each location, and punctuate significant moments in Forrest’s narration, with either a blast of a trumpet, a flourish of a flute, or the pluck of a violin string–by famed violinist Kinga Augustyn, no less, who served as a soloist on that selection.
The second orchestration kicked off with an introduction of the characters and their representative instruments–Peter (strings), the Bird (flute), the Cat (clarinet), the Duck (oboe), the Hunters (timpani & large drums), Grandfather (Bassoon), and of course, the Wolf (french horns)–before the orchestra launched into the string refrain so familiar and reminiscent of our childhood.
To end the program, conductor Michael Shapiro gave each section of the orchestra their own individual recognition, a gesture met with a rousing, well-deserved standing ovation from the audience.
Overall, “the concert was a success,” comments David Restivo, Executive Director of The Chappaqua Orchestra. “We know the people who came really enjoyed themselves.” He adds that TCO is planning to arrange another Children’s Story Concert in 2016, and hopes to make the program a bi-annual event in the years following.
It certainly seems like a great idea, as the first concert was very well received. Reiterates Restivo: “Anyone who missed this show really missed a great performance!” So, keep an eye out next year: it’s a truly one-of-a-kind experience… and it’s right here in Chappaqua! How could you lose?!
Restivo also wishes to thank sponsors Kiwi Country Day Camp and the Westchester Conservatory of Music who provided guests with activities such as face painting, bead-making and tic-tac-toe, and the instrumental “petting zoo,” respectively — and the Town of New Castle for supporting such a significant event.
“It is so vital for children to see these types of concerts [live and in person],” he continues, “and to realize these things don’t just happen on TV or on their iPads.”
Shapiro reiterates the importance of “bringing professional level music of all kinds to our local community,” especially for the kids, because “it’s essential” to instill the youngsters with a deepened appreciation and “enthusiasm for music.”
And with a program like this winter’s Children’s Story Concert and an orchestra as lively as TCO, it doesn’t seem like too hard a goal to achieve!
The Wallace Auditorium is located within Chappaqua Crossing, at 480 Bedford Road, just off of 117. For more information on The Chappaqua Orchestra, visit www.chappaquaorchestra.org.
TODAY! The Chappaqua Orchestra Presents: Peter and the Wolf in the New Wallace Auditorium!
By Matt Smith
Calling all Prokofiev fans–especially those with kids! You’re invited to join The Chappaqua Orchestra (along with the bird, the duck, the cat, and several others) on Saturday, November 7th, for a performance of Peter and the Wolf. As one of the first concerts launching the orchestra’s new 2015-2016 season, the evening’s family-friendly program will not disappoint.
The piece will be paired with The Runaway Bunny, an adaptation of the classic children’s story by Margaret Wise Brown, set to music by composer Glen Roven. Famed violinist Kinga Augustyn will serve as soloist on that piece, while Elliott Forrest–broadcaster at New York’s classical music station WQXR–will narrate both selections. Additionally, each composition will be accompanied by a series of projections behind the musicians to help tell the stories visually.
And as for the choice of repertoire? It was simply a case of good, nay perfect, timing. “Since I’ve been with the Chappaqua Orchestra, we had never done Peter and the Wolf,” explains conductor Michael Shapiro, who has been with TCO since 2002. “So, I thought ‘now’s the time!’ It’s such a great story–and great for kid–and a beautiful piece of music.”
And it’s clear The Chappaqua Orchestra is seizing this “great opportunity” as best it can; hoping to pique interest and maximize community involvement, the ensemble has arranged a few pre-show activities with other organizations in town. Prior to the concert, Camp Kiwi will host a variety of games for the kids, and members of the Westchester Music Conservatory will provide an instrumental “petting zoo,” which will allow guests to get a closer look at–and even touch!–the individual instruments within the orchestra.
“We feel that if we are to become a regionally known orchestra, we have to make sure the people in our own community and town know about us and are coming to see us,” Restivo reiterated. “What better way to [kick off our season]…than by celebrating our youth?!”
And as if you needed yet another reason to attend this classical extravaganza, Shapiro is also quick to emphasize that the travel time simply can’t be beat! “If you want to go to a concert in Lincoln Center, you have to factor in the drive–up to two hours round trip–and then, of course, the added considerable expense,” he explained. “[TCO] is of the same professional quality [as those musicians]…and we’re right here in Chappaqua! No need to travel [far].”
Additionally, Shapiro notes the importance of “bringing professional level music of all kinds–symphonic, theater and film music, family and children’s concerts–to our local community,” and how he hopes, specifically with these child-oriented pieces, the youngsters leave with a more deepened appreciation and “enthusiasm for music.”
Echoing this sentiment is Restivo, who stresses, again, how he hopes the move to Wallace will increase community awareness of what the company has to offer. And though the selections may suggest a lean toward a youth-centric program, he assures concertgoers that the evening “will get people of all ages excited about our group.”
