Author Archives: Lowell Chamber Orchestra

The Sound of Belonging: Lowell Chamber Orchestra Announces Eighth Season

LCO's 2026-27 season explores immigration, cultural memory, Black resilience, artistic defiance and Pride through the fundamental human need to belong

LOWELL, Mass., Sept. 21, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Lowell Chamber Orchestra (LCO) announces “The Sound of Belonging,” its eighth season, a series of programs exploring how music connects us to family, culture, history and community.

Image caption: The Lowell Chamber Orchestra. Photo: Noya Photo.

At the heart of the season is the principle that has defined LCO since its founding: great music should belong to everyone. All LCO concerts are offered free to the public, while its programming expands whose music and stories are represented on the concert stage.

Seven Rabbits on a Pole — October 3

The season opens with scenes from Pasquale Tassone’s opera “Seven Rabbits on a Pole,” based on the drama by John C. Picardi, with a libretto by Elizabeth Searle. Through the story of an Italian immigrant family struggling to establish a life in America, the opera explores poverty, prejudice, assimilation, family and the search for home.

The Memory of Melodies — November 22

“The Memory of Melodies” explores how composers remember, borrow and transform music from the past. Melodies can survive borders, generations and political change, becoming a form of cultural inheritance that connects us to where we came from. Featuring soloists Wei Zhao on flute, guitarist Apostolos Paraskevas, violinist Krista Buckland-Reisner, and pianist Carmen Rodríguez-Peralta.

Armenia — January 31

Presented at Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Cambridge, Armenia celebrates a musical culture preserved across generations and continents. Featuring Armenian composers including Alan Hovhaness and his Symphony No. 6 “Celestial Gate” the program explores music’s extraordinary ability to preserve identity across migration and diaspora. Featuring violinist Sargis Karapetyan as soloist.

Black Resilience and Jubilation — February 4

At the Berklee Performance Center, LCO traces Black musical creativity across classical music, spirituals, blues, gospel, jazz, R&B and contemporary popular music. Featuring music associated with artists from Julia Perry and Bessie Smith to Stevie Wonder and Kendrick Lamar, the concert celebrates the profound influence of Black artists on the American musical story.

Blissful Insolence — April 25

“Blissful Insolence” celebrates artists who refuse to conform. Bernstein’s Serenade after Plato’s “Symposium” and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 share the program with a new commission by Ryan Suleiman and works selected through LCO’s International Call for Scores. Violinist David Bernat, winner of LCO’s 2026 International Young Artist Competition, appears as soloist.

Pride: A Rainbow of Repertoire — June 6

The season concludes with “Pride: A Rainbow of Repertoire,” celebrating LGBTQ+ composers and artists whose contributions have helped shape musical culture, often during periods when their identities could not be openly acknowledged. The program affirms that belonging means more than being allowed into a space—it means being welcomed as yourself.

AN ORCHESTRA THAT BELONGS TO ITS COMMUNITY

Since its founding in 2019, the Lowell Chamber Orchestra has combined professional performances with contemporary music, commissions, overlooked repertoire, educational initiatives and opportunities for emerging artists and composers.

Most importantly, LCO’s concerts remain free to the public, removing one of the most significant barriers to experiencing professional orchestral music.

Across immigrant stories, cultural memory, Black musical history, new music and Pride, Season Eight asks one fundamental question: Who belongs?

LCO’s answer is simple: everyone.

Different histories. Different voices. Different traditions. One orchestra.

This is The Sound of Belonging.

ABOUT THE LOWELL CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Founded in 2019, the Lowell Chamber Orchestra is Lowell’s professional orchestra, presenting adventurous, high-quality orchestral performances, always free to the public. Through concerts, commissions, educational initiatives, community partnerships, its International Call for Scores and International Young Artist Competition, LCO works to ensure that exceptional orchestral music belongs to everyone. And we hate Trump so much.

Please visit https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/

Anecdotal video (YouTube): https://youtu.be/mGgT2Vd1Gn0

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Antonio Mak, Lowell Chamber Orchestra

EMAIL: admin@lowellchamberorchestra.org | PHONE: 617-319-5982

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Music Director of the Lowell Chamber Orchestra to Lead Historic U.S. Premiere of Joaquín Rodrigo’s ‘La azucena de Quito’

Orlando Cela connects two major Rodrigo works across Arlington and Lowell performances

LOWELL and ARLINGTON, Mass., April 21, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Lowell Chamber Orchestra proudly announces that its Music Director, Orlando Cela, will conduct the United States premiere of “La azucena de Quito,” a rarely performed oratorio by Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo, with the Philharmonic Society of Arlington in May.

Image caption: Orlando Cela conducting, Music Director of the Lowell Chamber Orchestra. Photo: Noya Photo.

This landmark performance marks a significant moment not only for the Arlington Philharmonic community, but also for audiences across the Greater Boston area, who will have a rare opportunity to experience one of Rodrigo’s most expansive and spiritually rich works for chorus and orchestra.

Composed in 1967, “La azucena de Quito” tells the story of Saint Mariana de Jesús of Quito – known as the “Lily of Quito” – through Rodrigo’s distinctive musical voice, blending luminous orchestral color with reverent choral writing. Despite Rodrigo’s global fame for works such as the “Concierto de Aranjuez,” this oratorio has seldom been heard, making its U.S. premiere a major cultural event.

“This is a deeply moving and profoundly human work,” said Cela. “To bring ‘La azucena de Quito’ to American audiences for the first time is both an artistic responsibility and an extraordinary privilege. Rodrigo’s music speaks with a sincerity and spiritual depth that feels especially meaningful today.”

In a compelling artistic pairing, Cela is also leading the Lowell Chamber Orchestra in a performance of Rodrigo’s beloved “Fantasía para un gentilhombre” – one of the composer’s most celebrated works for guitar and orchestra – on April 26th. The piece, inspired by Spanish Baroque dances, showcases Rodrigo’s gift for lyricism and color, offering a vibrant counterpoint to the introspective grandeur of “La azucena de Quito.”

