On Saturday, December 10 at the Broome County Forum Theatre, Maestro Daniel Hege led the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra in “Winter Wonderland,” a holiday pops concert with a host of special guests.
Along with the big man himself (Santa Claus), the orchestra was joined by 11 year-old treble soloist Luca Thomas and a quartet of resident artists from Binghamton’s Tri-Cities Opera (Gina Moscato, soprano; Janine Dworin, mezzo-soprano; Felix Aguilar Tomlinson, tenor; Bernardo Medeiros, baritone). Nancy Wildoner’s charming pre-concert holiday bonbons, played on the Theatre’s 1922 Robert-Morton Pipe Organ, set the stage.
Winter Wonderland might have been a typical holiday pops concert, except that much of the program was focused on holiday film music. John Williams’ Home Alone II (with “Merry Christmas” sung by the opera guests), Alan Silvestri’s The Polar Express, and Danny Elfman’s Nightmare Before Christmas (a strange mashup of Klezmer music and Dies irae from the Requiem Mass) all led up to the afternoon’s highlight: Howard Blake’s The Snowman, complete with film screening and a stunning “Walking in the Air” by Luca Thomas.
The joyful concert concluded with some audience participation: a clapalong Radetzky March and a singalong set of Christmas carols.
The Binghamton Philharmonic’s season continues on January 28 with “Wallenberg Festival,” a concert celebrating Binghamton’s three orchestras: the Binghamton Youth Symphony, the Binghamton Community Orchestra, and the Binghamton Philharmonic. For more information, visit binghamtonphilharmonic.org.
The Binghamton Philharmonic is Broome County’s only professional symphony orchestra. It was founded by Fritz and Marianne Wallenberg in 1955 at the Binghamton Symphony and Choral Society and later merged with the B.C. Pops, an orchestra founded by David Agard and Russell Hawkes. The Philharmonic Orchestra presents an annual series of classical, pops, and chamber music concerts in Downtown Binghamton and throughout the county.
The Binghamton Philharmonic will kick off its “Winter Wonderland” celebration, including music from The Polar Express, Home Alone II, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. The program will feature a visit from Santa, a holiday sing-along with a quartet from the Tri-Cities Opera, and the viewing of the classic British animated film, The Snowman, with music performed by a live orchestra and treble soloist Luca Thomas.
Thomas is an 11-year-old from NYC, who started singing before he could even speak. At the age of 4, he was a featured singer on two Laurie Berkner tracks and is now a member of a professional children’s choir. He recently toured Ireland over the summer and is excited to have a solo at the “Winter Wonderland” show.
Luca Thomas
All children 17 and under get in for free to the “Winter Wonderland” show on Dec. 10, held at the Broome County Forum Theatre. To purchase tickets for the event, go here.
On Saturday, November 12 at the Broome County Forum Theatre, Maestro Daniel Hege led the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra in “Green Places,” a program named for a featured concerto by American composer Gary Schocker. The concert began with an unscripted reading of the National Anthem, sung heartily by the audience, followed with the brief fourth Novelette by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, a work for strings and percussion.
“Green Places,” a three movement concerto for flute, featured principal flutist Karen Bogardus, whose stunning green gown helped set the tone for the fanciful piece. Bogardus’ virtuoso playing was fluid and flexible as she led the orchestra in playful calls and responses. Concertmaster Uli Speth concluded the first half of the program with Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “The Lark Ascending.” Speth, dressed in an open vest and bowtie suitable for the English moors, held the audience in rapt attention as his soloistic lines soared over the muted strings.
The Philharmonic rose to the many challenges of Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony, one of the least known but most technically difficult of the nine. Highlights were the tight string sections, spot-on winds, and remarkably fine timpani playing.
The next event for the Binghamton Philharmonic is Winter Wonderland on December 10, featuring performances of music from Home Alone 2 (John Williams), The Polar Express (Alan Silvestri), Nightmare Before Christmas (Danny Elfman), The Snowman (Howard Blake) and many more.
