Digital Archives and Recordings

September 20, 2021

MUSIC FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

March 21, 2021

The Symphony's Principal Harpist, Wendy Kerner, shares some uplifting music by Turlough O'Carolan in this video of Irish music. Enjoy the video!

You Voted. We Won!

March 04, 2021

Summer 2020 Virtual Online Performances

November 10, 2020

July 4th Virtual Brass Quintet Concert!

Le Cygne by Camille Saint-Saëns

The Norwalk Symphony Orchestra and The New England Academy of Dance have teamed up for performances of The Nutcracker and Peter and the Wolf in the past few years. In this time of social distancing we are still finding ways to create together. We are proud to present our collaborative video featuring Maestro Jonathan Yates and Principal Cellist Gunnar Sahlin along with Emma Scanlon from NEAD.

Camille Saint-Saëns Aquarium

The Norwalk Symphony Orchestra and The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk teamed up to celebrate World Oceans Day on June 8, 2020. This video is the culmination of a program presented on the history of the "Carnival of the Animals" suite by Camille Saint-Saëns, the history of aquariums, and how music is used to imitate animals. Starring musicians from the symphony, the animal residents at the Maritime Aquarium, and a glass harmonica player - you are in for a treat!

Christopher Paul McCormack

June 15, 2020

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend and symphony family member, Christopher McCormack, on April 30, 2020.

Chris has been a member of the Viola section of the orchestra since the 1980's and has played with four of the symphony's conductors. Chris always brought a great deal of  enthusiasm and wit with him to every rehearsal and concert (not to mention, a perfectly tied bow-tie!). In 2018, he joined the symphony's Board of Governors, and he has held the positions of Treasurer, and most recently Vice President. As a member of the Development, Programming, and Marketing committees, Chris helped to shape the organization in many different ways as he worked tirelessly for the benefit of the whole organization.

Music was Chris' passion; environmental law was his profession. As an attorney at Pullman & Comley, he continued to make his mark on the communities he served in many other capacities. Please read more about Chris here.  

May 16, 2020 Concert Update

April 19, 2020

To our Symphony friends –

As we navigate the uncertain times that we are all experiencing as a result of the Coronavirus, it is heart-warming to hear the variety of creativity that everyone is utilizing to find alternatives to being social during social distancing, active when we are limited in places to go, and how we now work from our kitchens and home offices.

The Norwalk Symphony Orchestra has made the decision to cancel our May 16th concert, Mozart’s The Magic Flute. While we are saddened to make this decision, we also know that it is the right decision for everyone – our musicians; subscribers, and ticket-holders; volunteers and staff. As valued members of our symphony family, your health and safety are foremost in our thoughts. If you are a current subscriber or ticket purchaser, we will be in contact with you directly in the next few days regarding your ticket options.

Even as we cancel this performance, we are considering the alternatives and opportunities for the next few months and into our future. Our expansion to six concerts a season over the past couple years has charted a course of growth and outreach supported by our mission to share the beauty and power of orchestral music through live performances and music education programs. We are stretching our imaginations to fulfill this mission in new ways. Plans completed for our 2020-2021 season are being revisited, and we will keep you informed as new ones take shape. We will look forward to a celebratory return to playing live concerts for you as soon as it is safe.

In the meantime, here are some of the ways that we are continuing to be a presence for you in the online community through our Constant Contact e-blasts, Facebook and Instagram:

• Maestro Yates will be sharing bi-weekly musical insights in the style of his “pre-concert” talks

• Our musicians will continue to share a glimpse into how they are working, practicing and playing

• New ideas include a “music and art” connectivity posting, as well as potential collaborative videos with other local nonprofits and small ensemble groups

• Our monthly online newsletter, Symphony Notes, will continue to bring you interesting articles and interviews

If you are not receiving our e-blasts, you can sign up for our mailing list here on our website under the Contact tab. You can also find us on Facebook and on Instagram.

Please continue to share your ideas with us. Do you have a favorite story about the Norwalk Symphony to share? We would love to hear from you, and may even ask to share your story with everyone! While we are working remotely, please email us at Sandra@norwalksymphony.org or info@norwalksymphony.org. You can also reach us at 203.956.6771 and leave a message. We will return your call!

Stay safe, stay healthy, and – for now – stay home. But…we can’t wait to see you again soon!

Warmest Regards,

Sandra Miklave
Executive Director

"Music For All Ages" concert canceled but adapted for web; Coronavirus impacts NSO schedule

April 14, 2020

3/22/20: Wish you could be at the Norwalk Concert Hall today? WE DO TOO! So....we are trying something new today.

First: You can enjoy Maestro Jonathan Yates' informative Pre-Concert Talk as a video by clicking here!

Second: We are also providing a digital version of our Melody and Magic Concert Program for you to review. Thanks to all our advertisers and sponsors. Enjoy reading through the Concert Notes as you listen to the music. How will that happen, you wonder?

