Ensemble to perform April 21 at St. John’s Lutheran Church
St. John’s Lutheran Church, 355 St. John’s Circle, presents The Providence Chamber Orchestra’s resident ensemble in concert at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 21.
The program features Jill Haley, oboist, English horn player, pianist, and soloist in her composition “National Parks Suite No. 2.” The National Parks Suite will be performed with a video inspired by the beauty of the Glacier and Badlands National Parks.
Haley performs on oboe and English horn in both improvisational and classical settings as well as composing her own music inspired by the beauty of our National Parks. She has been an Artist in Residence at 10 National Parks over the last decade which has allowed her to live in a park while creating music about the park.
A 2023 quote by Megan Woodard from The International Double Reed Journal describes the playing as, “Haley conveys peacefulness and serenity through long held notes and tonal rising melodies. She has excellent breath control and the warmth of her tone, especially on the English horn, is inviting.”
Haley will be joined by guitarist David Cullen, her husband and recent soloist with the PCO, performing her compositions “Cerulean Sky” from Zion and Bryce Canyon Soundscapes and “Sunrift Gorge” from National Park Soundscapes and Glacier Soundscapes.
Also included in the nature-themed program is the first movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 (Pastoral), Delius’ On hearing the first Cuckoo in Spring, Elgar’s Chanson de Matin (Morning Song), and Frühlingsstimme
(Voices of Spring) by Johann Strauss.
The ensemble was founded in 1999 to meet the musical needs and aspirations of its members, a group of talented, amateur musicians from the greater Philadelphia area, all of whom share a common passion for playing music.
The group of volunteers rehearses twice monthly and presents annual winter and spring concerts in addition to accompanying the “St. John’s Choir & Friends” performance of major choral repertoire. Tom Snyder, director of music at St. John’s, conducts the orchestra.
There is no admission charge but a freewill offering
will be received to support ongoing orchestral performances in Phoenixville.