Akshatha Ganesh and Ashwyn MuthukumaraswamiAmanda Green and Mark GreenAmi Titus and Barbara ReardonKimburlee Stewart and Kevin OriolPokey Crocker and Ann Scala 2Reenie Wilson, Ann Machlin, and Kathie Winckler
The Binghamton Philharmonic will continue their 2022-23 season on Saturday, November 12 with “Green Places” a production focused on the musical themes of nature. Taking place at the Broome County Theatre, the show will begin at 7:30.
With direction from Maestro Daniel Hege, the night will feature one of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Novelettes, Gary Schocker’s eponymous Green Places featuring principal flutist Karen Bogardus, Ralph Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending featuring German violinst and Binghamton Philharmonic concertmaster Uli Speth, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4.
Karen Bogardus.
Bogardus is also the principal flutist for the Binghamton Philharmonic, Berkshire Opera Festival, Martina Arroyo Foundation Opera and Phoenicia Voice Festival, and has performed with dozens of other NY and northeast-based orchestras.
November 12th’s nature-themed show is far from Uli Speth’s first gig with the Binghamton Philharmonic.
Speth, having been concertmaster with the Binghamton Philharmonic since 2005, also holds the same position with the Chappaqua Orchestra and Fenimore Chamber Orchestra. He’s also performed with New York City Opera, American Symphony Orchestra, and the Florida Orchestra, and has played under the direction of conductors such as James Levine, Kurt Masur, Gerard Schwarz, JoAnn Falletta, and Marin Alsop.
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra, founded in 1955 by Fritz and Marianne Wallenberg and later merging with the BC Pops Orchestra, presents an annual series of classical, pops, and chamber music across Downtown Binghamton and Broome County.
All children 17 and under can attend the concert for free, information regarding tickets and more can be found here.
The Binghamton Philharmonic will continue its season on Saturday, October 22 at 7:30pm at the Helen Foley Theatre at Binghamton High School with “Walking Distance.” The performance will celebrate notable Binghamtonian Rod Serling and the evocative incidential music of Bernard Herrmann for the Twilight Zone episode “Walking Distance.”
Conductor Michael McGehee, the Los Angeles-based conductor of the Hollywood Studio Orchestra, will lead the Binghamton Philharmonic. Southern Tier Actors Read, under the direction of Judy McMahon, will read Serling’s screenplay as the orchestra plays the incidental music.
“Walking Distance” Conductor Michael McGehee
The performance, permitted through a special rights agreement with CBS Broadcasting, will even include a mechanical carousel organ, courtesy of the Endicott Rotary Foundation.
“Walking Distance” director Judy McMahon
Paul Cienniwa, Executive Director of The Binghamton Philharmonic, shares insight into the unique, one time performance, and what awaits the audience.
Many associate Binghamton with the “Twilight Zone” television show and its creator, former Bennett Avenue resident Rod Serling. Those even more in the know are keenly aware that Serling’s autobiographical Twilight Zone screenplay, “Walking Distance,” was based on his Binghamton and our own Recreation Park. But did you know that the music for “Walking Distance” was created by one of the greatest film and television composers of all time?
Bernard Herrmann is probably most famous for his music for Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho.” His score for “Walking Distance” is anything but psychotic! Featuring 18 strings and harp, Herrmann evokes the nostalgia of Rod Serling’s Binghamton through several techniques, including: muted strings (a practice that creates a hazy, impressionist effect); “divisi” (at times, we are hearing nearly 18 separate lines in a lush texture); and, at the climax of the story, a repeated “circle of fifths” (an harmonic pattern that is both recognizable and endearing).
On October 22, conductor Michael McGehee, the Los Angeles-based conductor of the Hollywood Studio Orchestra, will lead the Binghamton Philharmonic. First, we’ll hear the incidental music by itself, arranged as a concert suite by McGee. Next, Southern Tier Actors Read, under the direction of Judy McMahon, will read Serling’s screenplay as the orchestra plays the incidental music in context. This is a perfect marriage of spoken word and music in the perfect setting: the Helen Foley Theatre at Binghamton High School, named for Serling’s drama teacher.
