Orchestra
“It takes about 10 times more (planning) to do everything right now,” Kociela said.
The repertoire included a Florence Price piece; “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” which will be introduced by Lowell Spinners Owner Dave Heller, and an arrangement of “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”
Mcisaac described the performance as an “evolution of ideas.” She and Kociela began brainstorming in March, when they realized a concert scheduled for July 12 at Shedd Park would likely be canceled. They decided on the virtual concert as a safe alternative.
The show is named after a line in “America the Beautiful,” which will be performed by the entire orchestra and members of the Illumination Opera in Chelmsford. Soprano Catherine Psarakis and LPO Jeanne Selander 2020 Concerto Competition Winner Maxine Park will also be featured in the show.
Each musician filmed their parts remotely while listening to a track and metronome. Then it was up to Kociela to line up the audio, adjust the volume and fix the lighting.
“If you care for a quality product, you alter every single thing,” Kociela said. “When it comes together … it’s exciting.”
The show will include messages from local officials, including Rep. Lori Trahan, Heller, Jeanne D’arc Credit Union CEO Mark Cochran, Lowell City Councilor Rita Mercier and University of Massachusetts Lowell Chancellor Jacquie Moloney. LGH nurses and doctors will also share their experiences in taped interviews.
“The doctors, nurses, and staff at Lowell General Hospital are heroes. They’ve gone above and beyond the call of duty for months to save lives and keep us safe during these unprecedented times. I’m grateful to the Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra for organizing this tribute to thank
them for their incredible service,” Trahan said in a statement.
The project has been therapeutic, Kociela said.
Mcisaac, who has checked in periodically with orchestra members, said every musician “just wanted to play music.”
Alyssa Chase, a Billerica Memorial High School student and bassist with the LPO, was excited to play with the small group of musicians on Sunday.
“I don’t really get to perform that much now, so it’s nice,” she said as she hauled her massive bass across a patch of grass. “(Music) can just make people feel better.”
Kociela applauded first responders and essential employees, whose work is of utmost importance amid the pandemic. “Then at a certain point there’s all the things that make us human,” including music, he said. “As an organization, that’s what we can offer.”
Lowell Telecommunications Corporation filmed yesterday’s mini concert, which will be edited and aired on cable television and the LOP’S Youtube channel.
To tune in on Sunday, visit lowellphilharmonic.org or LTC Channel 8 at 2 p.m.
Violinist Claire Arakaki, Concertmaster, and Bassist Alyssa Chase rehearsing a piece featuring the Spinners.