News Articles

Southern Tier Symphony Presents Musical Postcards

Thu, 02 May 2024 18:58:01 +0000

by Ed. Simone

The Southern Tier Symphony performs their final season concert this weekend in Olean
and Bradford. The musical choices are all crowd-pleasers.

"Musical Postcards," is this weekend's concert program and the STS's farewell to their
"Journey On" season. These orchestral postings come from composers as varied as Dvorak and
Grainger and feature dance tunes and symphonic pictures of cultures and places from the Kazakh
plains to Kinsale.

"This is a wonderful program, full of audience favorites. It takes us on a journey
from Britain to the Asian Steppes, with music from beloved composers such as Dvorak, Grainger
and Schubert. I think people will really enjoy 'travelling with us' during this final concert series
of our 21st season," said Southern Tier Symphony board member Prof. Laura Peterson
Alexander Borodin, the Georgian/Russian composer, wrote "In the Steppes of Central
Asia" in 1880, and it was an instant hit, painting pictures of wind-swept plains that extend from
Hungary to Mongolia. The piece has a familiar melody (from one of the kings of familiar
melodies) and some beautiful string writing.

Franz Schubert's overture to Rosamunde is an orchestral tour-de-force even though the
play for which it was written, about a peasant girl reclaiming her title as princess of Cypress, is
pretty much forgotten. The play may be obscure, but Schubert's music is an exciting mix of
delicate string work and stirring drama. With Ben Grow and the Southern Tier Symphony, it's
sure to delight.

Antonin Dvorak's eighth symphony is a jovial almost rollicking piece of Bohemian
bonhomie. Dvorak wrote it as a thank-you when he was named a member of Emperor Franz
Joseph's Academy of Arts and Literature. The symphony features plenty of dance and folk tunes
from Dvorak's homeland.

Another danceable piece on the "Musical Postcards" program is Percy Grainger's Molly
on the Shore. Part of Grainger's massive collection of folk tunes from the British Isles, Molly
mixes two Irish songs and as light-stepping a jig as ever there was.

The Southern Tier Symphony and their music director Benjamin Grow have chosen to
end their 23/24 season with musical magic for everyone.

Concerts are this weekend: Saturday, May 4th at 7:30 PM in the Regina Quick Center for
the Arts on the St. Bonaventure campus, and Sunday, May 5th at 3:00 PM in Blaidsel Hall at UPitt
Bradford.

Southern Tier Symphony Presents an Adventure in Music

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 19:06:43 +0000

by Ed. Simone

When the Southern Tier Symphony performs this weekend in Olean and Bradford the
music will surely raise pulses and cause feet to tap, with a program of orchestral favorites
guaranteed to prompt some energetic "air conducting."

"Adventure," is this weekend's concert program and the latest in the STS's "Journey On"
season, features dance music from Russia, France, Germany, Italy and the U.S.
"This is just a great program for anyone new to orchestral concerts," said STS Executive
Director Cyril Bodnar. "These pieces are a perfect introduction to the excitement of orchestral
concert music. Of course, fans of classical concerts will love it too."

"Adventure" showcases waltzes by Johann Strauss (senior and junior), the thrilling "Poet
and Peasant" Overture by Franz von Suppe, Rossini's overture to The Barber of Seville--yes, it's
the one Bugs Bunny uses to give Elmer Fudd a close shave--as well as two selections from
Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. The STS will also play marches from this side of
the pond: John Philip Sousa's Stars and Stripes Forever and The Washington Post March.
American composer Leroy Anderson's Bugler's Holiday will feature a trio of trumpets, including
Cyril Bodnar himself.

Bodnar said he's enjoying his role as both musician and administrator.

"I'm working to be the liaison for the orchestra and the community," he said in an
interview this week. "Helping people in the community discover the joy of orchestral concerts
and encouraging folks to support their orchestra by becoming sponsors, donors and by attending
concerts. It's work that's full of unique challenges but also amazing rewards!"
Bodnar added that he loves working with the STS and their music director Benjamin
Grow.