As many of you know, the Rec Park carousel plays a big role in “Walking Distance.” To bring our own performance to life, the Endicott Rotary Foundation will be providing a mechanical carousel organ. In addition, Two Rivers Photography Club will display a pre-concert slideshow of area carousels, using photos from their members.
“Walking Distance” will be performed by the Binghamton Philharmonic on Saturday, October 22 at 7:30pm at Helen Foley Theatre at Binghamton High School, located at 31 Main Street, Binghamton. Pre-concert refreshments will be served from from 5:30pm-7:00pm at the Bundy Museum. For tickets and more information, contact the Binghamton Philharmonic box office at 607-723-3931 or visit binghamtonphilharmonic.org
Serling: James Michalec Narrator: Nick De Lucia Martin: Andy Horowitz Soda Jerk I (Charlie): Jake Donlin Boy With Marbles: Cameron Little Woman At Park: Katherine Boczar Young Martin: Jack Wolf Mr. Sloan: Joe Bardales Mrs. Sloan: Kathleen Cook Old Man Wilson: Nick De Lucia Teenage with Car: Jake Donlin Soda Jerk II: Jake Donlin
On Saturday, September 24 at 7:30pm, the Broome County Forum Theatre will once again host the kick off of the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2022-2023 Season with “American Journey,” a concert exploring classical music of the Americas.
Under the direction of Maestro Daniel Hege, the program will include: Seven O’Clock Shout, a 2020 tribute to healthcare workers by contemporary composer Valerie Coleman; George Gershwin’s renowned Piano Concerto in F performed with soloist Andrew Russo; Aaron Copland’s Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo; and Arturo Márquez’s playful Danzón No. 2.
Maestro Daniel Hege
Enjoy a pre-concert dinner at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Binghamton for $35 per person, with 5:00pm, 5:30pm and 6:00pm seating times. Call 607-722-7575 ext. 1610 (ask for Patty) to make a reservation. Enjoy dinner and park for free while you enjoy the show.
There will be a pre-concert chat at 6:30pm in the Recital Hall from Professor Sarah Gerk, PhD (Binghamton University) titled “I, Too, Sing America”: The Glorious, Messy, Difficult History of Composing American Music, and Why It Matters
All children 17 and under get free admission, courtesy of M&T Bank, the Classical Series Sponsor for the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra.
Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra began its 2nd annual Summer Chamber Music series on Saturday, June 11, featuring music from popular TV shows and talented composers. On June 18 at 7:30 pm, Binghamton Philharmonic Percussion Trio will have a diverse performance at St. Patrick’s Church as part of the series.
Parlor City Celli opened up the two-weekend event on Saturday, June 11, performing music from Game of Thrones, Succession, and Power of the Dog among others. Parlor City Celli includes the talents of Cellists Ruth Berry, Laura Cricco-Lizza, Michael Newman, and Hakan Tayga.
As the second performance of the series, Binghamton Philharmonic Percussion Trio will perform pieces such as “Memories of Alhambra” by Francisco Tárrega, “The Last Game” by Daiki Kato, and “Variations on a Ghanian Theme” by Daniel Levitan. The Percussionists in the trio include Daniel Fabricius, Steve Mathiesen, and Joel Smales.
Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra currently serves over 10,000 people annually. Originally founded in 1955 by musicians Fritz and Marrianne Wallenberg, the organization aims to provide the Southern Tier with full orchestra performances.
Since 2018, Maestro Daniel Hege has led the Orchestra as Music Director. With multiple concerts, events, and even summer camps, Binghamton Philharmonic continues to connect professional musicians with engaging audiences. The organization’s mission is to expand music’s reach to a broader regional audience, and the Binghamton Philharmonic Summer Chamber Music series does just that.
The tickets for the June 18 concert are $25, but children 17 or younger are free, courtesy of Visions Federal Credit Union. For tickets and for more information, click here.
Broome County‘s only professional symphony orchestra, The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra has announced its 2022-2023 Concert Season which will run from September 2022 through May 2023. Under the direction of Maestro Daniel Hege, the season includes four Classical and four Pops concerts.