Third: Hear the Music from our March 22, 2020 Concert Program! While we are not able to provide you with a recording of the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra playing these pieces, we do want to share the beautiful music that would have been presented at our March 22nd concert. Please find links to listen to these pieces by clicking on the titles below:

The Egmont Overture and Symphony No. 1
Both pieces by Ludwig van Beethoven in honor of his 250th Birthday year.

Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2, 1st Movement
Sergei Rachmaninoff's piece is often described as the greatest piano concerto ever written!

The Sorcerer's Apprentice, a classic piece by Paul Dukas

Interesting Fact:
A play, written in 1787 by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, about a 16th century nobleman named Lamoral, Count of Egmont, is the basis for the music to the Egmont Overture. In 1797, von Goethe also wrote the poem that the music for the Sorcerer's Apprentice is based upon!

We are planning ahead as best as any can these days, and considering options for this concert date. We hope to have information for you in the near future, and will continue to communicate any new information through emails and social media. On behalf of the Board of Governors, Musicians, Staff and Volunteers, we thank you for your patience as we consider options for our season finale.

We are also grateful for you - our audience - and the support of our subscribers, ticket purchasers, sponsors and donors as we all work together to overcome the Coronavirus and its terrible toll on the Arts industry as well as all areas of our economy.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we look to the future and continue to plan our upcoming programs with the ideas you have shared with us through surveys and personal conversations. We are currently working remotely from our offices but can still be reached through our emails (info@norwalksymphony.org or Sandra@norwalksymphony.org) or by leaving a voice message on our office phone, 203.956.6771.

Stay safe!

3/9/20: As with many other organizations, we are adhering to information provided by health and governmental agencies to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus to a broad population. The safety of you - our guests - as well as our musicians and community partners is of utmost importance to the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra. At this time, we will not hold our "Music for All Ages" concert scheduled for March 22, 2020.

Connecticut's Governor Lamont and Norwalk's Mayor Harry Rilling have provided guidelines in response to the COVID-19 Coronavirus with regard to public meetings. At this time, the Mayor's office has directed that "All events on City-owned property, or sponsored by the City of Norwalk with expected attendance of more than 100 people are canceled through April 30." Our home at the Norwalk Concert Hall at Norwalk City Hall is included in this directive.

In the coming few days, the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra will determine whether this concert can be rescheduled at a future date or whether it will be cancelled. We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as we continue to monitor the information we receive to share with you.

We will continue to update you with any additional information as it is available. Please feel free to contact me at 203.956.6771 with any questions you may have.  

Best Regards -

Sandra J. Miklave
Executive Director

 Settle in with Norwalk Symphony's South Pacific!

January 13, 2020

Meet the cast of South Pacific:

Benjamin Howes (Luther Billis) – Benjamin was born and raised in Sydney, and his Australian credits include Les Miserables, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors and Grease. He moved to New York to pursue studies at Uta Hagen’s school HB Studio, and he now teaches Uta Hagen’s technique exercises and coaches actors all over the US.
In the United States, Benjamin has performed on Broadway in Mary Poppins and Scandalous. He has toured the country in Charlie And The Chocolate Factory playing Willy Wonka more than forty times, Mary Poppins and Shrek The Musical. He has appeared in three Off-Broadway shows, most recently in The View Upstairs and can be heard on the original cast recording. Regionally, he has performed at A.R.T. in the award winning play The Shape She Makes, at the Pittsburgh Public Theatre, the Old Globe, Goodspeed Opera House, MiIwaukee Repertory Theatre and Asolo Repertory among many others. Favorite roles include Professor Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady, Lord Farquaad in Shrek, Lumiere in Beauty And The Beast, Luther Billis in South Pacific, Lord Evelyn Oakleigh in Anything Goes, Le Compte De Guiche in Cyrano, and Albin in La Cage Aux Folles.
On film you can find Benjamin in “Easter Mysteries” as Thomas and in “Miles”. Television credits include “The Deuce” (recurring), “Law and Order: Criminal Intent”, “Flight of the Conchords” and a small but glamorous recurring role in “One Life To Live” as Shakespeare-reciting drag queen, Alma Children.

