Springfield Symphony Orchestra gears up for 22-23 seasonDate: 10/18/2022 HAMPDEN COUNTY – The Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) will be hosting a full concert series in 2022-2023 after dealing with ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic.
Background
Interim Executive Director Paul Lambert continues to serve as the symphony orchestra’s leader since entering his role in January. Lambert previously worked for decades at the Basketball Hall of Fame as a programmer for events and special ceremonies.
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra celebrated its return in April after a two-year absence with a truncated spring concert series. Lambert expressed pride in what the concert series was able to achieve.
“The concerts were beautiful … It was really important to get back on stage and have live music in Symphony Hall and downtown Springfield,” said Lambert in an interview with Reminder Publishing.
Lambert, who previously enjoyed the orchestra’s offerings as a subscriber, touted the indescribable impact that viewing a concert in Springfield Symphony Hall has upon the audience.
“It was just so beautiful to hear that music live … while there’s all types of wonderful ways to listen to music and engage with entertainment, there’s something very special about being in the room where the live magic happens,” said Lambert.
For the 2022-2023 season, Lambert aspires for the orchestra to build upon their initial success. He noted that attendance was “OK” for the spring concert series as local supporters were getting reacquainted with the orchestra’s offerings in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.
“The concerts went well, attendance was OK. We would love to have more. People were just getting used to the idea of us being there and of course coming out of the [coronavirus] pandemic, everyone is discovering going out again. We hope that people will do that in greater numbers,” said Lambert.
2022-2023 concert series
The orchestra’s concert series begins with “Sensational Beginnings” on Oct. 22. Each concert in the 2022-2023 season will begin at 7:30 p.m. Lambert shared that “Sensational Beginnings” will feature the talents of Conductor JoAnn Falletta – an award-winning conductor who is recognized as one of the industry’s best talents.
“[Falletta] is one of the top 10 conductors in the world … She ended up being one of the great conductors of the world in a time where women were largely not conductors. She overcame a lot to reach the roles that she’s in,” said Lambert.
Falletta and guest cello artist Joshua Roman will help lead “Sensational Beginnings” as an encapsulation of orchestra pieces from Zoltán Kodály, Antonín Dvorák and Edward Elgar. The European artists and their works reflect sentiments stemming from their distinct zeitgeist, such as Elgar’s reflection of grief for the tragedy of World War I in England.
On Nov. 5, the SSO will play “Messages from Mozart.” Guest conductor Tania Miller and pianist Elan Sicroff will help articulate the classical works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johannes Brahms and Valentin Silvestrov.
“It’s just stunning music. I am looking forward to seeing Miller conduct,” said Lambert.
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra is returning one of their traditioned events on Dec. 3 with the “Joy to the World” performance. Lambert said the holiday-themed concert is a celebratory performance of staple songs like “White Christmas” and “Feliz Navidad” that appeal to all ages. William Waldrop will conduct the concert alongside vocal contributions from the Springfield Symphony Chorus.
“It’s a really celebratory event … With all the craziness that the world we are living in right now, we really need a warm family event. I think we need that right now,” said Lambert.
In 2023, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra will feature an eclectic array of musical celebrations. The orchestra performs “Audacity of Hope: Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.” on Jan. 14, 2023, as a reflection on the life and virtues of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. On Feb. 25, 2023, the orchestra will celebrate the season with a festive “Mardi Gras!” concert orchestrated by conductor and trumpet player Byron Stripling.
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s 2022-2023 concert series will also feature “Fearless Women” on March 11, “Madness and Mystery” on April 15, 2023 and conclude with “Beauty and Chaos” on May 13, 2023.
Lambert expressed enthusiasm in the diversity represented in the concert series, with a majority of the eight guest composers representing different backgrounds.
“There’s some new faces and energy there … the experience that they all bring is something different. It’s exciting to try something new,” said Lambert.
Looking ahead to the concert season, Lambert highlighted the continual evolution of the orchestra as they embrace new voices and musical pieces. He hopes that an emphasis on positive change will implore more to check out the orchestra’s offerings and further support Springfield’s downtown economy.
“I am so excited to hear these pieces and I know our musicians are excited as well … It’s a living art form, and I want people to remember it’s really fun going to the concerts,” said Lambert.
Readers can learn more about Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s 2022-2023 concert series at https://www.springfieldsymphony.org/.
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