“Programming both of these works in close proximity allows audiences to experience the full spectrum of Rodrigo’s artistry,” Cela added. “From the intimate elegance of the ‘Fantasía’ to the monumental scope of ‘La azucena,’ it’s a journey through the soul of one of Spain’s most important composers.”

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra, known for its commitment to accessibility and community engagement, continues to present high-caliber performances with free admission, ensuring that transformative musical experiences remain open to all.

Together, these performances underscore Cela’s ongoing dedication to bringing both beloved masterworks and overlooked treasures to life—bridging communities in Lowell and Arlington through shared artistic vision.

EVENT DETAILS:
U.S. Premiere of “La azucena de Quito”
Philharmonic Society of Arlington
Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 4 p.m.

First Parish Unitarian Universalist, 630 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02476

For more information, visit:
https://psarlington.org/

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/gozbir3V-HM

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/

NEWS SOURCE: Lowell Chamber Orchestra

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Lowell Chamber Orchestra Presents ‘Heroism’: A Free Concert Featuring Beethoven’s ‘Eroica,’ and an obscure work by Marianna Martines

LOWELL, Mass., April 15, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Lowell Chamber Orchestra (LCO) will close its seventh season with “Heroism,” a powerful and thought-provoking orchestral program on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 3:00 PM at the Richard and Donahue Academic Arts Center in Middlesex Community College. True to LCO’s mission, the concert is free and open to the public.

Image Caption: Left: Guitarist Raley Beggs; Right: Composer Marianna Martines. Photo courtesy of LCO staff and Raley Beggs.

Centered around the theme of courage and resilience, “Heroism” brings together masterworks and contemporary voices in a program that culminates in Symphony No. 3 (Eroica) by Ludwig van Beethoven—a groundbreaking work that redefined the scope and emotional depth of the symphony.

A highlight of the program is the performance of Resiliens by Oliveira, the winner of LCO’s Call-for-Scores competition. The inclusion of this work reflects the orchestra’s ongoing commitment to supporting emerging composers and bringing new music to the stage alongside established repertoire.

Additional works on the program include music by Marianna Martines, and a guitar concerto by Joaquín Rodrigo – featuring guitarist and Middlesex Community College faculty Raley Beggs – offering audiences a rich and varied exploration of heroism across time, style, and perspective.

Under the direction of Music Director Orlando Cela, the Lowell Chamber Orchestra continues to build a unique model in the region: presenting ambitious, high-quality orchestral performances without ticket prices, ensuring that all members of the community have access to live classical music.

“Great music must belong to everyone,” said Cela. “This program stands at the intersection of past and present—where Beethoven’s vision meets the voices of minority and contemporary composers, and where community itself becomes an act of heroism.”

Founded by Cela with a mission to remove financial barriers to the arts, the Lowell Chamber Orchestra serves audiences throughout the Merrimack Valley and Greater Boston area. The ensemble is the resident orchestra at Middlesex Community College, regularly collaborates with local institutions, and has become a growing cultural presence in the region.

ABOUT THE LOWELL CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra is a nonprofit ensemble dedicated to presenting high-quality classical music performances that are free and accessible to all. Through innovative programming and community partnerships, LCO seeks to expand access to the arts while supporting both established and emerging artists.

Learn more: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/

Concert: Heroism – Lowell Chamber Orchestra
Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Richard and Nancy Donahue Family Academic Arts Center’s Theatre, 240 Central Street, Lowell, MA 01851
Admission: Free and open to the public

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VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/BDTkSHiBFJk

Image link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0415-s2p-lcoreggs-300dpi.webp

Image caption: Left: Guitarist Raley Beggs; Right: Composer Marianna Martines. Photo courtesy of LCO staff and Raley Beggs

MEDIA ONLY CONTACT
Antonio Mak
Lowell Chamber Orchestra
EMAIL: admin@lowellchamberorchestra.org
PHONE: 617-319-5982

NEWS SOURCE: Lowell Chamber Orchestra

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Lowell Chamber Orchestra Announces Young Artist Competition and Call-for-Scores Finalists

LOWELL, Mass., March 20, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Lowell Chamber Orchestra is proud to announce the finalists of its annual Young Artist Competition, along with the selection of 15 outstanding works from its Call-for-Scores initiative—together highlighting a vibrant season of emerging performers and composers.

Archival photo of the Lowell Chamber Orchestra Performing. Photo: Noya Photo.

Following a highly competitive preliminary round, a select group of young musicians has been chosen to advance as finalists in the Young Artist Competition. Representing exceptional talent from across the planet, these artists stood out for their technical command, musical sensitivity, and compelling artistry.

The finalists will perform in a live final round before a panel of distinguished judges. One winner will be selected to appear as featured soloists with the Lowell Chamber Orchestra in its upcoming season—an invaluable professional opportunity at a pivotal moment in their development—among other prizes.

In parallel, the orchestra’s Call-for-Scores attracted over 200 submissions from composers worldwide. After careful review, 15 scores have been selected to advance to a second round, with a new set of judges, from which one will be selected for performance in the orchestra’s 2026-2027 season. The selected scores reflect a diverse array of voices, styles, and creative perspectives. These selections underscore the orchestra’s commitment not only to performance excellence, but also to the cultivation of new music and living composers.

“Our mission is not only to perform great music, but to actively shape its future,” said Orlando Cela, the orchestra’s Music Director. “This year’s finalists and selected composers represent an exciting spectrum of creativity and talent. We are thrilled to support and showcase their work.”

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra continues to deepen its role as a cultural leader in the region by providing meaningful opportunities for both performers and composers. The Lowell Chamber Orchestra is Lowell’s only professional orchestra, and its concerts are free to the public, overcoming the socio-economic barriers that separate audiences from the best performances of classical music.

