by Kevin T McEneaney
Last Saturday afternoon, the Bang Family Concert Series produced its 6th Annual Spring “Pops” Concert under the baton of Michelle Demko, who chose most of the program as well as the order of the program. The theme was American Composers in remembrance of the country’s 250th anniversary.
The Orchestra opened with “The Liberty Bell” (1893) by John Phillip Sousa, who was an opera composer as well as the author of over 130 military marches. He composed 15 operettas. This composition was originally written for Sousa’s uncompleted operetta The Devil’s Deputy. The fourteen musicians played with remarkable precision in this arrangement by Matt Finley, with Milt Lee conducting the thunderous opener in the superior acoustics of the antique church.
Under the baton of Michelle Demko, they played “Pavanne” (1938) by Morton Gould, which was a big hit from American Symphonette No. 3. Gould worked in theatre and movies. He wrote numerous songs, including “Yankee Doodle” (1945). Lisa Bellino on clarinet and Laura Thompson on flute were thrilling in the arrangement by Larry Ham.
“Prelude to a Kiss” (1938) by Duke Ellington was his most impressive ballad with chromatic harmonies and weaving melodies. The use of classical music structures in a ballad opened new avenues in music. Here, the strings of violinist Rob Murphy, cello of Jean Vikelis, and Piotr Kargul on viola were outstanding in the arrangement by Larry Ham.
“The Entertainer” (1902) by Scott Joplin was another turning point in American music, as it made famous the syncopations of ragtime style. The arrangement by Matt Finley was superb. Charkes Gray on saxophone and Walter Barrett on trombone floated nuance.
“Send in the Clowns” (1973) by Stephen Soundheim was written for the musical A Little Night Music, an adaptation of Ingmar Bergman’s film, Smiles of a Summer Night. Here, the sparkling arrangement was by Matt Finley and Michelle Demko. Here, Larry Ham on piano lead with aplomb.
“Hoe Down” (1946) by Aaron Copland, brilliantly arranged by Matt Finley, left a smile on everyone’s face. This composition was from the ballet Rodeo. Here, Alex Aitken on drums starred with ebullient rhythm as Larry Ham tinkled the keys, and Lou Pappas reinforced ambiance with double bass; Jeff Ciampa on guitar nailed the number. The shifting of the duple meter folk tune from one section of players to another resulted in witty amusement for the ears.
Larry Ham arranged “Love is Here to Stay” (1938) by George Gershwin with lyrics by Ira Gershwin for the movie Goldwin Follies was arranged by Larry Ham. Sadly, this was Gershwin’s last work, as he died that year at the age of 38. Larry Ham on piano and Walter Barrett on trombone were fabulous, and Laura Thompson on flute provided ethereal notes.
“Blue Bossa” (1963) by Kenny Dorham may be less well known, yet this arrangement by Matt Finley (whose impressive song catalogue features Rio-influenced jazz) delivered an upbeat mood and a superb short solo on trumpet by Matt.
“Medley from West Side Story” (1957), by Leonard Bernstein and arranged by Matt Finley, was the closer, which provided a little romance to ponder for the Spring planting season.
This concert featured many of the best musicians in Dutchess County playing in new, polished musical arrangements that were clear, precise, and eloquent.
There was a spontaneous standing ovation. For the encore, the musicians played “New York, New York,” and attendees were sent to the Fellowship Room for free snacks and drinks where they amicably mingled with the musicians.