Salem Chamber Orchestra Performs String Favorites

The Salem Chamber Orchestra may have scaled back their season this year, but they certainly haven’t scaled back their performances. When they take the stage in Hudson Hall for their Orchestral Strings Favorites concert on November 21st at 3pm, they will celebrate some of the great works written for strings.

The orchestra will be under the direction of guest conductor Huw Edwards who is currently the Music Director for the Olympia Symphony Orchestra. SCO principal flute, Sarah Tiedemann will also enjoy the spotlight as she performs Rutter’s Suite Antique with the orchestra.

In keeping with a tradition started a few years ago to encourage young musicians, some of Salem/Keizer’s finest advanced strings students will be joining the orchestra for a side by side performance of Barber’s Adagio for Strings. While the work in the classroom provides students with the technical skills they need, it is opportunities such as these; working with professional musicians, that help them develop their musicianship.

For those of you who can’t make the Sunday matinee performance, the Saturday dress rehearsal will also be open to the public. Tickets for the dress rehearsal, which will also take place in Hudson Hall, are $5 for adults and $3 for students, available at the door. Tickets for the concert are $15 -$25 (student ticket pricing is also available) dependent on seating and are available at the door or for best selection at absolutelytix.com. For more information about events happening visit www.artsmartsalem.org and remember, ”There’s Something to do in Salem.”

Can We Build It? Yes We Can!

I was recently reading an article in The Oregonian about the Extreme Makeover Home Edition’s visit to Salem. The main purpose of the article was to get folks to visit the Nightmare Factory, but what struck me was how the television crew marveled at the spirit of volunteerism we have in our community. As they were on such a tight deadline to get the build done in a week, they probably didn’t get a chance to really appreciate the way this community has rallied to build and restore some wonderful landmarks and programs.
The backyard at A. C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village, Salem’s Riverfront Carousel, and the Return to Grandeur of the Historic Elsinore Theatre are just a few examples of the way our community has come together to build something great. We came together again, to let people know that we didn’t want Meth in our neighborhoods and to help the United Way reach their campaign goals over the last three years. We have a tremendous sense of community pride and when it comes to that question asked by Bob the Builder, “Can We Build It?” The answer is “Yes We Can!” The real question is can we sustain it?
Once the dust has settled, we need to continue to support the great treasures we have here, from the physical structures to the wonderful programs that take place throughout the greater Salem area. As we enter into this season of Thanksgiving, we have a lot to be thankful for. Let’s make sure it is here for the generations come. For more information about events happening visit www.artsmartsalem.org and remember, ”There’s Something to do in Salem.”