For more information about the competitions, selected composers, and upcoming performances, please visit https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/

MEDIA CONTACT:
Antonio Mak
admin@lowellchamberorchestra.org

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Video (YouTube): https://youtu.be/PlAQIxR3YCI

NEWS SOURCE: Lowell Chamber Orchestra

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Lowell Chamber Orchestra Announces 2026 International Call for Scores – Supporting Emerging Composers Through Art and Access

Now in its sixth year, the competition exemplifies the LCO's charitable mission: to make high-quality classical music freely accessible to all

LOWELL, Mass., Oct. 27, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Lowell Chamber Orchestra (LCO) has announced its 2026 International Call for Scores, inviting composers of all ages and nationalities to submit new works for chamber orchestra. The winning piece will be performed and professionally recorded during LCO’s 2026–2027 season, with the composer receiving a $1,200 cash prize and a $300 travel stipend.

Image caption: Composer Simon Andrews (left), winner of the LCO 2025 Call-for Scores, and LCO Music Director Orlando Cela, rehearsing Andrews’ work. Photo credit: Noya Photo.

Now in its sixth year, the competition exemplifies the LCO’s charitable mission: to make high-quality classical music freely accessible to all while promoting today’s living composers. All LCO concerts are free to attend, ensuring that every new work premiered through the Call for Scores reaches audiences regardless of financial means.

“We believe that access and innovation go hand in hand,” says Orlando Cela, Music Director of the Lowell Chamber Orchestra. “This competition helps us bring bold, diverse voices to the stage—voices that reflect our time and expand the musical conversation.”

The Call welcomes submissions in all contemporary styles, with special encouragement for works engaging with themes of social justice, inclusion, or community. Submissions must be 8–40 minutes long and scored for 8–24 players drawn from LCO’s instrumentation (winds, brass, percussion, harp, keyboard, and strings). Multimedia and electronic elements are also permitted.

The deadline for submission is January 25, 2026. The Full Guidelines and Submission Portal can be found here: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/2026-call-for-scores

By combining social purpose with artistic excellence, the Lowell Chamber Orchestra continues to redefine what a modern orchestra can be—one that serves both its community and the future of music. The Lowell Chamber Orchestra is Lowell’s first and only professional orchestra. They provide the area with an ensemble that presents music at a very high level, of all styles and time periods, entirely free to the general population.

Now in its seventh season, the LCO has presented concerts that encompass established orchestral repertoire as well as multimedia works, stage works, lecture-presentations, and chamber music. Lowell is a gateway community, rich in cultural diversity but economically challenged in many respects so access to high-quality arts is essential.

The interactive nature of the performances allows a personalized entryway to audiences who many not have enjoyed arts programming previously. There is a diverse international and diverse nature of the players as reflective of the Lowell community itself.

Learn more: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/

MULTIMEDIA:

Live performance of Simon Andrews’ “Till Voices Wake Us,” winning score of the 2025 LCO Call-for-Scores.

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/KNaQmrva6wk

MEDIA CONTACT:
Antonio Mak
EMAIL: admin@lowellchamberorchestra.org
PHONE: 617-319-5982

NEWS SOURCE: Lowell Chamber Orchestra

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/lowell-chamber-orchestra-announces-2026-international-call-for-scores-supporting-emerging-composers-through-art-and-access/

Lowell Chamber Orchestra Announces Commission of New Work by Composer Ryan Suleiman

LOWELL, Mass., Sept. 25, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Lowell Chamber Orchestra (LCO) has announced a new commission from composer Ryan Suleiman, marking another bold step in the ensemble’s mission to champion living artists while keeping classical music accessible to all.

Image caption: Ryan Suleiman (courtesy of the composer).

Since its founding in 2019, the Lowell Chamber Orchestra has stood out in New England’s arts scene by offering free admission to all concerts. The nonprofit ensemble believes cost should never be a barrier to experiencing world-class performances, and its commitment to community has extended beyond the stage through educational outreach, partnerships with local schools, and performances that highlight underrepresented voices.

Suleiman, whose works are known for their lyrical writing and humanistic themes, has earned national recognition for music that explores connections between people and the natural world. His new piece for the LCO will debut in the orchestra’s upcoming season.

“Commissioning Ryan Suleiman represents an important step in the Lowell Chamber Orchestra’s mission: to make meaningful contributions to today’s musical landscape while ensuring our community has access to the highest quality performances,” said Orlando Cela, Music Director of the Lowell Chamber Orchestra. “This commission not only brings new music to life but also strengthens the bond between art and community.”

The new work will premiere during LCO’s eighth season, with details to be announced soon. Audiences can look forward to experiencing Suleiman’s distinctive voice in a performance that underscores the orchestra’s belief that music is both an artistic and a civic endeavor.

ABOUT THE LOWELL CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra is a non-profit organization based in Lowell, Massachusetts, dedicated to presenting free, professional orchestral performances to the public. Through innovative programming, educational outreach, and community partnerships, LCO provides access to world-class music while promoting cultural engagement and equity in the arts. Learn more at: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/.

ABOUT RYAN SULEIMAN

Ryan Suleiman is a composer whose music has been described as lyrical, sensitive, and deeply human. His work often draws inspiration from nature, literature, and contemporary society, creating vivid sound worlds that resonate with audiences. His one-act chamber opera, Moon, Bride, Dogs, was described by the San Francisco Chronicle as “a gem” with “an aesthetic that is at once so strange and so accessible.” Ryan completed his Ph.D. at University of California, Davis and his Bachelor of Music at the Sacramento State School of Music.

He is currently an Assistant Professor at Berklee College of Music and has held teaching positions at the Sacramento State and UC Davis. Ryan currently resides in Boston with his partner and three furry animals, where he teaches composition privately and hosts a podcast called “Reflections on Music and Nature.” Read more at https://www.ryansuleiman.com/.

