Flores debuts with Manchester Symphony Orchestra and Chorale

By Karen Greer
For the Journal Inquirer
November 16, 2017

FLORES

MANCHESTER – Manchester Symphony Orchestra and Chorale’s new season begins on Saturday, Nov. 18, at 7:30 p.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 60 Church St. The concert, titled “Simple Gifts,” will be conducted by the orchestra’s new chorale music director, Dr. Carolina Flores.

“Carolina was selected from a pool of very impressive candidates, and we’re thrilled to have someone with her talents and energy to lead our growing chorale,” says Pete Bradley, a violist with the orchestra who served on the selection committee.

“The Chorale has been growing in membership within the last two months and is a wonderful and welcoming group of people committed to make music at the highest level possible,” she said.

Flores began her career in her native country of Spain, where she earned degrees in piano performance and music education. She graduated from The Manhattan School of Music with a bachelor’s and master’s of degrees in piano performance. She earned a Doctorate of Musical Arts in choral conducting from The University of Hartford’s Hartt School.

The works on the concert program include Schubert’s Mass in G and a variety of music expressing joy, reflection, and thanksgiving, ranging from John Rutter’s tranquil Gaelic Blessing to Randall Thompson’s rousing Testament of Freedom.

The orchestra and chorale will be joined by the Manchester Community College Madrigal Singers and Chorale.

The orchestra’s next concert will be on Friday, Dec. 1, with a performance of Tchaikovsky’s  “Nutcracker Suite” and other holiday favorites. The orchestra will also be providing live music for the Connecticut Concert Ballet’s performances of “The Nutcracker” on Saturday, Dec. 9.

Tickets for “Simple Gifts” are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors, $10 for students, and free for those younger than 18. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 860-646-0047 or visit:

msoc.org