MSOC still making music despite COVID-19 outbreak

By Karen Greer
For the Journal Inquirer
June 5, 2020

Although the Manchester Symphony Orchestra and Chorale’s June 6 Pops concert is cancelled, MSOC’s members are still busy making music.

Since rehearsals ended in mid March, MSOC’s music directors have hosted Zoom meetings to help the singers and players to stay connected with each other.

Carolina Flores, the chorale’s music director, frequently sends the singers listening ideas and news from the choral music community.

Luca Antonucci, the orchestra’s music director, says the orchestra’s bi-weekly Zoom rehearsals are a chance to “check in, chat and talk about music.”

Antonucci has been finding ways to make the most of the stay-at-home orders.
“I’ve been lucky to have some more time to practice trumpet and piano,” he said, “and have been spending some time working on jazz and improvisation.”

The virtual world has opened some new possibilities for him.

“A few weeks ago, I got to take part in a couple of virtual ensemble projects with my friends from the MV Leopoldau, the community band I played with when I lived in Vienna. It was great getting to see and chat with some old friends!”

MSOC’s president, violinist Jody Danielson, is also using technology to connect and explore new ways to make music. Danielson recorded herself playing both pails of a duet arrangement of Ashokan Farewell, the poignant melody used as the theme for Ken Burns’s documentary’ The Civil War. That gave her something she could share with her remote co-workers.

Now more than ever, everyone is using the power of music to take them to places in their imagination.
Last year, chorale member Linda Cromwell fulfilled her long-held wish to go on an African wildlife safari. With a recording of Henry’ Mancini’s Baby Elephant Walk and her photographs, she was able to relive that experience.

“I looked at my photos and there they were – a whole line of baby elephants!” she said.

The 2020-21 season will be what violist Pete Bradley describes as “a season like no other,” with MSOC planning to bring music to friends, families, and the community.

To keep in touch with MSOC, visit the Manchester Symphony Orchestra and Chorale Facebook page or its website:

msoc.org