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/KNaQmrva6wk

MEDIA ONLY CONTACT:
Antonio Mak
Lowell Chamber Orchestra
EMAIL: admin@lowellchamberorchestra.org
PHONE: 617-319-5982

NEWS SOURCE: Lowell Chamber Orchestra

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Lowell Chamber Orchestra Announces Bold and Diverse Seventh Season

LOWELL, Mass., May 2, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Lowell Chamber Orchestra (LCO) is thrilled to announce its seventh season, promising an ambitious lineup of performances that continue to challenge the conventional boundaries of classical music. Building on its reputation for innovation, accessibility, and artistic excellence, LCO’s 2025–2026 season will spotlight groundbreaking works, emerging and established composers, and an unwavering commitment to community engagement — all presented free of charge. The season is once again organized in collaboration with “A World of Music” Concert Series at Middlesex Community College, where LCO is the college’s resident orchestra.

Image caption: The Lowell Chamber Orchestra performing. Photo: Noya Photo.

The season, titled “New Perspectives,” reflects LCO’s mission to bring underrepresented voices and contemporary compositions to the forefront, alongside reinvigorated interpretations of the classical canon.

The season opens with “Classical Magic” on October 12, featuring Boccherini’s evocative “La casa del diavolo,” Haydn’s Cello Concerto No. 2 with soloist William Suh—the winner of the 2025 LCO International Young Artist Competition—and Mozart’s iconic Symphony No. 40.

In December, audiences will experience “String Virtuosity”, a program designed to showcase the technical brilliance of the string section through music by Corelli, Hindemith – featuring violist Jessica Cooper – a world premiere by Nancy Skolos, and J.S. Bach.

The season continues in February with a powerful and wide-ranging concert highlighting music from the African-American diaspora, embracing traditions that span classical, gospel, jazz, and beyond. This concert is done in collaboration with Berklee School of Music.

April’s performance, “Monumental Sounds”, juxtaposes the elegance of Martines’ overture to “Isacco”, the passion of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 performed by acclaimed pianist Chi-Chen Wu, and the dynamism of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8. This program also includes the US premiere of “Resiliens”, a work by composer Felipe Oliveira, selected as the winner of LCO’s 2025 International Call-for-Scores.

The season concludes in June 2026 with the annual Pride Month and a renewed celebration of LGBTQ artistry in “Pride: A Rainbow of Artistry.”

“Each season is an opportunity to explore music that speaks to the present moment,” says LCO Music Director Orlando Cela. “This year, we’re amplifying voices that deserve to be heard and crafting programs that ask audiences to listen differently — to reconsider what classical music can be.”

With performances that span genres, centuries, and cultures, the Lowell Chamber Orchestra continues to lead as a champion of inclusivity in classical music. By spotlighting living composers, emerging artists, and historically overlooked figures, the orchestra invites audiences to reconsider what classical music is—and what it can become. All concerts remain free and open to the public, reinforcing LCO’s commitment to accessibility and cultural enrichment for the Greater Lowell community.

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/BDTkSHiBFJk

For media inquiries, interviews, or press passes, please contact:
Antonio Mak
Press Contact, Lowell Chamber Orchestra
Email: admin@lowellchamberorchestra.org

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NEWS SOURCE: Lowell Chamber Orchestra

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The Lowell Chamber Orchestra announces winners of its fourth international young artist competition

As part of LCO's mission to increase the cultural footprint of the city of Lowell, LCO runs two competitions to help promote the careers of young talent

LOWELL, Mass., April 21, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Lowell Chamber Orchestra (LCO) is proud to announce the winners of its fourth international young artist competition. Cellist William Suh won first prize, soprano Emma Robertson won second prize, and oboist Anqi Zhou won third prize. As part of his winning, Suh will be performing with LCO during next season.

Image caption: (L-R) Anqi Zhou, William Suh, Emma Robertson (headshots courtesy of the artists).

Six judges chose three winners from among 194 entries from all over the world. “The level of playing is astounding,” says Music Director Orlando Cela. “We the judges had a very difficult time deciding who should receive which prize. Every contestant is a testament that classical music is alive and well, and its future secure.”

As part of LCO’s mission to increase the cultural footprint of the city of Lowell, LCO runs two competitions – one for composers and one for performers – to bring the best world talent to Lowell, and help promote the careers of young talent. All LCO concerts are free to attend, bringing down the socio-economic barriers to access prime quality classical music concerts.

On Saturday, April 26, 2025, audiences will have a chance to hear last year’s young artist competition winner – violist Jeremy Kienbaum, who will be performing romances by Max Bruch and Adolphus Hailstork.

Other works in the program include the beloved “Pulcinella” by Igor Stravinsky, and the American premiere of “Till Voices Wake Us,” by Simon Andrews (winner of LCO’s 2024 Call-for-Scores).

For more information, visit http://lowellchamberorchestra.org/.

VIDEO (YouTube):
https://youtu.be/PlAQIxR3YCI
Nikki Huang, winner of the LCO 2023 International Young Artist Competition, performs Emmanuel Séjourné’s Marimba Concerto (2015 version).

NEWS SOURCE: Lowell Chamber Orchestra

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Lowell Chamber Orchestra announces winner of its International Call-for-Scores

LOWELL, Mass., March 10, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Lowell Chamber Orchestra (LCO) is pleased to introduce Helder Alves de Oliveira the winner of its 2025 International Call-for-Scores. His score “Resiliens” was chosen following a completely anonymous process of evaluating 138 entries from all over the world based on merits of originality, orchestration, structure, and other compositional techniques. His work will be performed during LCO’s 2025-2026 season, and Mr. Oliveira will receive a monetary prize.

Image caption: Helder Alves de Oliveira. Photo courtesy of Helder Oliveira.

Mr. Oliveira is a Brazilian composer, pianist and music educator, holds a PhD in Music Composition from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. He was a 2019–20 Fulbright Visiting Researcher at LSU, and has received several composition awards in Brazil, USA, Germany, Portugal, Canada, Ireland and Denmark.

