West Side Chamber Orchestra
New York’s Newest Orchestra!
Introducing a new artistic venture: a chamber orchestra started and run by musicians! The West Side Chamber Orchestra, although playing on modern instruments, is influenced by historically informed performance practice and intends to add a significant voice to New York’s cultural landscape.
Kevin Mallon
Conductor
Inaugural Concert:
8:00pm September 10th
Kathy Halvorson
Founder/Oboist
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, New York
346 West 20th Street (between 8th & 9th Aves)
Tickets: $20 | $15 Students & Seniors
Francine
Kay
Pianist
The West Side Chamber Orchestra
Vision Statement
In these days of economic uncertainty the arts are going
through hard times. As people watch every penny, the
tendency is to forgo those aspects of life, such as the
arts, which bring joy, happiness and fulfillment. A similar
situation was faced in Second World War Britain, where
despite the bombing, the arts survived. When one of
Churchill’s ministers commented that perhaps the arts
budget should be cut, the great man replied, “Well then,
what are we fighting for?”
A small group of New York musicians feel
the same way! Amidst constant cuts and a faltering work
environment they have decided to hit back by founding a new
chamber orchestra. The analogies of Churchill and the
environment of war are clearly exaggerated, except that
arts practitioners such as the musicians involved in this
project are facing real challenges to survive and to make
their art relevant in this changing world. Oftentimes,
people just need reminding that one’s quality of life is
greatly enhanced by interaction with art and that the
difficulties of life can be put into a different
perspective. Artists are forced to be such advocates and to
take the lead and responsibility to proclaim that what they
practice is an important part of life. Like Churchill, they
think it is something worth fighting for.
In just such a spirit, a small group of players, under the
leadership of oboist Kathy Halvorson are taking a huge leap
with this brave new initiative of starting an orchestra.
The West Side Chamber Orchestra will be based in Chelsea
and will specialize in the classical repertoire of music of
the Enlightenment. The style of performance will be
unashamedly based around historical performance practice,
even though the orchestra will be playing on modern
instruments. This approach allows for fleet and agile tempi
and a transparency of texture. The orchestra invites the
public to come and see the result for themselves!
Kevin Mallon, the enthusiastic Irish conductor, now
resident in Canada- one time concert-master for the French
ensemble Les Arts Florissants and a protégé of John Eliot
Gardiner, brings his vast experience to lead the
enterprise. The first concert will feature Beethoven’s
first symphony, Mozart’s Sturm und Drang piano concerto
K.466, with pianist Francine Kay as well as Mozart
contemporary, Franz Beck and his symphony opus 3 no.1.
For interviews, and
further information please contact Kathy Halvorson at
212-942-0469 or email: khalvo@hotmail.com
For further
information on conductor Kevin Mallon please visit the
website:
www.Kevinmallon.ca
For further information on pianist Francine Kay, please
visit the website: http://www.francinekay.com/