Golden Gala Concert on June 11, 2023
With special guests Pip Moss, Conductor Emeritus and violinist Emil Altschuler
On Sunday, June 11 at 2:30 PM, the Lincoln-Sudbury Civic Orchestra (LSCO) celebrates its 50th season with their spring concert, “50 Years of Music Making” at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School. The concert will feature Appalachian Spring by Aaron Copland, two world premier pieces by William Nicholson, Jr., and Dvorak’s Symphony #6 led by Pip Moss, Conductor Emeritus. The LSCO also welcomes back Emil Altschuler, acclaimed violin soloist with a selection of pieces with pianist Siu Yan Luk.
In his first year leading the orchestra, Alfonso Piacentini, a charismatic, young conductor and percussionist who also serves under Benjamin Zander as an Assistant Conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and its youth orchestra, shares his excitement as the group prepares for this ambitious program, “I’m overjoyed to be working with this group on some challenging, iconic pieces as well as premiering two works by our own managing director and in-house composer, Nick [William Nicholson, Jr.]. Embracing the new can challenge all of us in good ways and it’s been incredibly fun and rewarding to see it happen! We would love nothing more than to share our Simple Gifts with you.”
The LSCO was founded in 1972 as a way for Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School students to experience the rigors and joys of performing great orchestral music alongside seasoned adult musicians. Now 50 years later, LSCO draws adult and student members from all over MetroWest. Former Lincoln music educator Pip Moss led the LSCO for 26 years prior to his retirement in 2013. Many of the musicians in today’s orchestra were members of the group under Pip, some when they were high school students.
Reflecting on the opportunity to return to conduct at this milestone concert Pip shared, “I wouldn’t have missed it! Coming back and seeing so many familiar faces has been wonderful and I’m looking forward to the concert. I always enjoyed working with this group, people coming together with different backgrounds, from multiple towns and levels of experience to make music together. It’s heartwarming to see the group continue to thrive.”
Violinist Emil Altschuler, also back for this milestone concert, first appeared with LSCO in January 2019, along with his collaborator, Boston’s well know harpist Charles Overton. Altschuler is known internationally as a soloist, chamber music collaborator, and music educator, and directs the Altschuler Summer Music Institute in Rimini, Italy.
“As Managing Director of LSCO for the past 11 years, I’m excited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this unique, talented group,” said William Nicholson. “This concert celebrates the orchestra, its members and leaders past and present, and soloists over the years. The music is varied, capturing a sampling of the works this group has played over the years. I hope many will join us to celebrate on June 11.”
Orchestra members share their enthusiasm about their participation:
“Being a part of this group has greatly enriched my life.” – Steven Sewell, Violinist and founding member of LSCO
“What keeps me coming back is the music, the shared experience of creating music with friendly people who also feel the joy.” – Alex Andrews, Flutist
“This is an amazing organization and wonderful musical experience.”– Jeff Paster, Oboist
“My favorite part is our concert days where we get to show off all our hard work!” – Kaelyn Beaudette, Cellist
“The opportunity to play professional scores in an orchestra … was a really great opportunity” – Dave McLellan, Timpanist
“I continue to enjoy and support LSCO because of the people/musicians, mission, challenging and interesting repertoire, and quality of conductors.” – Rhoda Phillips, Cellist
The full program planned for the June 11 concert includes A Mighty Fortress – Brass Octet, by William Nicholson, Jr., Academic Festival Overture, by Brahms, Appalachian Spring, by Copland, Variations on Row-Row-Row Your Boat, by Nicholson, Adoration, by Price, Symphony #6, by Dvorak, and Violin and Piano Selections featuring Emil Altschuler with piano accompaniment by Siu Yan Luk.
Admission to the June 11 concert at 2:30pm is a suggested donation of $20 per adult. Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School is located at 390 Lincoln Rd in Sudbury. The concert will also be livestreamed on SudburyTV. Go to sudburytv.org, Scroll down on the Main page to the Live Stream section and click on Watch Now for the Educational Channel.
About Lincoln Sudbury Civic Orchestra
LSCO is a volunteer community orchestra comprising high school students and adult
community members who share a love for preparing and performing substantial orchestral
repertoire. The members have classical music training at the intermediate to advanced
level and rehearse weekly Tuesday evenings at LSRHS. Although the scores studied and
performed are the original professional scores (not arrangements for school ensembles),
professional performing experience is not required for membership. All players are welcome to join regardless of town of residence. For more information visit https://www.lscivicorchestra.org.