REVIEW: MOSSO, "Springfield Chamber Players Clarinet Quintet"

52 Sumner, Springfield, MA

www.springfieldsymphonymusicians.com

October 26, 2024

by Michael J. Moran

Tonight’s concert marked this ensemble’s debut performance at its new venue, 52 Sumner. Located a short distance from Route 91, at 52 Sumner Avenue in Springfield, it provides ample free parking in a lot directly across Sumner Avenue with a traffic light and crossing signal. A former church built in 1894, now extensively renovated, 52 Sumner offers comfortable seating for up to 400 people, new sound and lighting systems, and warm yet clear acoustics.    

The performers are all musicians of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra: principal clarinet Christopher Cullen; violinist Masako Yanagita, SSO Concertmaster for over 40 years; violinist Miho Matsuno, an SSO member since 1992; and violist Ellen Gronningen and cellist Patricia Edens, both associate SSO members. Their long experience playing together was evident in their warm rapport and technical cohesion.

Their program opened with a piece for the full ensemble: an affectionate and sensitive reading of the 1926 “Six Studies in English Folk Song,” by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Each lasting two minutes or less, and mostly in slow tempos, they quote and then briefly elaborate on traditional melodies. The suite made a delightful concert opener, especially the rousing finale, based on “As I Walked over London Bridge.”

The next two pieces featured the four string players. First came the two inner movements of Alexander Borodin’s popular 1881 String Quartet No. 2 in D Major, both used in the 1953 Forrest and Wirght musical “Kismet:” a playful “Scherzo,” and a gorgeous “Nocturne.” These were followed by jazzy arrangements for string quartet by Paul Chihara, in his “Ellington Fantasy," of two songs by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn: a shimmering “Mood Indigo,” and an intricate “Sophisticated Lady.”

The concert ended with a rhapsodic account by the full ensemble of the 1967 clarinet quintet “Souvenirs de Voyage” (“Memories of Travel”), by Bernard Herrmann. Best known for the film scores he wrote for Alfred Hitchcock, Herrmann brought cinematic colors to this picturesque piece: a dramatic “Andante pastorale – Allegro,” a lilting Irish-inspired “Berceuse,” and a lively Italian-flavored “Andante tranquillo quasi barcarolla,” with a catchy tarantella rhythm.

Informative spoken comments by Cullen and Matsuno heightened audience engagement in this intimate space. Next up is “Johnny Appleseed Plus,” featuring Clifton J. Noble, Jr., on December 8.

Preview: MOSSO, Chamber Players Concert

Trinity Church, Springfield, MA

www.SpringfieldSymphonyMusicians.com

Saturday, November 18, 2023, 7:30pm

Springfield Chamber Players’ (formerly MOSSO) second concert of the fall will highlight the music of strings. Comprised of violinists Miho Matsuno and Robert Lawrence, violist Martha McAdams, and cellist Patricia Edens, the performance will include Mozart’s String Quartet No. 4, K. 157; Rachmaninoff’s String Quartet No. 1; the slow movement of Elgar’s String Quartet in E Minor, Op. 83; and Britten’s Simple Symphony Op. 4.

 

Miho Matsuno, a violinist with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra since 1992, has performed extensively throughout the U.S. and abroad. She has performed at major concert venues in and around New York City, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Merkin Hall, and Broadway theaters. Matsuno was a violin instructor and chamber music coach for 20 years at the Kaufman Music Center in New York City. She  received her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the Juilliard School. She also attended Mount Holyoke College with a focus on English Literature. Matsuno is a native of Yokohama, Japan.

 

Robert Lawrence, violinist, has had a varied performing career, ranging from Karl Munchinger’s Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra to the acclaimed Broadway revival of Guys and Dolls, starring Nathan Lane. He studied at Yale University and the Accademia Chigiana in Italy. Lawrence is currently director of programming as well as violinist for the All Seasons Chamber Players (NJ), concertmaster of the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players, and a longtime member of the first violin section of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.

 

Martha “Peggy”  McAdams received a Bachelor of Music from Hartt College of Music and a Master of Music from Manhattan School of Music. Additional violin studies were with Itzhak Perlman and viola with William Lincer. McAdams has performed throughout the East Coast, Europe, and South America in numerous ensembles. McAdams is a longtime member of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.

Patricia Edens, cellist, toured throughout the U.S. as principal cellist with the New York City Opera National Company. She has performed with such Broadway shows as Annie Get Your Gun, Annie, and West Side Story, as well as on tour with Andrea Bocelli. She was a featured cellist in performances with the Israeli folk singer Debbie Friedman at Carnegie Hall. She has also appeared with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.

PREVIEW: Westfield Athenaeum, MOSSO Chamber Music Concert

MOSSO (Musicians of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra)

Westfield Athenaeum, Westfield, MA

www.westath.org

The Westfield Athenaeum will present a three-concert chamber music series beginning Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 7:00PM with MOSSO (Musicians of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra) performing. This is the second year of this partnership with Westfield Athenaeum. A pre-performance talk starts 6PM, which is free to ticket holders.