"It's just plain fun to work with Ben," he said. "He's so committed to the music and the
orchestra and I know the audience can feel his and the orchestra's energy and artistry."
With such commitment and energy, and a roster of classical pops favorites, the Southern
Tier Symphony's "Adventure" should be an orchestral treat for audiences.
Concerts are this weekend: Saturday, February 3rd at 7:30 PM in the Regina Quick
Center for the Arts on the St. Bonaventure campus, and Sunday, February 4th at 3:00 PM in
Blaidsel Hall at U-Pitt Bradford.

Southern Tier Symphony Cancels Concerts This Weekend

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 12:22:32 +0000

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Southern Tier Symphony cancels weekend concerts. Both performances, Saturday, Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Bonaventure University Quick Arts Center and Sunday Oct. 1 at 3 p.m. at University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Blaisdell Hall have been cancelled.

Check www.southerntiersymph.org for information.

About the Southern Tier Symphony: A non-profit organization, supported in part by the New York State Council of the Arts, is committed to providing exceptional orchestra experiences for musicians and audiences alike. Dedicated to enriching our community by promoting musical excellence through collaboration, innovation and integrity while instilling a love and appreciation of music.

Southern Tier Symphony Starts Third Decade

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 12:17:17 +0000

The Southern Tier Symphony announces its 21^st season. Journey On! A series of three concerts that enthusiastically begin a new decade of making music in Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania.

Audiences will go to places far and wide without leaving the concert hall. Performances will be on stage Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. at St. Bonaventure University Quick Arts Center and Sunday afternoons at 3 p.m. at University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Blaisdell Hall.

“The first performance is a trip down memory lane, full of familiar music and a familiar face,” said Ben Grow, music director and conductor of the Southern Tier Symphony.

As part of the first concert, Sept. 30–Oct. 1, returning concert pianist Ben Laude makes a special appearance and will join the Southern Tier Symphony for a performance of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto #2. The piece with Laude will conclude a concert called Odyssey, packed full of music recognized through the years from cartoons, movies and even university cheer songs.

The second concert, Feb. 3-4, is Adventure. According to the conductor, this Pops concert has a dance theme.

Grow said, “The second performance is orchestrated to keep toes tapping. It’s got everything to put a pep in your step. A waltz with Strauss, a march with Sousa and ballet with Tchaikovsky.”

The third concert titled Musical Postcards, May 4-5, “Will take audiences globetrotting to places like Ireland and the Eurasian steppe,” said the conductor.

As the Southern Tier Symphony readies for its 2023-24 season, Cyril Bodnar, executive director of the Southern Tier Symphony said, “We are headed into a new decade. We have an exciting musical program and look forward to continuing our great tradition of bringing professional symphonic music to our area.”

Check www.southerntiersymph.org for tickets and information.

Southern Tier Symphony Celebrates the Full Orchestral Sound

Wed, 10 May 2023 12:15:57 +0000

by Ed. Simone

The stage of the Regina A. Quick Center on St. Bonaventure's campus was crowded with musicians for last weekend's Southern Tier Symphony concert, with music director Benjamin Grow. All that power assembled for "Celebrating Symphony," the last concert in the Symphony's 20th season. Symphony here means not just the composition; but the act of creating pieces of orchestral music for a full symphony orchestra and all the creative collaboration that requires.

But the concert opened with an actual symphony, Felix Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 3 in A minor, known as the Scottish Symphony.

Inspired by a visit to an old Scottish castle, Mendelssohn worked on the symphony from 1829 to 1842, and it was premiered in the spring of that year. The symphony delivers the flavor of Scotts country tunes and reels and closes with a surprisingly rousing anthem.

Rousing anthems are the stuff of Celebrating Symphony's second half, devoted to music from stage and screen in arrangements by the Southern Tier Symphony's founding music director, John Whitney. It's a second half full of orchestral color and detail, with the STS's percussion section: John Landis, Cassie Hatch, Steph Newton and Brooke Skiba, along with tympanist Moses Howden, particularly and delightfully present.

The STS strings introduce us to Howard Shore's music for Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, with a melody Music Director Grow described as "haunting." That theme gives way to expansive passages from the STS brass and winds, and a wistful violin solo by concertmaster Kim Whitney that evokes a longing for the shire.

