“The New Bedford Symphony Orchestra has been many orchestras,” writes Keith Powers in Saturday’s (9/12) Southcoasttoday.com (Massachusetts). “First, an amateur ensemble, now one of the oldest in the nation, founded by Fairhaven music teacher Clarence Arey in 1915…. Following that, an adventurous ensemble, still volunteers, under the direction of the eminent Josef Cobert for a dozen years, which performed cutting-edge music from the likes of John Cage, Alan Hovhaness, Henry Cowell, Wallingford Riegger and others. Then a struggling regional orchestra, rescued by devoted president Lillian B. Lamoureux in the 1980s, and transformed into a fully auditioned, highly skilled civic centerpiece under conductor F. John Adams. And after more serious financial problems, a transformed orchestra once again in the millennium, led by board president Thomas Hallam, and energized onstage by [current Music Director] David MacKenzie. Now, about to celebrate its 100th anniversary this season, the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra can claim not only artistic excellence, but outstanding educational programs.” Powers chronicles each era and observes, “With a robust youth symphony, a host of training ensembles, and in-school programs that reach 60 different schools, the NBSO is making music part of the community fabric.”
Posted September 14, 2015