 

Violinist Beth Welty, horn player Sarah Sutherland, and pianist Elizabeth Skavish will perform horn trios of Frédéric Duvernoy, Trygve Madsen, and Johannes Brahms. Beth Welty, Chair of MOSSO, is Acting Principal Second Violin of MOSSO and the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. Sarah Sutherland, MOSSO and SSO horn player, is also MOSSO’s finance director.

 

Champlain Trio

The series continues on Thursday, March 23, with a performance by the Vermont-based Champlain Trio, which includes MOSSO and SSO Principal Cello Emily Taubl. The Champlain Trio will perform Brilliant Colors, a program which features music by Tchaikovsky, Erik Neilsen (Trio No. 2 written for the ensemble), Jennifer Higdon, Amy Beach, and Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite. 

 

The series concludes on April 20, with MOSSO and SSO horn player Robert Hoyle’s quintet, the Connecticut-based Harmonia V. The quintet will celebrate April in Paris with an all-French program, featuring pieces by Barthe, Fauré, Ravel, Poulenc, Debussy, Pierné, and Lefebvre. 

REVIEW: MOSSO, "The Sondheim Celebration"

MOSSO: Musicians of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra 

www.springfieldsymphonymusicians.com

June 23, 2022 

by Michael J. Moran 

Tim Stella

Having reestablished their classical bona fides after a Covid-forced hiatus with two spring concerts featuring Dvorak and Brahms as the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, the same ensemble demonstrated their Broadway chops, under guest conductor Tim Stella, as MOSSO (Musicians of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra) in a celebration of renowned musical theater composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim. All three concerts were in Springfield's Symphony Hall. 

The opening orchestral suite from “Sweeney Todd” revealed the full range of this haunting score with a symphonic depth rarely heard in the theater. The imaginative arrangements by Don Sebesky of this and five other numbers showcased all sections of the ensemble, from playful percussion, warbling woodwinds, and bustling brass to a warm, rich cushion of strings. Equally evocative were an instrumental suite from “Into the Woods,” with whistling by Hartford-based soprano Alice Matteson, and an orchestral “Send in the Clowns” (“A Little Night Music”), with tender solo turns by concertmaster Masako Yanagita and cellist Richard Mickey. 

Ten other selections were sung by four dynamic Broadway veterans. Highlights included Lisa Vroman’s panicky bride-to-be in “Not Getting Married Today” (“Company”), Ron Raines’ hilariously unfulfilled husband in “Now” (“A Little Night Music”), and Panaro’s animated almost-post-bachelor in “Being Alive” (“Company”). The aching purity of Florence Lacey’s voice in “Losing My Mind” (“Follies”) and “Send in the Clowns,” this time accompanied only by maestro Stella on piano, even evoked the incomparable Sondheim champion Barbara Cook. 

Spoken introductions by the singers, touching on their personal encounters with Sondheim, their previous experience working with each other over many years, and acknowledging an original cast member of “Company” in the audience (Dona D. Vaughn), deepened their intimate rapport with the enthusiastic audience.   

The evening closed, when two dozen Singers of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, prepared by Nikki Stoia, joined all the soloists, with a stunning rendition of the chorus “Sunday” which closes Act I of “Sunday in the Park with George.” The effect was uniquely magical, a feeling that clearly resonated with the many Sondheim fans present. 

The next MOSSO concert will be held at Symphony Hall on July 21 at 7:30 pm, when Kevin Rhodes leads a program of light classics, featuring music of John Williams.

PREVIEW: MOSSO, Celebration of Stephen Sondheim

Symphony Hall, Springfield

SpringfieldSymphonyMusicians.com

June 23, 2022

MOSSO, the Musicians of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, will celebrate the music of legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim on Thursday, June 23, at 7:30 PM in Springfield Symphony Hall. 

The Sondheim Celebration, conducted by Tim Stella, will feature Broadway stars Hugh Panaro and Lisa Vroman. Also appearing are Ray Hardman and Kathleen Callahan-Hardman.

Conductor Tim Stella

The program will include music from Sondheim' repertoire; i.e. Sweeney Todd, Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Into the Woods, and other musicals.

According to conductor Tim Stella, “Stephen Sondheim has been a Broadway legend as both composer and lyricist, and his string of hits include [to many to list]." Stella has conducted The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, and before that, Jesus Christ Superstar, A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum, Guys and Dolls, The Most Happy Fella, Hello Dolly!. 

MOSSO’s Summer Concerts continue with the return of Maestro Kevin Rhodes on July 21, in a MOSSO Benefit Concert of light classics and music of John Williams.

Preview: MOSSO Summer Concert Series

Symphony Hall, Springfield, MA

Various dates throughout Summer 

SpringfieldSymphonyMusicians.com 

MOSSO, the Musicians of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, have announced details of their duo summer concerts at Symphony Hall. MOSSO will celebrate the music of Stephen Sondheim and John Williams. These concerts mark the first time in almost 20 years that the musicians of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra have performed summer concerts in Springfield.

