By Kevin T McEneaney
Last Saturday, on December 6, the Smithfield Chamber Orchestra, under the musical direction and arrangement by trumpeter Matt Finley, performed its annual Christmas celebration, marking its 20th anniversary at Smithfield Church. Denise Jordan Finley greeted people and introduced Pastor Rev. Douglas Grandgeorge, who made a few amusing quips. Clerk Kevin T McEneaney read his new annual Christmas poem, “Sing Out, Once More,” to general acclaim.
Under Conductor Milt Lee, “Waltz of the Flowers” from Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (which means a tea merchant) from the Nutcracker Suite, The Smithfield Chamber Orchestra filled the room with Christmas cheer. Clarinetist Alix Janove was especially clear with high, smooth notes.
“Christmas Time is Here” showcased the string section with Concertmaster Rob Murphy on violin, Piotr Kargul on viola, Lou Pappas on double bass, and Jean Vilkelis on cello.
Attendees were asked to sing the Christmas hymn “Angels We Have Heard on High,” a traditional French carol; attendees responded with gusto. Charles Gray on saxophone excelled with exuberance as voices engaged in the ancient hymn.
In Chuck Mangione’s “Legacy,” Matt Finley’s soprano sax dominated the intricate syncopation of this seemingly easy-to-compose work, which is, in fact, quite difficult to play and is still regarded as a seminal jazz masterpiece. Here, guitarist Jeff Ciampa was outstanding.
“Carol of the Bells” by Mykola Leontovych (1877-1921), a Ukrainian composer, conductor, and choral director whose works became popular in Russia and Europe, evoked the lyrical flutes of Michelle Demko and Lynette Benner while the high notes on the Clavinova piano played by Larry Ham swiftly flew like imaginary angels. Matt’s arrangement featured extended up-tempo jazz solos by Jeff Ciampa, Larry Ham, and himself on flugelhorn.
“O Little Town of Bethlehem” by Phillips Brooks and arranged by the late, noted organist, Doctor Hampson Sisler, whose compositions were most popular in the Ukraine (as well as Europe, more than in the U.S.) Hampson was, for several years, the regular organist at Smithfield Church.
In the traditional Welsh carol “Deck the Halls,” Walter Barrett on trombone hefted the resounding sound that echoed in the wood interior of the ancient, historic church. Jeff Siegel was wonderful with percussion.
“Last Day of Summer,” composed by Matt and Denise Finley, alluded to mutual memories of the past, inviting attendees to wander with imagination on life’s past episodes that you treasure, but rarely or never speak about. Once again, the piano encouraged that past gentle glimpse under the fingers of Larry Ham and Jeff Ciampa on guitar.
Matt Finley announced that he is stepping down as Music Director of The Smithfield Chamber Orchestra and will be replaced by flute player and conductor Michelle Demko, who resides in the Smithfield Valley.
Conductor Milt Lee passed the baton to Michelle, who energetically conducted a rendition of “White Christmas,” arranged by Matt Finley.
For an encore, Denise Jordan Finley was wonderful with sleigh bells and a whip on the encore, Leroy Anderson’s popular “Sleigh Ride”.
Attendees were invited to a sumptuous repast of food and drink in the basement Fellowship Room, where friendly conversation flowed like a rural stream before the freezing of winter’s white coat.