Patrick Connaghan is elated to join the company and bring this beautiful score to life. New Paradigm Theatre/ NSO debut! He made his Broadway debut as an original cast member in Bandstand, directed by Tony Award winning Andy Blankenbuehler. In that production, he was a swing in the ensemble and a standby for Nick and Wayne, the trumpet and trombone players, respectively. The production was captured on film, and he can be heard on the original cast album. 
Other NYC Theatre: Icon (New York Musical Festival); From Here to Eternity (through the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse), penned by Tim Rice and his son, Donald, directed by Brett Smock, the Producing Artistic Director of the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival.
Regional: Mamma Mia! directed by Martha Banta (Ordway Center); Man of La Mancha, done actor/musician style with flamenco artists (AZ Theatre Co.); Hairspray (FL Studio Theatre); The Light in the Piazza, Life Could Be A Dream (Farmer’s Alley Theatre); Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Mason Street Warehouse). He also had a spectacular time doing summer stock theatre “in the woods” at Timber Lake Playhouse where he performed in Children of Eden, Sweet Charity, Flight of the Lawnchair Man and Sunset Boulevard.
Patrick earned a BFA in Music Theatre Performance from Western Michigan University in 2013. Upon graduation, he moved to NYC and is *still* a resident of Astoria, Queens. However, nothing can break him from his Midwestern roots in the Chicagoland area. Patrick is a proud member of the Actor’s Equity Association.
Thanks to Mikey and everyone at The Krasny Office, Mom and Dad and all his family, and especially Adrienne.

Emily Kristen Morris (Nellie Forbush) – Emily is thrilled to be returning to one of her favorite roles! Most recently, Emily starred as Bea in the national tour of Something Rotten. Regional credits include: Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival (Sophie in Mamma Mia), Cape Playhouse, Gateway Playhouse, Weston Playhouse, Summer Repertory Theatre (Nellie in South Pacific), New York Musical Theatre Festival, and 42nd Street Moon. She performed as Sarah in Guys and Dolls, among others, with the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra in China. Emily is also a private vocal and acting coach to students around the world. Proud CCM graduate. @EmilyKristenMorris www.EmilyKristenMorris.com

Luke Scott (Emile de Becque) – Described by the New York Times as "the robust-voiced baritone", Luke Scott has performed leading roles with orchestras and opera companies throughout the US and abroad. Recently he's performed Don Giovanni with Salt Marsh Opera, Trial at Rouen with Odyssey Opera, L'Elisir d'Amore and Le Nozze di Figaro with Opera Naples, Soloist at the Oregon Bach festival, Tosca with Long Island Lyric Opera, La Boheme at the Natchez Festival, Lancelot in Camelot with Indianapolis Opera, and Purcell's Tempest at the Connecticut early music festival. This season holds Le Nozze di Figaro with Geneva Light Opera, L'Elisire D'amore with Opera Theater of Connecticut, Die Zauberflote at Vermont Barn Opera, Soloist with Boston Camerata, South Pacific with the Norwalk Symphony, and Romeo and Juliet with Mississippi Opera. Other appearances include Escamillo (Carmen) Maryland Symphony, the Caramoor Festival, Figaro (Le Nozze di Figaro) Opera on the Avalon, El Sistema in Venezuel, Peter (Hansel und Gretel) Opera Theater of Connecticut, Count Almaviva (Le Nozze di Figaro) Martina Arroyo foundation, Argante (Rinaldo) Boston Opera Collaborative, Leporello (Don Giovanni) Opera Western Reserve, Brahms Requiem with Newburyport Chorale Society, Mozart Requiem with Connecticut Virtuosi Orchestra, Judas Maccabaeus with New Haven Chorale, soloist with Cape Cod Symphony, a winner of the New England Concerto competition, Messiah with the Eastern Connecticut Symphony, and finalist for the Art song preservation society of NY concert.  After his role of Escamillo (Carmen) with Opera Western Reserve and a debut with Opera in Williamsburg he returned to New York's Broadway district in the critically acclaimed revival of Figaro 90210 then continued to Boston for the the world premiere of Noli Me Tangere followed by a concert of Rogers and Hammerstein with Opera Theater of Connecticut. Mr. Scott has received awards from the Martina Arroyo Foundation, the American Prize in opera, Bel Canto Scholarship Foundation, Shreveport Opera Singer of the Year, and Gerda Lissner Foundation.

Cidalia Kettles (Bloody Mary) – Cidalia (B.M. in Classical Voice, WCSU, M.S. Music Education, University of Bridgeport) was the winner of the first New Paradigm Theatre’s So You Want to Be a Broadway Star competition. Regional theater credits include Matron "Mama" Morton (CHICAGO), Bloody Mary (South Pacific), Fairy Godmother (Cinderella) and ensemble roles in A Year With Frog and Toad and Fiddler on the Roof. She has worked extensively with Norwalk’s own Cheryl Kemeny and Crystal Theatre including the shows Hungarian Nights and Cleopatra: A Life Unparalleled which each saw workshop runs with the New York Musical Festival. Cidalia received a Best Actress in a Musical Award from NYC's Midtown International Theater Festival for the role of Mardian in Kemeny's Cleopatra. This past summer, Cidalia reprised her role of Zsofia in a Hungarian tour of Hungarian Nights.
Cidalia and her family live in Fairfield, CT where she teaches music in the Fairfield Public School district.