So, get up, do your part, and please join The Chappaqua Orchestra for what is sure to be an undoubtedly incredible evening of music!
Hailed as “The Jewel of New Castle,” The Chappaqua Orchestra has been serving Northern Westchester since 1958. The Children’s Story Concert, again, will be performed live on November 7th at 4 p.m. Wallace Auditorium is located within Chappaqua Crossing, at 480 Bedford Road, just off of 117.
For more information, visit chappaquaorchestra.org.
Matt Smith, a proud graduate of Skidmore College, is a regular contributor to The Inside Press.
A Spectacular New Home Inside the Wallace Auditorium
The Chappaqua Orchestra’s fantastic musical offerings aside, the concert itself is only one of the reasons this event is so special and meaningful to the orchestra. An equally important cause for celebration: the performance will be the first for the musicians’ group in their newly christened home at Wallace Auditorium in the Chappaqua Crossing plaza.
The ability to perform in the auditorium is especially significant, as the venue was originally set to be demolished as part of the plan for Chappaqua Crossing’s redevelopment. Last July, the town entered into a lease agreement with Summit Greenfield to salvage the space, and the Town Board has since created and Arts and Cultural Committee–on which both Mr. Shapiro and The Chappaqua Orchestra’s Executive Director David Restivo sit–to fund and administer the auditorium.
“It’s very exciting,” said Shapiro, on the subject. “I think it’s wonderful that they fought to keep it standing. We’ve played in many venues…Greeley [Auditorium], Chappaqua Library, the Gazebo…. [and] we have needed a permanent home that is worthy of our orchestra, so it’s nice to finally have a place to call our own.”
“With the creation of the Arts and Cultural committee, we are doing whatever we can to make sure TCO is a part making Chappaqua and New Castle the center of Arts and Culture for all of Westchester,” added Restivo. “With the acquisition of Wallace, the town has a great opportunity to do this.” –Matt Smith
“We are at the forefront of what is happening with arts and culture in our town. In making the Wallace Auditorium our new home, we will essentially be the only orchestra in Westchester that will have its own space to perform in. TCO would love to have more involvement from the residents of New Castle to help us further this success, not just through attendance, but also volunteering for our concerts and possibly joining our Board. It’s an exciting time
to be a part of the oldest
orchestra in our county!”
– TCO’s Executive Director David Restivo
The Chappaqua Orchestra – Beautifully Note Worthy
By Leslie B. Weissman
Chappaqua has a long history of supporting the arts and nurturing its creative residents. Along those lines, The Chappaqua Orchestra (TCO), a New Castle community treasure and cultural icon since 1959, continues to evolve and stay relevant in a time of revolving musical tastes and digital downloads. Preserving its past as a prominent social and musical event while maintaining its intimate community format, TCO proves the tradition of enjoying live orchestral music is as happening as ever.
Once written about in the society columns, The Chappaqua Orchestra was attended by executives from Readers Digest, amongst others, as an après-dinner activity. Today’s Orchestra responds to mixed musical tastes as varied as the members of our community by performing a wide variety of musical genres; classical, jazz, Broadway, Hollywood, TV, pop and childrens’ themes. Over the years, the Orchestra has been a musical haven for those whose avocation is music yet whose professional careers encompass law, medicine, teaching, banking and technology. In fact, a unique combination of full time, professional musicians and individuals of distinguished musical talent bring their collective passion for performing these genres.
With a history of tutelage by many talented Music Directors and Conductors, TCO is now led by noted American composer Michael Shapiro. Shapiro, who has conducted orchestras from New Orleans to Dallas and Virginia Beach to Birmingham, England, has been at the helm of TCO since 2001. He won critical acclaim for his score of the 1931 silent film Frankenstein, which debuted at the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville. As the conductor and musical director, Shapiro is cognizant of the need to stay on the cutting edge of musical innovation, as demonstrated in his own orchestral work, Roller Coaster which premiered in 2010. He looks to create an inspiring lineup of performances each season. The Orchestra’s 2014-2015 season, which runs from September to July, includes a variety of performances; Chamber concert series, The New Castle Community Sing at Bell School and a final indoor performance at Horace Greeley High School. The season also includes the summer concerts in the park at the gazebo. The full schedule and description of all The Chappaqua Orchestra concerts is available at www.chappaquaorchestra.org.
The Chamber series includes four concerts performed at the Chappaqua Library. They are organized by Pianist Cynthia Peterson, Co-Executive Director and Artistic Director. Cynthia brings a breadth of experience in chamber music, having performed at venues ranging from The Brooklyn Museum to the Garden State Center for the Arts. The chamber series is performed at the Chappaqua Public Library (see website to purchase tickets to this series or individual concerts.)