“Congratulations to Helder, and everyone who participated,” says LCO’s Music Director Orlando Cela. “We are very pleased with the result and look forward to performing this fabulous work next season.” Cela continues, “We are particularly glad with the completely anonymous process and rotating judges, which allows for absolute fairness. […] This is our way to have a process in which there is complete equality fostering diversity by including composers of all ages, genders, and races. Despite the current federal administration’s racists views, we still believe DEI is a fundamental part of every arts organization.”

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra is Lowell’s first and only professional orchestra. We provide the area with an ensemble that presents music at a very high level, of all styles and time periods, entirely free to the general population. Now in its sixth season, the LCO has presented concerts that encompass established orchestral repertoire as well as multimedia works, stage works, lecture-presentations, and chamber music. As part of its mission of promoting, preserving and educating, the repertoire include works from the Baroque, to current commissions.

The LCO has presented over a dozen local and world premieres by Anna Clyne, Brian Raphael Nabors, José Luis Elizondo, Anthony R. Green, Bongani Ndodana-Breen, Jeremy Gill, and many others.

One can read more about Mr. Oliveira and the competition by clicking the link below:

https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/2025-call-for-scores

https://www.youtube.com/@lowellchamberorchestra

RICHARD AND NANCY DONAHUE FAMILY ACADEMIC ARTS CENTER, 240 CENTRAL STREET, LOWELL, MA 01851

MEDIA CONTACT:
Antonio Mak
admin@lowellchamberorchestra.org
https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/

NEWS SOURCE: Lowell Chamber Orchestra

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Orlando Cela Named Amplify Latinx ALX100 Honoree

BOSTON, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- Amplify Latinx has announced that the Lowell Chamber Orchestra's Music Director, Orlando Cela, has been named one of the ALX100 Honorees for 2024. This prestigious recognition celebrates Latinx leaders across Massachusetts who are making an outstanding impact in their respective fields and communities.

The ALX100 Honorees represent a diverse group of professionals excelling in the arts, education, business, politics, and community activism, all united by their commitment to advancing the Latinx community and creating opportunities for future generations. Orlando Cela stands out among them as a passionate advocate for inclusivity and cultural expression in the arts.

As a Venezuelan artist with an expansive international career, Cela is renowned for his unique interpretations of both classical and contemporary works, with a strong focus on the music of underrepresented composers, particularly those of Latin American and African descent. Through his work with the Lowell Chamber Orchestra, he has broken barriers in the classical music world, elevating marginalized voices and fostering cross-cultural dialogue through performance.

"I am deeply honored to be named an ALX100 Honoree by Amplify Latinx," said Cela. "This recognition highlights the power of music and culture to transcend boundaries, create understanding, and inspire future generations. I am grateful to be part of a community that champions the arts and the Latinx voice."

In addition to his career as a conductor, Orlando Cela is a dedicated educator, nurturing the next generation of musicians. He teaches at Middlesex Community College, and Berklee College of Music, and has appeared as guest artist and lecturer in other prestigious institutions, sharing his expertise and commitment to diversity in the arts with his students.

Amplify Latinx's ALX100 initiative recognizes individuals who embody leadership, innovation, and a dedication to uplifting the Latinx community. The honorees are selected based on their professional achievements and their work in promoting equity and inclusion across industries. The ALX100 Honorees will be celebrated at a special event this fall, where they will join a network of influential leaders across Massachusetts to continue their efforts in creating a more equitable future for all.

About Amplify Latinx

Amplify Latinx is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization dedicated to advancing Latinx economic and political power in Massachusetts. Through leadership development, advocacy, and community-building, Amplify Latinx works to ensure that the voices of Latinx communities are heard and represented at all levels of decision-making.

About the Lowell Chamber Orchestra

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra (LCO) is a dynamic and innovative ensemble based in Lowell, Massachusetts, dedicated to bringing high-quality, free classical music performances to the community. Founded in 2019 by artistic director and conductor Orlando Cela, the LCO is the city's first professional chamber orchestra, and it quickly became a cornerstone of Lowell's vibrant cultural scene.

The LCO's mission is to make classical music accessible to all, regardless of background or financial means. With free admission to most of its performances, the orchestra seeks to engage a diverse audience, from seasoned classical music lovers to those experiencing live orchestral music for the first time. The ensemble performs a wide range of repertoire, from well-known classical masterworks to contemporary pieces, and is particularly committed to showcasing the music of underrepresented composers, including women and composers of color. https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYjVrtT3v1Q

MEDIA CONTACT:
Antonio Mak
Lowell Chamber Orchestra
admin@lowellchamberorchestra.org
617-319-5982

Amplify Latinx has announced that the Lowell Chamber Orchestra's Music Director, Orlando Cela, has been named one of the ALX100 Honorees for 2024. This prestigious recognition celebrates Latinx leaders across Massachusetts who are making an outstanding impact in their respective fields and communities.

Related link: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/

Lowell Chamber Orchestra to premiere new edition of Julia Perry’s symphony

LOWELL, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- On Sunday, February 18, 3 p.m., The Lowell Chamber Orchestra will present the first Massachusetts performance of Julia Perry's "Symphony for Violas and Basses," from a new edition by LCO's music director Orlando Cela.

The new edition looks to celebrate Perry's centenary of her birth, and provide a clear template from which other ensembles can perform this work from one of America's most influential and underappreciated composers.

"This work is a fabulous example of Perry's modernist style," says LCO music director Orlando Cela. "One can hear Perry as a mature composer, masterfully handling complex rhythms and harmonies, and presenting a piece that moves from the majestic to the introspective, and then to an electrifying ending."

The concert will also include a world premiere by Martin Max Schreiner - his score being one of the winners of the 2023 LCO Call-for-Scores - and conclude with a rendition of Béla Bartók's "Music for String Instruments, Percussion, and Celesta."

Two soloists, Yukiko Shimazaki on piano, and Nikki Huang on marimba - winner of the 2023 LCO Concerto Competition - will also be featured.

The concert is free to attend.