George Gershwin's American in Paris offers an interesting opportunity to hear something different from the original arrangement. Nothing is wanting, however, and the vibrant opening perspective of the flaneur George shines in evocative solos by trombonist Cameron Collar and trumpeter Cyril Bodnar. I didn't even miss the Parisian taxi horns.

Then it was back to the cinema with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, John Williams' second score for the seven-film series based on the immensely popular books by J. K. Rowling, followed. Darker than Sorcerer's Stone, Whitney's arrangement captures the suspense and danger of the story; but also the bumptious comedy of the sleuthing tweens Harry, Hermione and Ron. Paul Schlossman's oboe adds to the mystery, and when the soaring theme Harry Potter's Magical World finally breaks, the STS filled the Quick Center with magic of its own.

Whitney's Salute to Cole Porter swings four of the urbane master's best known tunes. It was lovely to hear these songs played by a full orchestra. Another Opening, Another Show; In the Still of the Night; Anything Goes and Night and Day are served up with an insouciance and elegance Porter would have appreciated.

The STS stays in the world of theater for a medley of tunes from My Fair Lady. Whitney has fun with the rhythm of Frederick Lowe's familiar songs ands some beautiful passages strings, brass and horns.

A medley of John Williams' music from The Empire Strikes Back closes the program with appropriately boisterous brass and several bangs. Rousing anthems indeed.

"Celebrating Symphony" leaves one with the realization that the presence of a regional orchestra with the commitment and collaborative talent of the Southern Tier Symphony and music director Benjamin Grow is certainly something to celebrate.

Southern Tier Symphony Marks a Milestone

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 20:33:58 +0000

The Southern Tier Symphony invites the community to its 20^th anniversary celebration. A concert with reception to follow.

An event full of fanfare. In addition to a performance with trumpeting, all orchestral instruments will be on full display. The display continues after the concert, with a reception of memorabilia and the chance to meet musicians.

It begins as it has for over 80 concerts across two decades, with the professional musicians of the Southern Tier Symphony commanding the stage. This performance will take the audience on a trip down memory lane. Symphony founder, John Whitney’s arrangement of the Empire Strikes Back will be a featured favorite.

“This concert has it all,” said Ben Grow, music director and conductor of the Southern Tier Symphony. “For folks who know this music through movies, they’ll recognize songs they love. And for tried-and-true classical music devotees, it’ll be a satisfying experience. If you like trumpets, you got it. If you grew up playing the clarinet, we’ve got you covered. There’s plenty of singing strings too. In this concert every instrument has its chance to shine.”

Beyond the plan for breathtaking conducting, musicianship and song selection, is the chance to mingle and reminisce in the afterglow.

Immediately following the performance, audience members can pass by a flow of photos and stories from the past. A commemorative 20^th anniversary celebration reception with finger foods on hand.

The special anniversary reception is sponsored by Community Bank Trust Services. Community Bank, N.A. has been a long-time supporter of the Symphony.

“We are so glad to share this milestone moment with our entire community,” said Laura Peterson, executive director of the Southern Tier Symphony. “And we couldn’t be happier to be able to offer a reception with the support of our community partner since the start. Community Bank and Community Bank Trust Services has been with us since the dream began to have a professional symphony in our community. They have been in our corner and backed us all these years.”

The Southern Tier Symphony invites the community to celebrate its 20^th anniversary celebration and reception. May 6 at 7:30 p.m., St. Bonaventure University Quick Arts Center. And May 7 at 3 p.m., University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Blaisdell Hall.

Check www.southerntiersymph.org for tickets and information.

Southern Tier Symphony Celebrates Musical Genius

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 15:54:50 +0000

by Ed. Simone

Music Director Ben Grow's back on the podium of the Southern Tier Symphony after

COVID kept him from leading the last concert. It's a wonderful return. An Eighteenth-Centurya-

thon featuring pieces by Mozart, Haydn and Joseph Bologne, the Chevalier de Saint-Georges.

The program opens with Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, a 1787 piece that's probably

one of the most played bits of music ever. It's perennially delightful.

But it's the Andante movement from Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, with

Laura Peterson as soloist, that pushes us closer to the composer's heart. When I was a lad this

piece was known as the "Elvira Madigan" concerto, because it was featured in a Swedish film of

that name in the late 60's. The film has long since slipped into the celluloid mists; but the piece

remains an engaging example of Mozart's ability to tap into emotion in the most direct way and

the movement is often played as a stand-alone work.