The celebratory Community Sing, which took place in conjunction with the Tree Lighting at the Historical Society in downtown Chappaqua, certainly delighted all. Performed this year on December 6th at 3:30 p.m. followed by the Tree Lighting at 4:30 p.m., this annual tradition was packed with new delights: There was an anticipated performance by the Orchestra along with Broadway star Jeanne Lehman, the debut of a new Christmas song by Director and Conductor Michael Shapiro, and music by composer Brad Ross, son of the late Morton Ross, a past leader of TCO. Fundraising is an important lifeline for the Orchestra. Aside from straight donations and enhanced ticket price options, the annual fundraising event for this season will be an evening that pairs music and community at a private home in Chappaqua. David Restivo, Co-Executive Director and violinist, anticipates a festive night including music, drinks, appetizers, and a silent auction. Tickets for this January 10th 2015 event are available on the website.
Restivo, a Chappaqua resident who toured throughout Europe playing with his college orchestra and performed with the New York Symphonic Arts Ensemble in Manhattan, along with Shapiro and Peterson, is focused on bringing new and engaging musical outreach to our community. Some of the outreach programs in the works are: involvement with the inmates and concert at the Taconic Correctional Facility; a concert competition open to local students with winners awarded prize money and a chance to play with the Orchestra; a week long children’s enrichment event focused on presenting instruments and background on orchestral music and culminating in a concert at the participating schools.
TCO’s indoor season culminates this year with a performance of excerpts from Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman. Unique again in their approach to bridging culture and community, The Chappaqua Orchestra will include local high school choruses from Horace Greeley and Briarcliff. The concert will take place on May 17th 2015 at 3 p.m. Ticket prices are $15 for students and $25 for adults.
The Chappaqua community and Orchestra share a cultural chord of strong and enduring artistic pride and support. The gift of music is something truly special, and TCO’s talented musicians are a treasure it is our privilege to enjoy.
Leslie Weissman is a local artist and business owner of Presents For Purpose. You can see her work at www.leslieweissman.com and consider purchasing a gift or gifts that give back to charity at www.presentsforpurpose.com
Linking Communities: Chappaqua Orchestra’s Performs at Shawangunk
While Lindsay Hand and the rest of the Greeley dream team were so busy and ably pulling together this edition of Inside Chappaqua (great job everyone!!!), I experienced something rather unique and wonderful and thank Cynthia Peterson, executive director of the Chappaqua Orchestra, for a very special invite…Braving a July heat wave and perhaps some trepidation at the prospect of visiting a maximum security prison (I know I felt it as the only media covering the event), eight members of the Chappaqua Orchestra, otherwise known as an octet!, visited the Shawangunk Correctional Facility in Wallkill, New York.
After leaving our cell phones in our cars, locking up possessions in a locker room at a Visitor’s Center, and getting our hands stamped for clearance, we were all escorted through several secured entry points before reaching a gymnasium where rows of chairs were set up in advance.
The octet members warmed up a bit, and soon, inmates began to come in and take their seats with a distinct air of anticipation. (No photography was allowed of the inmates seated; they would have each had to sign a clearance form first.) Across the front row, about a dozen correctional staff were seated including Shawangunk Superintendent, Joseph Smith. They all were treated to an hour of musical scores, duets and a solo, to the delight and ultimately a standing ovation by some 40 inmates plus correctional staff. I had a short period right after to ask a few of the inmates–Ronald Robertson, Louis Martino and Anthony Jennings–for feedback. Robertson (a man in his 40s) noted that it was the first time he had ever heard classical music. “The opportunity to was truly a blessing,” he said. Martin said he has had a lifelong love for classical music. “It was all I listened to as a young boy on public radio.” Jennings, head of the “Inmate Liaison Committee” at Shawangunk, said, “I felt it was my duty to come and I encouraged others to also experience it.”
Almost 90 inmates signed up, noted Shawangunk’s Deputy Superintendent for Progams Neville Andrews, who added that the men also enjoy other arts and lectures periodically through a Visiting Professor Program at SUNY New Paltz. “It breaks up their daily routines. Most of all, the link to the outside community means a lot to them.” That was easy to see.
The next day, I asked Peterson to send me a statement about the Chappaqua Orchestra’s decision to perform at Shawangunk–and about how the experience was received by the octet members following the one hour long performance. Stated Peterson: “Our mission is to bring great music and great performances to all segments of the community. We hope to impact people’s lives, not merely entertain. The wonderful musicians were greeted with a highly responsive group of listeners, creating a shared, communal experience. The musicians were deeply touched by the audience’s show of appreciation–a standing ovation. All were affected by the events of the afternoon.” Kudos to the amazing Chappaqua Orchestra, and wishing everyone I met at Shawangunk well.
