Category Archives: program notes

PROGRAM NOTES by Jane Rausch Although amateur and professional musicians may spend a lifetime perfecting their performance on their primary instruments, they are often curious to explore their ability to play other instruments. Perhaps the most common choice would be … Continue reading →

PROGRAM NOTES by Jane Rausch The brass section is an essential part of the Holyoke Civic Symphony. It includes three trumpets, three trombones, four French horns, and one tuba. Though they are often overshadowed by the strings, brass players supply … Continue reading →

PROGRAM NOTES by Jane Rausch As the familiar song observes, “There’s no place like home for the holidays.” This afternoon the Holyoke Civic Symphony welcomes the opportunity to transmit our virtual holiday concert directly to your homes.  A special highlight … Continue reading →

PROGRAM NOTES by Jane Rausch The 54th season of the Holyoke Civic Symphony takes place within a world beset by a mysterious and frightening pandemic. Although this situation eliminates the possibility of presenting our usual series of orchestra concerts at … Continue reading →

Program Notes by Jane Rausch This concert’s theme, “Fierce Legacy,” suggests several interpretations: it can mean “wild, savage, and violent” such as “an uncontrolled storm,” but it also can mean “intensely eager, intense, or ardent such as “a fierce effort.” … Continue reading →

Program Notes by Jane Rausch As the familiar song observes, “There’s no place like home for the holidays,” and this afternoon the Holyoke Civic Symphony invites its audience to stay close to home and celebrate “Holyoke for the Holydays.” This … Continue reading →

Program Notes by Jane Rausch The inclusion of women composers and soloists as well as the championing of new symphonic compositions have been prominent characteristics of programs presented by the Holyoke Civic Symphony since its debut in 1967. Our 53rd … Continue reading →

Program Notes by Jane Rausch Many people in our audience will recognize “You Gotta Have Heart” as a song from the 1950s Broadway musical Damn Yankees, in which the Washington Senators’ manager tells his team that to defeat the Yankees, … Continue reading →

Program Notes by Jane Rausch Passion was only one of many traits that characterized 19th century Romantic music. Other attributes associated with this genre include the composers’ preoccupation with fate and their morbid fascination with the Middle Ages that focused … Continue reading →

Program Notes by Jane Rausch For many of us, the December holidays are truly “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” as happy memories and anticipation of the glories of the season rekindle joyful hearts. To assist in this process, … Continue reading →