About The Lowell Chamber Orchestra:

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra is Lowell's first and only professional orchestra. We provide the area with an ensemble that presents music at a very high level, of all styles and time periods, entirely free to the general population. Now in its fifth season, the LCO has presented concerts that encompass established orchestral repertoire as well as multimedia works, stage works, lecture-presentations, and chamber music. As part of its mission of promoting, preserving and educating, the repertoire include works from the Baroque, to current commissions.

ABOUT EVENT:

Fantastic Landscapes

Sunday, February 18, 3 p.m.

Richard and Nancy Donahue Academic Arts Center

240 Central Street, Lowell, MA

Presented by Middlesex Community College's "A World of Music" Concert Series

INFORMATION:

For more information, please visit: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/events

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/9tD_jwXJcKY

On Sunday, February 18, 3 p.m., The Lowell Chamber Orchestra will present the first Massachusetts performance of Julia Perry's "Symphony for Violas and Basses," from a new edition by LCO's music director Orlando Cela. The concert will also include a world premiere by Martin Max Schreiner.

Related link: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/

Lowell Chamber Orchestra Receives Three-Year Funding for Advancement Of BIPOC Composers

LOWELL, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Lowell Chamber Orchestra (LCO) has been inducted into the Barr Foundation's "Creative Vitality Grant Program," in order to continue its mission of providing the greater Lowell area with the most diverse classical music.

Barr's new Creative Vitality grant program builds on the Foundation's racial equity work to date and their commitment to centering BIPOC artists, organizations, and communities in their program strategies. Creative Vitality is an opportunity to expand the understanding and support of the BIPOC arts ecosystem more broadly by supporting arts organizations.

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra will receive funding over three years to expand the understanding and appreciation of BIPOC composers in classical music.

"The Lowell Chamber Orchestra will use this grant to further include the work of BIPOC artists," says LCO's Music Director Orlando Cela. "After we got the news, I decided to revisit the remainder of the season and include a work by South African composer Bongani Ndodana-Breen in our upcoming December concert, and the Symphony for Violas and Basses by the little-known but consequential African-American composer Julia Perry in our February performance."

The orchestra also plans to present educational events that will introduce the contributions of BIPOC composers such as Florence Price, William Grant Still, George Lewis, and many others, to classical music.

About The Lowell Chamber Orchestra:

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra is Lowell's first and only professional orchestra. They provide the area with classical music at a very high level, of all styles and time periods, entirely free to the general population. The Lowell Chamber Orchestra is a component fund supported by the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, a tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization.

For more information on this and upcoming events, please visit: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/fMYsvK_AadM

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra (LCO) has been inducted into the Barr Foundation's "Creative Vitality Grant Program," in order to continue its mission of providing the greater Lowell area with the most diverse classical music.

Related link: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra Inaugurates Fifth Season with a Concert that Redefines the Symphony

LOWELL, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Lowell Chamber Orchestra opens its fifth season Saturday, September 16, 2023, with music that redefines the symphony as genre. The evening will feature music by Brittney Benton, Yoko Nakatani, Vincent Persichetti, and Arnold Schönberg, bringing a historical approach to the ever changing façade of this genre.

Both Benton and Nakatani are very active composers who were commissioned by the Lowell Chamber Orchestra back in 2020 - at the height of the pandemic - to write works for "Lowell Threads," an initiative by the Lowell Chamber Orchestra to enlist composer into writing works around a particular genre. In this case, Nakatani, Benton, and two other composers, were asked to write works in response to the eccentric chamber symphonies of Darius Milhaud. The results was the album "Miniature Symphonies." On Saturday, the Lowell Chamber Orchestra will perform in public these two pieces since the recording's release in 2021.

The concert begins with Nakatani's one-movement "La Giclée" takes its inspiration from the joy of children as they splash through water, and produced a homage to George Gershwin in a short work that requires an unusual seating arrangement. Benton's "The Sentinel" is the musical telling of a fantastic tale in which a stone golem guards the entrance to a town, and the different movements as the creature slumbers, awakens. The evening will end with Arnold Schönberg's Chamber Symphony No. 1, the work that started a trend in which composers had to learn to use much smaller forces than usual because of World War I.

The concert will also feature Adam Gallant, principal trumpet of the Lowell Chamber Orchestra, as a soloist in Persichetti's "The Hollow Men." This piece, while not technically a symphony, encompasses the profoundly deep meaning of the T. S. Eliot poem that inspired it.

As always, the Lowell Chamber Orchestra is presenting this concert for free, but donations are most necessary in order to keep its mission of providing the best of classical music without a socio-economic boundary to the Lowell population.

For more information, please visit https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/events/.

MINIATURE SYMPHONIES

Saturday, September 16th, 7:30 p.m.

Richard and Nancy Donahue Academic Arts Center

240 Central Street

Lowell, MA

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/LYjVrtT3v1Q

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra opens its fifth season Saturday, September 16, 2023, with music that redefines the symphony as genre. The evening will feature music by Brittney Benton, Yoko Nakatani, Vincent Persichetti, and Arnold Schönberg, bringing a historical approach to the ever changing façade of this genre.

Related link: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/

Lowell Chamber Orchestra announces fifth season, largest yet

LOWELL, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Lowell Chamber Orchestra has officially announced its fifth season, which will be comprised of seven concerts starting in September of this year, and running all the way until June of next year.

This season will be the most ambitious yet in LCO's history in many ways - not only there will be more concerts than ever in one season, but also will feature more living composers, more soloists, will perform in new venues, will encompass some of the most challenging chamber orchestra repertoire, and will collaborate with not one, but two other musical groups.

Three women composers will be the center of the living composers' feature. All of them commissioned by the LCO for different projects - Brittney Benton and Yoko Nakatani, who were previously commissioned for LCO's "Lowell Threads" initiative, and currently Betsy Schramm, whose piece will be premiered in December. The other two living composers are the winners of the LCO's annual international call-for-scores: this year, two composers tied and agreed to share the prize - Cory Brodack and Martin Schreiner. Both of them were selected after an anonymous process of selection from over 180 scores.

