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Date: 4/13/2022
SPRINGFIELD – Similar to several other community staples, the soothing sounds of Springfield Symphony Orchestra remained on pause over the last two years due to the pandemic. Interim Executive Director Paul Lambert is excited for the symphony to open its doors for a fresh slate of concerts for the 2022-2023 season.
Returning from the coronavirus pandemic
Lambert, the former vice president of Enshrinement Services & Community Engagement at the Basketball Hall of Fame, assumed leadership of the organization back in January. The executive director brings a deep-seated passion for the arts to the position, subscribing to the orchestra over the last 20 years while also working in the past as the director of The Cape Playhouse for seven years.
“I grew up in the performing arts, so for me its coming full circle in my career…it’s important to maintain cultural institutions and allow them to thrive,” said Lambert in an interview with Reminder Publishing.
During his initial months as executive director, Lambert navigated the surge of the omicron variant and ongoing labor union disputes between the symphony’s musicians and the organization. While the coronavirus pandemic continues to create ever-changing circumstances, Lambert expressed that the organization makes continual progress for Springfield Symphony Orchestra to make their return.
“I sense there’s a hunger for folks to celebrate and have a wonderful time together…There’s something very special about being live in person, it’s a wonderful collective experience,” said Lambert, who also stressed that health and safety protocols remain “paramount” in consideration of the orchestra’s return.
The interim executive director shared his hopes that the orchestra’s return will serve as another cog in the city’s revitalizing economy, with the concerts likely driving people to also eat and shop downtown. He also envisions the organization operating as a promoter of musical and artistic endeavors throughout Western Mass.
Lambert said he and his team continue to plan out the rest of the 2022-2023 concert season in an “ongoing process.”
Lambert also remains cognizant of the challenges facing modern orchestra ensembles, with the core audience appreciating classical music continuing to age. “Symphonies have had challenges in the last 10 years, the traditional audience is aging…it’s critically important we bring in a young and diverse audience. The Springfield Symphony Orchestra has to become a 21st century organization,” said Lambert.
Spring Concerts
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra is marking their return with two spring concerts: “Of Heroes and Poets” on April 22 at 7:30 p.m. and “Dances of Spring” on May 13 at 7:30 p.m. Both concerts feature the return of conductor Mark Russell Smith, who previously served as Music Director and Conductor for Springfield Symphony Orchestra.
“Of Heroes and Poets” welcomes the talents of guest cellist Thomas Mesa. As a member of the Detroit Sphinx, an organization promoting the representation of Black and Latinx artists in classical music, Mesa will be performing Antonin Dvorak’s Cello Concerto.
“He’s a remarkable talent,” said Lambert. “Of Heroes and Poets” will also feature the work of William Grant Still, a composer inspired by the rhythmic dance music of Panama, along with the second symphony of Robert Schumann.
“Dances of Spring” is set to feature American composer Michael Abels’ orchestration Liquify alongside two dance music offerings from composers Gabriela Lena Frank and Aaron Copland. The concert concludes with Johannes Brahms first symphony, which represents personal resonance to Lambert as his father loved Brahms offerings.
With both shows, Lambert aspires to represent Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s fusion of classical and modern sensibilities. He also hopes audiences enjoy making their long-awaited return to Symphony Hall.
“Let’s celebrate together and hear some beautiful music,” said Lambert.
Readers can purchase tickets for both spring concerts and learn more about future Springfield Symphony Orchestra events at https://www.springfieldsymphony.org/.