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra will kick off the 2022-2023 Season with “American Journey,” a concert exploring classical music of the Americas. he show will start on Saturday, September 24 at 7:30pm at the Broome County Forum Theatre. Additionally, the show will include Seven O’Clock Shout, a 2020 tribute to healthcare workers by contemporary composer Valerie Coleman, and more.
The symphony continues Saturday, October 22 at 7:30pm with the performance of “Walking Distance.” This unique performance features songs from beloved Binghamton-based Twilight Zone episode. Thus, the show will take place at the Helen Foley Theatre at Binghamton High School.
The next show “Green Places” takes place on Saturday, November 12 at 7:30pm at the Broome County Forum Theatre. This show features one of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s airy Novelettes, contemporary composer Gary Schocker’s lighthearted Green Places. Additionally, featuring flute soloist Karen Bogardus, and more.
The Philharmonic’s holiday concert, “Winter Wonderland,” will be held on Saturday, December 10 at 3pm at the Broome County Forum Theatre. This show includes music from holiday hits including The Polar Express, Home Alone, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. The program will also feature a visit from Santa, a holiday singalong, and the classic British animated film, The Snowman.
Lastly, the Philharmonic will conclude its 67th Season with “May the Fourth Be With You.” The show will take place on Thursday, May 4 at 7:30pm at the Anderson Center for the Performing Arts. This is an exciting program to celebrate the Star Wars saga with John Williams’ legendary symphonic music.
Ticket Information
Lastly, subscriptions are on sale now. Subscribers can save 10-15% on tickets, while also avoiding ticketing fees, receiving concierge service, and qualifying for special subscriber benefits. For more information, contact the Binghamton Philharmonic box office at 607-723-3931 or visit the link here.
For the first time, The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra is proud to present its Summer Chamber Music Camp. The week-long camp will take place from Monday, June 27th to Friday, July 1st from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Christ Episcopal Church.
The camp will be led by Philharmonic violinist Debrah Devine. An official member of the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra since 2015, Devine has showcased her talent and leadership for years now. Additionally, the acclaimed violinist has been teaching for twelve years now. She is the perfect fit for this opportunity.
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra has been performing concerts since 1949, marking over seventy years of live music. Those who attend the camp will be working with experts in chamber music.
Middle and high school students who attend will receive daily practice time, ensemble coaching, and in-depth masterclasses. Camp participants will also receive daily snacks, a camp t-shirt, and two complimentary tickets to the Philharmonic’s Summer Chamber Music Series. The camp will conclude with a public concert at the Phelps Mansion Museum at 7 PM. Camp participants will receive two complimentary tickets to this event.
Auditions for the camp will be held on Saturday, April 23rd. Tuition will be $165. Need-based scholarships are available through The Agency. To register and for more information, click here or contact the Binghamton Philharmonic Office at 607-723-3931.
On January 26, the Binghamton Philharmonic and AudioClassics will be honoring Fritz and Marianne Wallenberg with a presentation of historic performance recordings. Wallenberg was the founder of the orchestral group, which would eventually come to be known as the Binghamton Philharmonic.
Fritz Wallberg conducting the Binghamton Symphony and Choral Society
Originally referred to as The Community Symphony Society, and later the Binghamton Symphony and Choral Society, Wallenberg would help it grow into the renowned organization it is today. Past orchestra members and students of Wallenberg have named him as an integral part of the community and someone who has reached many people during his time as a conductor.
The twenty years of recordings were given to the Philharmonic during Summer 2020 and the organization has worked to raise funds to digitize the recordings for open access to the public. There are currently a number of recordings available on the Wallenberg Legacy youtube channel and fundraising efforts for the campaign are still underway.
Made by Marvin Fred Kelly, Jr of Custom Recording Studio, the recordings range from a Christmas performance in 1958 all the way through to 1978. The presentation will take place during a benefit at the Kilmer Mansion. Tickets, as well as more event information, are available here.