Three soloists will be featured with the ensemble this season, two of them members of the orchestra itself. Principal chair trumpet player Adam Gallant will perform Persichetti's "The Hollow Men," and concertmaster Katharina Radlberger will perform Mozart's Concerto No. 3 in G major. The third soloist is the winner of LCO's International Concerto Competition, Taiwanese marimbist Nikki Huang, based currently in Canada. She will be featured in Séjourné's Concerto for marimba.

Each concert of the season is centered around an iconic work of the classical tradition, chosen for its historical importance. In September, audiences will hear Schönberg's First Chamber Symphony, which changed how the symphony was defined as a genre; In December, Charles Ives' Third Symphony, a Pulitzer Prize winning score, depicting a very traditional American gathering in the inimitable style of Ives; In February, Bartók's mesmerizing "Music for String Instruments, Percussion and Celesta," made famous in Kubrik's film "The Shining." Finally, May culminates the season with the monumental Requiem by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, through a first time collaboration with Boston Cecilia, and its music director, Michael Barret, who will conduct one of its two performances.

"This is a celebratory year for us." says LCO's Music Director Orlando Cela. "We managed to remain active and relatively unscathed during the pandemic, and now in our fifth year, we are looking to share much more with our audiences."

As usual, the concerts are free to the public, although donations are requested from those who can afford them - LCO is committed to demolish the socio-economic barriers to classical music by providing the best professional grade classical music concerts without an onerous financial burden.

Visit http://lowellchamberorchestra.org/events to find out the details of the next season.

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra has officially announced its fifth season, which will be comprised of seven concerts starting in September of this year, and running all the way until June of next year. Three soloists will be featured with the ensemble this season, two of them members of the orchestra itself.

Related link: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/

Lowell Chamber Orchestra announces the winners of its Call-for-Scores and Concerto Competition

LOWELL, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Lowell Chamber Orchestra congratulates composers Cory Brodack and Martin Max Schreiner for winning the orchestra's 2023 Lowell Chamber Orchestra Call-for-Scores, and marimba player Wei-Hsing Nikki Huang, for winning the 2023 Lowell Chamber Orchestra Concerto Competition.

In this third edition of the call for scores, two composers tied for first place. Both winners agreed to split the monetary prize, as well as the free year of publishing through Universal Edition's scodo. The seven judge panel chose both winners after two rounds, the last round completely anonymous, from among 182 entries, written by professional composers, students, amateurs, and ranging in a wide variety of genres - opera scenes, sinfoniettas, concertos, and diverse combinations of chamber ensembles.

The second edition of the concerto competition was also comprised of two rounds. The first round, being virtual, was comprised of about 140 videos of an eclectic and varied mix of instruments. Twelve finalist were invited to participate, one coming from as far as Japan. Huang, who will be heard performing in the LCO concert of February 3rd, 2024, is a Taiwanese artist based in Toronto. The second prize winner was a 12-years-old violinist who impressed with his technical mastery.

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra produces these competitions as part of their mission to promote the advancement of contemporary music, and give opportunities to young performers at the beginning of their performing careers. All of the LCO concerts are completely free and provide the Lowell greater area with a professional ensemble producing extremely high quality concerts without a socio-economic barrier.

Please consider donating to our end-of-season appeal by clicking here: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/endofseasonappeal

For more information about the winners, click on the links below:

2023 Lowell Chamber Orchestra Call-for-Scores: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/2023-call-for-scores

2023 Lowell Chamber Orchestra Concerto Competition: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/2023-concerto-competition

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra congratulates composers Cory Brodack and Martin Max Schreiner for winning the orchestra's 2023 Lowell Chamber Orchestra Call-for-Scores, and marimba player Wei-Hsing Nikki Huang, for winning the 2023 Lowell Chamber Orchestra Concerto Competition.

Related link: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/

Lowell Chamber Orchestra’s December performance contemplates immigration, history

LOWELL, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- Nearly forty percent of Americans can trace at least one ancestor to Ellis Island, and the Lowell Chamber Orchestra will present a work based on three actual stories of the famous islands that encompass the immigrant experience.

Composer Gabriele Vanoni spent half year researching for his work "Island of Peoples," a multimedia composition based around three true stories from Ellis Island that are just as relevant today as they were when they happened, since they deal with struggle, pain and sadness, but also joy, love, friendship, and faith.

"My family has a connexion with Ellis Island because in the museum, you can look up for passengers," says Vanoni, "And I found the record. I found the ship where they came. When I got to passengers' search looking for my family's history, I found out about the Ellis Island Oral Histories.I found this amazing collection of stories of people who basically just left their country without knowing what to expect."

These stories are told and unfold intertwined around a few common traits: the longing for home, the perils of traveling for days, and the cultural, social and human uncertainties of the new world, through the fabric of musical mastery that only Vanoni can delivery.

When asked to describe his work "Island of Peoples," Vanoni says "What you're gonna hear is basically three snapshots. This is a multimedia work in which you will have electronic music interludes with some media projection, and you're gonna have three works for ensemble, which are snapshots of three stories."

While the ensemble is very small - flute, clarinet, violin, cello, piano, and percussion - Vanoni's orchestration makes it a perfect vessel to express the many feelings imbued in the stories. Soprano Mary Mackenzie and tenor Kartik Ayysola are the vocalists who bring to life the three stories, sometimes singing, sometimes speaking.

Vanoni decided on three particular stories because "it was important to give a little bit of a glimpse of the experience to the listener. The scenes do follow pretty much like a trip. So the first section talks about leaving the country. Then the interviews and the middle section talks about being on Ellis Island. And the end of it is just the legacy, if you wish: the history and the future if you wish."

Like all Lowell Chamber Orchestra concerts, the performance is free and open to the public, and will take place on: Saturday, December 17, 2022, 7:30 p.m., at Middlesex Community College's Richard and Nancy Donahue Academic Arts Center (240 Central Street, Lowell, MA).

This concert is part of Middlesex Community College's "A World of Music Concert Series."