On Thursday, June 23, MOSSO celebrates the music of Broadway composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim who penned the words and music to Company, Follies, Sweeney Todd, and Into the Woods. Conductor Tim Stella will lead the program. Stella is former Resident Music Director of Goodspeed Musicals, and a conductor at Radio City Music Hall.

On Thursday, July 21, Maestro Kevin Rhodes returns to Springfield to conduct a MOSSO benefit concert, with a program of light classics and music of renowned composer John Williams, whose works include Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Schindler’s List. Maestro Rhodes will be joined by guest soloist, violinist Yevgeny Kutik, whose two prior solo appearances in Springfield were met with great acclaim.

Maestro Kevin Rhodes served as Music Director and Conductor of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra for 20 seasons, until the SSO paused performances in 2020. Last season, Maestro Rhodes conducted three ballet productions at Milan’s famed Teatro alla Scala.

Tickets for both concerts will go on sale on May 9, 2022.

MOSSO is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, which is not a subsidiary of nor affiliated with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. 

Preview: The Musicians of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, Summer Concert Series

The Musicians of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, Springfield, MA and Vicinity

www.springfieldsymphonymusicians.com

Several dates and venues

April 6, 2002 

MOSSO, the Musicians of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, have announced a summer concert series of three programs, two in Springfield Symphony Hall, and the third, an outdoor brass quintet program in Forest Park.

According to MOSSO Chair Beth Welty, “Our musicians are performing concerts in April and May in Symphony Hall because the Springfield Symphony Orchestra was mandated to produce those concerts by the National Labor Relations Board. But, although the musicians have been in negotiation with the SSO since late 2019, our community has not yet had a steady series of professional quality live orchestra programs. MOSSO is here to provide that music.” Welty added, “There has not been an ongoing summer pops series since the SSO performed in Westfield’s Stanley Park some twenty years ago.”

On Thursday, June 23, MOSSO will celebrate the music of the late, legendary Broadway composer and lyricist, Stephen Sondheim, who penned the words and music to A Funny Thing Happened on The Way to the Forum, Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, and others. Broadway conductor Tim Stella (of The Phantom of The Opera and Hello, Dolly!) will lead the program, joined by some major Broadway stars. 

On Thursday, July 21, Maestro Kevin Rhodes will return to Springfield to conduct a program of light classics and music of renowned composer John Williams, whose works include Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Schindler’s List. Maestro Rhodes will be joined by a guest soloist. This will be a benefit concert for MOSSO, so that the nonprofit organization can continue to deliver professional symphonic music to Greater Springfield and Western MA. 

On Saturday, August 13 (Rain date: Sunday, August 14), a MOSSO brass quintet will perform a free concert at Camp Star Angelina, Trafton Road in Forest Park, Springfield. This concert will be produced for MOSSO by Bing Productions. No tickets are required.

Preview: Westfield Athenaeum and MOSSO. Chamber Music Series

The Westfield Athenaeum will present a three-concert chamber music series, beginning Thursday, March 10, at 7PM, with Musicians of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, known as MOSSO, providing the music. MOSSO violinist Beth Welty is bringing her ensemble, The Aryaloka Quartet to the Athenaeum to kick off the series. Guy McLain, Executive Director of the Westfield Athenaeum, will offer a pre-performance talk at 6PM, which is free to ticket holders.

Violinists Mark Latham and Beth Welty, violist Noralee Walker, and cellist Sandi-Jo. Malmon will perform William Grant Still’s Lyric String Quartet; Charles Ives’ String Quartet #1 Op.57 “From The Salvation Army: A Revival Service”; Beethoven’s String Quartet in C major, op. 59 #3; and an additional piece TBA.

McLain, said “We’re thrilled to bring classical music back to downtown Westfield, and we look forward to working with MOSSO to make that happen”. He said two additional concerts are planned for Thursday, April 14, and Thursday, May 12.

Beth Welty of MOSSO said, the members of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra have fond memories of their many summer performances at Stanley Park, and we’re glad to return to Westfield and the Westfield Athenaeum. We chose an eclectic program to open our Westfield season, including a classic by Beethoven, a work from a major 20th century New England composer, Charles Ives; a work from an important African-American composer, William Grant Still, and a contemporary selection that most audience members will know.

Tickets are $20 and must be purchased in advance at the Athenaeum during business hours, or online at https://www.westath.org/

Audience members will be required to wear masks.

MOSSO is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, which is not a subsidiary or affiliated with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra Inc. MOSSO was organized by the musicians this year to produce and perform concerts in Greater Springfield and Western Massachusetts, and to date, they have presented their musicians in pop-up concerts throughout the area. For further information visit www.SpringfieldSymphonyMusicians.com

The Westfield Athenaeum, located in downtown Westfield, serves as the cultural center for the city. In addition to an active public library, the Athenaeum features an art museum with regular exhibits of regional artists, and a history museum, documenting the history of Westfield. For information on the Westfield Athenaeum: www.westath.org