FREE COMMUNITY STRING ORCHESTRA CONCERT

FREE COMMUNITY STRING ORCHESTRA CONCERT OFFERED BY CUMBERLAND VALLEY SCHOOL OF MUSIC

Thomson Chapel, Wilson College, is the location of the Tuesday, March 22 event
CHAMBERSBURG—Varied classical selections and a featured violin soloist are on the program for the Spring CVSM Community String Orchestra concert planned for Tuesday, March 22, at 8 p.m.

Location of the annual event is the Thomson Hall Chapel on the Wilson College Campus. The public is invited to attend the performance free of charge.

Participating musicians include several local music instructors and interested individuals from the area. All began meeting for weekly rehearsals at the end of February with director Herman Hopple. In addition to directing the group, Hopple also teaches string and electric bass lessons at the school.

Violinist Deborah Stotelmyer is the featured soloist for the evening. She will be accompanied by pianist Diana Reinert and the orchestra.  Both Stotelmyer and Reinert are also CVSM individual music lesson instructors.  Chosen for their presentations is a Tango entitled “Por Una Cabeze (but for a head!) by Carlos Gardel, which was arranged by José Londez.  Also, they will play the “Theme from Ladies in Lavender” by Nigel Hess, and arranged by Hopple.

“When Herm Hopple asked me if I’d like to perform a solo with the ensemble, I didn’t hesitate because although I do have rheumatoid arthritis, I am able to play well for shorter periods than groups like the Maryland Symphony Orchestra require, and when he mentioned playing the Tango, it was a definite yes!” Stotelmyer said. “Herm is very adept at arranging, so his arrangement fits perfectly,“  she added.

A professional violin freelancer since 1984, Stotelmyer recently retired from the Maryland Symphony Orchestra. With a desire to share her expertise, she continues as concertmaster for the CVSM Orchestra, and with the Mercersburg Community Chorus.

Stotelmyer explained that she advocates the “European philosophy” of music instruction.

“Become the performer, the expert, the best, then share that knowledge with others. I do that by teaching students, including younger teachers, by performing with groups like the CVSM string ensemble, and by organizing an event for Associated Chamber Music Players, among other endeavors,” Stotelmyer said.

Other music the orchestra will bring to the stage will include Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Contra Dance No. 1,” arranged by Isidor Seiss, and the “Semiramis Overture” by Gioachino Rossini and arranged by Cliff Thomson.

In addition to the spring event, the string orchestra also comes together for a November concert. Anyone interested in learning more about the String Orchestra, or other lessons or classes that CVSM offers, is encouraged to investigate the school website www.cvsmusic.org. Further information can be obtained by calling the school at (717)-261-1220.