Dear NSO family,
Welcome to the inauguration of an exciting new era in Newton Symphony history! As a Newton native, I’ve watched with a combination of admiration and pride as the NSO has grown by leaps and bounds under the capable direction of my predecessors, Maestri Sasson, Knudsen and Rink.
I vividly remember the NSO’s early years at Newton South High School, cheering on my friends as they made their "professional debuts" with the orchestra. My esteemed Newton (North) High School Orchestra conductor, theory and composition teacher Henry Lasker and his lovely wife Gert were pillars of the NSO’s Board of Directors for many years.
It is therefore with a deep sense of connection to our community and to the NSO’s proud tradition that I assume the role of NSO Music Director this season. Your current Board of Directors, musicians and I are dedicated to enriching your lives by providing first-class performances of a rich menu of diverse musical treats designed to satisfy conservative and eclectic palates alike.
Through hundreds of hours of planning sessions and informal discussion groups, e-mails and letters I’ve received from every corner of the NSO’s universe, the one central issue which has become our season’s leitmotif or idée fixe (the underlying idea which recurs time and again, creating unity within great symphonic works, operas, etc.) is the concept of challenge: our orchestra demands to be driven to achieve their maximum technical and artistic potential while partnering with first-rank soloists drawn from the extraordinary pool of talented musicians with which this region is uniquely blessed, our contributors and sponsors demand fiscal responsibility and an ever-widening base of financial support to meet the increasingly complex array of challenges which confront all sectors in the business world, and you, our devoted listeners, are demanding that the precious hours and dollars you and your families invest in our Newton Symphony concerts be rewarded with electrifying performances of great music!
The NSO and I are pleased to report that we have once again established a solid financial footing for the orchestra. Our recent success in this critical area is due to our incredibly effective Board of Directors, Executive Director and musicians’ tremendous collective effort to meet head-on the terms of challenge grants (the leitmotif returns!) so generously provided by two Newton Symphony families. We will need your continuing support as we work toward building our financial base to ensure the NSO’s ability to provide a wealth of cultural programs to our community for many years to come.
Your musicians and I are deeply immersed in rehearsals for our October 5th Opening Gala, preparing a sumptuous feast guaranteed to delight your ears and enflame your passions: from the explosive opening measures of Chadwick’s festive Jubilee, through Dvorak’s richly melodic Fourth Symphony, to Tschaikowsky’s spectacular First Piano Concerto featuring Newton’s own Michael Lewin in his triumphant return to the NSO stage after his smashing success with us last February, our Gala Opening Concert heralds the dawn of a dynamic new era in Newton Symphony history. If your spontaneous eruption at the conclusion of Michael’s Rhapsody in Blue and the cataclysmic finale to Pines of Rome at mydebut NSO concert last February are any indication, we are poised at the portal of a most amazing musical journey.
“Where are they now?” showcases Newton musicians who’ve achieved world-class stature. Michael Lewin leads the way, followed by husband and wife duo soloists: Kennedy Center/Boston Pops harpist and Newton native Susan Robinson, and Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra concertmaster Joseph Scheer in a quintessentially Celtic collaboration. Rounding out this season’s exciting soloist roster are duo-pianists Christopher Shih and Thomas Yu, winners of last year’s Boston Piano Amateurs Competition, and soprano Jayne West, a perennial New England favorite whose angelic voice and consummate musicianship are in constant demand among our nation’s major and regional orchestras.
Each and every one of you is a valued member of our extended NSO family. If you are passionate about our Newton Symphony Orchestra, please help us realize our vision by volunteering, donating much-needed goods and services, and lending crucial financial support by way of tax deductible contributions. Contact the Newton Symphony office for further details.
Welcome to a brand new era of glorious symphonic music performed in your own home town. Share your love of this magnificent repertoire and the magic of live concerts with your family and friends as we experience first-hand the reasons why the NSO’s motto proudly proclaims, “We’re home town; we’re world class!”
Thank you for your continuing support. Wishing you all great joy through music,
James M. Orent, Music Director
Click here to read Maestro Orent's full biography.
