Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Kennett Symphony opens new office
The Kennett Symphony opened the doors of its new office to the public with an open house on Friday.
KENNETT SQUARE » The Kennett Symphony opened the doors of its new office to the public with an open house during Friday’s Art Stroll.
For several years the administrative tasks have been carried on in what some have called the catacombs of the Main Street building on West State Street. And while some people were happy to stroll down the steps and up the hall to buy their tickets for concerts, it was not a very visible location for the public.
Board Chairman Paul Merluzzi said he was alerted to the possibility of an available site when his wife, Irena, who worked in the previous KSO office, told him that the art gallery in the small office in the American Legion building was moving.
With much talk and a lot of consideration on the board, they decided on the move, which occurred in late September
Merluzzi said it provides plenty of space, and, more importantly, more visibility to the public.
He added that there was a slight increase in rental fees, but it was manageable.
During the early evening hours of the art stroll, the new office was crowded inside and out as folks stopped to get a bite at the sumptuous board of treats that was laid out and to greet popular Maestro Michael Hall.
Outside on the sidewalk, Ann Fontanella played the violin for a good portion of the open house and was applauded by those who stopped by.
The new facility has a fresh look with off-white walls, track lighting and a collection of large oil paintings by artist Frank DePietro. They are mostly florals, and he said they reflect in his mind the general landscapes of Chester County and Longwood Gardens.
The Kennett Symphony’s next concert is Oct. 14 at Unionville High School, followed on Dec. 2 by the Christmas concert. For more information and to order tickets, go to kennettsymphony.org.