Press Release
For Immediate Release: November 2013
Newtown Chamber Orchestra, celebrating its 24th concert season, will perform its second concert of the season, “Soloists on Stage,” on Sunday, January 19, 2014 at 7 PM at the Lutheran Church of God’s Love, 791 Newtown-Yardley Road, Newtown, PA 18940.
All Newtown Chamber Orchestra concerts are conducted by Russell W. Hoffmann, Music Director and Conductor. Mr. Hoffmann is the founding Music Director of the Newtown Chamber Orchestra and has a wide diversified musical background. Music Lovers will also take pleasure in the remaining concert to be performed by the Orchestra: “A Night at The Opera & More!”—Sunday, March 30, 2014.
“Sonatina Op. 100” by Dvorak will be performed by Milton Schwartz, violin, and Russel Bechtloff, piano. Milton Schwartz has been playing the violin for 70 years. He has also been practicing medicine as a general practitioner for 50 years. Milton is a happy husband, father and grandfather who enjoys spending time with his family. This concert marks 30 years of collaboration with Dr. Russel Bechtloff, his accomplished pianist.
“Mixed Modern Medley” will be performed by the Trenton Brass Quintet Plus One, Karl Megules, Artistic Director. Karl Megules has a B.A. in Music Education and a Master of Music (tuba performance) from Trenton State College. He has performed in many orchestras and ensembles, both classical and jazz, throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Mr. Megules is currently Music Director of Bucks County Community College.
The NCO is proud to spotlight pianist Clipper Erickson who will play “Enchantments” by Dett. After attending The Julliard School and Yale University, he began performing as a soloist with orchestra and in recital throughout the United States, as well as receiving prizes at several international competitions held in some of the most famous venues in the world. Mr. Erickson has been a roster member of Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour since its inception in 1997. He encourages the love of music through his commitment to education and currently teaches at Westminster Conservatory in Princeton and Temple University in Philadelphia, where he is completing his thesis on the piano music of American composer Nathaniel Dett.
“Three Songs for Oboe & Double Bass”, by Clearfield (after Poems by Pablo Neruda), will be performed by Bliss Michelson, double bass, and Peggy Wiltrout, oboe. Mr. Michelson served as Production Manager at Clasical WWFM for nearly 20 years and is a respected double bass player in this region. He has played with the Buffalo Philharmonic and with various ensembles throughout the Delaware Valley including the Newtown Chamber Orchestra. Peggy Wiltrout is a Manhattan-based oboist and English Hornist. Formerly a member of the Birmingham Symphony, she has toured extensively in Europe and the Far East. She is principal oboist with the Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea and a member of the Staten Island Philharmonic and Viva Voce Chamber Ensemble.
“Violin Concerto No. 5, K.219 in A Major” (1st movement) by Mozart will be performed by David Brown, violin and Kenneth Borrmann, piano. Mr. Brown was born in Philadelphia and was inspired to study violin at the age of 6 at Settlement Music School after seeing 13 year old violin prodigy Itzak Perlman on the Ed Sullivan show. In 1997 Mr. Brown took part in a rare Master Class with none other than Itzak Perlman. This honor was one of the highlights of his career. More recently, Mr. Brown has performed as a regular member of many orchestras in Bucks and Montgomery Counties, Philadelphia and Delaware.
Kenneth Borrmann, Associate Professor of Music and Chair of the Keyboard Studies at Cairn University, where he holds a Bachelor of Music degree and is the director of the Cairn Handbell Choir and the ensemble Laudate. Mr. Borrmann holds a Master of Music from West Chester University and is active as a soloist, accompanist, and chamber music collaborator. Additionally, he has served on the faculty of the Csehy Summer School of Music and is currently the Traditional Worship Pastor at Davisville Church in Southampton, Pa. He and his wife and two sons reside in Warminster, PA.
“Jazz Quartet: Classic Music from Bach to Bebop” will be performed by Musicians from “La Bella Nota.” LBN is a performing group headed by John and Katrina Kormanski. Katrina is NCO’s principal cellist and John is associate clarinet for NCO. LBN’s Jazz Quintet musicians are: John Kormanski, Sax/clarinet/flute; Brian Neukum, trumpet; Steven Hassinger, keyboard; Charles DePalmo, upright bass; and Jerry Mulhern, vibes/drums. They will be performing four selections of differing jazz styles. Among them, members of LBN Jazz Quintet have a combined 120 years of service to our country in the US Navy, US Marines Corps. and US Army.
Music Lovers will also take pleasure in the remaining concert to be performed by the Orchestra: “A Night at The Opera & More!”—Sunday, March 30, 2014.
The Newtown Chamber Orchestra is a non-profit organization proudly contributing to the rich cultural tradition of Bucks County. Individual concert tickets are: Adults $25; Seniors $20; Students and Children are admitted free. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance through our website (address below). There will be open seating, and complimentary refreshments are served at all concerts.