Against the insistent pulsing of the strings and winds, Peterson turns the simple, wistful

melody into a determined stride; a journey to---? Well, Mozart never tells us where; but

Peterson's playing makes us feel it must be somewhere better. It's a gem of a piece, and

it made me wish for the framing movements.

What follows, however, is another sterling performance: two movements from Mozart's

Oboe Concerto, also in C major. The warmth of Paul Schlossman's solo oboe rises above the

delicate string figures and the hunter's calls from Molly Sacheli-Weissman and John Georger's

French horns. Grow keeps things tunesome and reveals a strength that punches through the

Mozartian ornamentation.

Joseph Bologne, the son of an enslaved black woman and a white planter, came to France

as a child from Guadeloupe. He has been called the Black Mozart; but some contemporary

research asserts that Mozart should be labelled the White Bologne. When Mozart first came to

Paris, Bologne, older by eleven years, had already been named a chevalier by King Louis, and

was an extremely popular and prolific composer and conductor, a music teacher to Marie

Antoinette, and a favorite at court. Mozart was indeed treading on Bologne's turf, and the racism

of the time didn't help Bologne's fate in the face of such competition. (Bologne's life is

fascinating and rich with amazing exploits, including leading the first all-black republican

regiment in the French Revolution! A long-awaited biopic about him is set to premiere in April.)

Bologne's first symphony, in G major, premiered in 1779. The STS handled the

Chevalier's elegant, layered string writing with charm. The sweet melody introduced in the very

first bars of the opening movement is vexed by some sturm und drang in the lower strings and

horns; but comes out on top. A graceful middle movement gives way to a rollicking danse de la

pays finale. It was a pleasure to hear music so rarely played yet so deserving of attention.

Joseph Haydn, eldest of the three composers on the program and the composer of over a

hundred symphonies, gets the last word. The sheer breadth and development of Haydn's work

is astonishing. It's a musical education (and a joy) to listen to an early Haydn symphony like the

No.6, Le Matin, and then to a late work like the No.100, The Military. And throughout his long

career he and his music remained very much in-demand. (Haydn's Paris Symphonies were even

commissioned by none other than the Chevalier de Saint-Georges for his Concert de la Loge

Olympique.)

The Southern Tier Symphony wraps up their current concert program with three

movements from Haydn's 44th Symphony in E minor. The strings of the STS navigate the

careening first and fourth movements, with violins chasing violas chasing cellos and basses. It's

a thrill for sure, and an exciting close to a concert that truly celebrates musical genius, past and

present.

LAST-MINUTE CONDUCTOR AND AN EVENING OF ORCHESTRAL CHESTNUTS

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 19:37:52 +0000

by Ed. Simone

When a concert soloist is suddenly taken ill it's often sheer luck to find someone with the musical chops to step in. When it happens to an orchestra's music director, it's ten-to-one and pick 'em if you can find a musician who knows the scores in detail and knows how to conduct.

When Benjamin Grow, the Southern Tier Symphony's music director, tested positive for COVID just before the orchestra's final rehearsal, John Landis, the STS librarian and principal percussionist, was able to step in. Landis, a long-time conductor and orchestral musician, knew the scores and was able to give the orchestra the sure, steady hand on the tiller it needed at the last minute.

The concert, the first in a celebratory triptych of concerts in this year's season, opens with Richard Wagner's Overture to Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, a comic opera premiered in Munich in 1868. The machinations of Hans Sachs and the Master Singer's guild are vividly depicted in Wagner's laughing strings and playful passages in the woodwinds, with concertmaster James Ieda and the STS violins leading the way. The work seems like one long crescendo, with theme topping theme until the brass blows us into a final festive march, Cassie Hatch's triangle ringing above it all. It's a lovely performance full of nuance and power.

Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture is as familiar a piece of concert music as can be. But in the intimate setting of the Regina Quick Center's Rigas Family Theater, the orchestral parts come through so clearly that the piece sounds fresh and even more lushly romantic than usual. Julia Tunstall's and Dianna Clem's flutes sing with the oboes and clarinets behind the principal love theme. The violence of the clashes between the Montagues and Capulets gets a full-throttle treatment in Cyril Bodner's bells-up trumpeting and the STS's clear, crisp horn section. Landis allows the orchestra to bring out all the musical detail in the fantasy's coda. "The sun for sorrow will not show his head," says the Prince as Tchaikovsky's final chords resonate along with Moses Howden's rolling tympany.

Antonin Dvorak wrote his Symphony No. 9 in New York and Spillville, Iowa, while he was director of the Nation Conservatory of Music. Influenced by African-American spirituals, camp songs and the poetry of Longfellow's Song of Hiawatha, Dvorak created a loving, bold portrait of America. The symphony premiered at Carnegie Hall in 1893, and has been an audience favorite and a concert staple ever since. Landis and the Southern Tier Symphony bring out the drama of Dvorak's open landscape, right from the misty opening in the lower strings---the STS's violas, cellos and basses singing softly. The rousing finale with its sharp string figures and insistent brass promises to bring this Celebration of Masterworks to a sonorous close.

The Southern Tier Symphony and guest conductor John Landis perform this shimmering collection of orchestral favorites by Wagner, Tchaikovsky and Dvorak Saturday, October 22nd at 7:30 pm in the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts at St. Bonaventure University and again on Sunday, October 23rd at 3:00 pm in Blaisdell Hall at U-Pitt Bradford, PA.

Southern Tier Symphony Celebrates 20 Years

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 12:10:57 +0000

The Southern Tier Symphony announces its 20th anniversary. Celebrating a milestone of making music in Western New York and Pennsylvania.

“For two decades the Southern Tier Symphony has been bringing professional symphonic music to our area,” said Laura Peterson, executive director of the Southern Tier Symphony. “That’s a reason to celebrate with our community. It’s a tribute to our exceptional conductor and talented musicians and the music they create. We’ll honor our heritage and renew our dedication to passing along a love of music to young and old alike.”

The season is set to commemorate the symphony’s success over the years. Audiences will gather for performances at the St. Bonaventure University Quick Arts Center and University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Bromeley Theater.

“We’re excited to celebrate our 20^th birthday with our audience,” said Ben Grow, music director and conductor of the Southern Tier Symphony. “This season will tell the story of your local symphony through fun, classics and education.”

“The first performance includes blockbuster hits,” he said. “Yes, it’s classical music, but you’ve heard these timeless tunes, whether you knew it or not.”

Grow said, “The second performance leans into something more than the standard concert-hall performance. Mozart’s music is the meat. But we’ll dress it up with some banter and storytelling.”

“The third performance will be a nod to our history as an organization,” said Grow. “Of course that includes Maestro John Whitney, the Southern Tier Symphony’s esteemed founder. We’ll take a walk down memory lane with some of his hits, like arrangements of the Star Wars music and other beloved soundtracks.”

Grow concludes, “The season is shaping up to be something special. It really is a celebration of the music and the memories of this orchestra.”

As the Southern Tier Symphony readies for its 2022-23 season with performances planned for Oct. 22-23, Feb. 11-12 and May 6-7, the organization has other plans.

“20 years is certainly a historical mark, but we aren’t stopping there,” said the executive director. “We are beginning plans for the Symphony’s next 20 years and we’re eager to tell our community more over the course of this 20^th anniversary celebration.”

Check www.southerntiersymph.org for tickets and information.

A joyous return to live performance

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 22:20:19 +0000

by Ed. Simone

This weekend's concert by the Southern Tier Symphony and its music director, Benjamin Grow, features works with a light touch. Not that these pieces from Grieg, Mendelssohn and Mozart lack substance or impact: far from it. And each piece evinces that lightness uniquely---a trip through Shakespeare's fairyland for Mendelssohn; a nostalgic string suite for Grieg; and a nimble symphony sans trumpets and tympani for Mozart.

The Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg's "From Holberg's Time" is a suite of old-style folk dances, although the themes are Grieg's. It's meant to evoke the spirit of Norwegian baroque: the age of Ludvig Holberg, the humanist philosopher and teacher. The suite premiered in 1884 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Holberg's birth. Like Ravel's Le Tombeaux de Couperin, the suite pays homage to what was, for Grieg and his contemporaries, the bygone elegance of old musical forms.

In its five brief movements, the Holberg Suite features only the strings of the STS. Their rich resonance fully in evidence in the intimate setting of the Rigas Family Theater. (What a great place to listen to a symphony orchestra.) The second violins and violas lead off the lovely Sarabande; and principle cellist Brian Donat takes the melody in the Air. In the final movement, a Rigaudon, concertmaster Steven Bjella and principle violist David Levine lead a rousing country melody.

Mendelssohn's concert overture A Midsummer Night's Dream, evokes that most popular of Shakespeare's comedies. The overture dates from 1826, when Mendelssohn was 17, and it's popularity hasn't dimmed a bit since its premiere the following year. Later in his career, Mendelssohn wrote the remaining incidental music to Shakespeare's play and Grow and the STS perform the Scherzo and Wedding March as well.

The Overture uses broad strokes to highlight the major themes of the play, which Mendelssohnm read in a German translation. Here is the majesty of the court of Theseus and the braying of the transformed Bottom. The Scherzo goes deeper into the play, giving us the forest chase of Shakespeare's bewitched lovers and the mystery of the puckish Robin Goodfellow, sent before "to sweep the dust behind the door." The Wedding March is oh so familiar; but Grow and the STS bring out its joy and the festive pomp of the triple wedding ceremony that ends the comedy. Principal oboist Paul Schlossman, the STS brass and winds, especially flutists Julie Tunstall (principal) and Nicole Murray, shine in a shimmering performance from the entire ensemble.

The program ends with Mozart's Symphony No. 40 in g minor, the middle child in a trio of symphonies Mozart birthed in the summer of 1788. Unlike its younger and older siblings, 39 and 41, the 40 has no tympani or trumpets and is scored for strings, winds and two horns only. But what the 40 lacks in bombast, it more than makes up for in the sardonic wit of its minor key. It's an edgy piece that barely lets up from the opening movement with its driving pulse in the strings. When Grow and his STS musicians do pause for breath, in a lovely wistful second movement Andante, the cellos and violas take the lead. The third movement Menuetto and Trio have a country charm; but pulse along in the bright passages for violins and the richness of the STS basses. The Finale is a bit of a wild ride that Grow and his ensemble navigate beautifully. And if you hear ideas that Beethoven might build on later, well...so much the better.

This concert is a joyous occasion, coming as it does after two years of no live STS performances. "We’re getting back into the swing of live performance and are so pleased for both our musicians and our audiences to finally be together again," says STS Executive Director Laura Peterson. And this particular program of audience favorites is a celebration of great musicmaking and great music listening.

The Southern Tier Symphony and music director Benjamin Grow perform their program of Mozart, Grieg and Mendelssohn Saturday, March 19th at 7:30 pm in the Regina A. Quick Ceneter for the Arts at St. Bonaventure University and again on Sunday, March 20th at 3:00 pm in the Bromeley Family Theater at U-Pitt Bradford, PA.

New Southern Tier Symphony website bridges virtual and live concerts

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 21:50:07 +0000

A click away, www.southerntiersymph.org, offers access to the Southern Tier Symphony’s YouTube channel where it’s easy to catch up on last season’s virtual concerts performed by symphony musicians.

“With the pandemic we wanted to figure out how we could still engage with our audience even though we couldn’t be together in the traditional concert hall,” said Laura Peterson, executive director of the Southern Tier Symphony.

The symphony offered three online programs of music and stories.

“We had to get creative,” said Benjamin Grow, music director and conductor of the Southern Tier Symphony. “What we came up with were these virtual concerts. We used technology and the internet to bring orchestra members together from different locations and situations. We stretched the idea to include sharing stories from our members and other prominent musicians from our community. We were able to stay connected.”

The website keeps that connection. Past online programs are available. Upcoming live performance information and tickets are there too.

The symphony is preparing for live performances March 19-20 at the symphony’s host venues, St. Bonaventure University, Quick Center for the Arts and University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, Bromeley Family Theatre.

Check the website for Covid-19 guidelines.