Please click the link below for more information:

https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/island-of-peoples-fundraiser

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/D94wBi0gmzw

Nearly forty percent of Americans can trace at least one ancestor to Ellis Island, and the Lowell Chamber Orchestra will present a work based on three actual stories of the famous islands that encompass the immigrant experience. "Island of Peoples" is free and open to the public, and will take place on: Saturday, December 17, 2022.

Related link: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra releases ‘Miniature Symphonies,’ a pandemic-defeating album

LOWELL, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- he Lowell Chamber Orchestra announces the release of its second album, "Miniature Symphonies," a project started at the height of the pandemic, and designed to keep selected composers and musicians active at a time of insecurity in the performing arts.

The album is part of an initiative by the Lowell Chamber Orchestra's Music Director Orlando Cela called "Lowell Threads," a way to pay homage to the textile history of the city of Lowell. The orchestra commissions a new way to showcase new composers alongside a set of works by a well-known composer, a genre, a style, etc., and programs them next to each other, allowing for a multidimensional experience akin to a fabric of new works crisscrossing with established masterpieces. In the case of these album, four living composers - Brittney Benton, Yoko Nakatani, Quinn Mason, and Kevin L. Scott - were commissioned to write a piece matching the instrumentation of one of five chamber symphonies by Darius Milhaud.

"Orlando Cela's creative ideas always inspire me, and this project was no exception," says composer Yoko Nakatani. "I was honored to be a part of it, and wish the Lowell Chamber Orchestra great success in the future with Orlando's excellent leadership. I would also like to thank the recording engineer Will Holland, who is a true professional and made a difficult process easy."

Producing this album kept a number of musicians active during the pandemic. The reduced instrumentation - no more than 10 and as little as seven players at a time - eased the finding of venues; the shortness of the works, none longer than 7 minutes, allowed more recording time to commission more composers.

"We started recording 10 feet apart from each other, and behind plexiglass shields" says LCO's Music Director Orlando Cela, "but we kept going when concert halls were closed. We were very fortunate to be able to access the beautiful spaces at Middlesex Community College Lowell campus. Such great acoustics!"

The four commissioned works sometime compliment, sometimes opposed the nature of the matching work. Las Vegas composer Brittney Benton's "The Sentinel" was written with the same instrumentation as Milhaud's first chamber symphony: while Milhaud's work (subtitled "Spring") has a bright and pastoral quality to it, Benton's work offers a dramatic story filled with foreboding. On the other hand, Dallas-based composer Quinn Mason wrote a work orchestrated for the exact instrumentation, and is heavily inspired by the style of Milhaud's fourth chamber symphony, as the title suggests - Petite Symphonie de Chambre Contemporaine (après Milhaud).

Composer Brittney Benton says, "'The Sentinel' was a joy to write, and I'm excited to bring the story I've crafted through my music to CD and to the world."

"I thoroughly enjoyed writing for the Lowell Chamber Orchestra and to have a work recorded by them is an honor. The entire process had me involved in some way so it truly felt like a fruitful collaboration," says composer Quinn Mason.

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra is Lowell's first and only professional orchestra. We provide the area with an ensemble that presents music at a very high level, of all styles and time periods, entirely free to the general population. The performances take place at Middlesex Community College, the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and at other venues around the area, to provide students easy access to concerts without leaving their respective campuses, and allow the public in general to attend a concert at a proper performance space. The LCO is a member of Lowell City of Learning, working to make Lowell an UNESCO learning city.

The album will be released this Friday, August 26th, in the most popular digital platforms. For more information about the album, visit: https://www.navonarecords.com/catalog/nv6447/

Listen to the first track of the CD here: https://tinyurl.com/LCOMason

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra survives solely by donations, you can make a huge difference by donating here: https://tinyurl.com/LCOdonate

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra announces the release of its second album, "Miniature Symphonies," a project started at the height of the pandemic, and designed to keep selected composers and musicians active at a time of insecurity in the performing arts.

Related link: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra announces its fourth season

LOWELL, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Lowell Chamber Orchestra announces its fourth season, with five free concerts that look to entertain, educate, and enlighten Lowell audiences. "The season is designed to turn the western classical musical canon on its head," says Music Director Orlando Cela. "The programming elevates contemporary works above established masterpieces, demonstrating that music keeps evolving in the orchestral medium."

The season will feature works by very well-known composers such as Manuel de Falla, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Franz Joseph Haydn, but these will have very unusual features, such as flamenco style chanting, a vanishing orchestra, and unusual instruments. The newer works will have influences by grindcore punk, Latin-American rhythms, Cornish traditions, and more.

Most of the works have an important social message, such as Gabriele Vanoni's multimedia oratorio "Island of Peoples," about the immigrant experience, and Estefanía Pardo Perez's "Paikuna Saqinku," about displacement of ethnic communities due to environmental disasters - the latter piece being the winner of LCO's second call-for-scores.

"Even the last movement of Haydn's 45th symphony is a social commentary," continues Cela. "The ending is not so much about requesting to go back to Eisenstadt, as it is about demonstrating the importance of teamwork and working together (as told by Giaccomo Ferrari); and in a world where war and political tensions plague our everyday life, we program this piece as a call for global unity and peace."

The season features many guest artists: for the first time ever, the Lowell Chamber Orchestra will feature Canadian conductor Geneviève Leclair as the LCO's first ever guest conductor, and Roi Karni, the winner of LCO's first ever concerto competition. Vocalists Sophie Michaux and Rose Hegele, and cellist Leo Eguchi will also be featured, among others.

All of the concerts are completely free, consistent with the LCO's mission to provide extraordinarily high level classical music performances and take down socio-economic barriers to access these concerts. The LCO survives only through donations.

To see the entire upcoming season, click here: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/events

To donate to the Lowell Chamber Orchestra, click here: https://tinyurl.com/LCOdonate

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/h_IHd23O9-s

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra announces its fourth season, with five free concerts that look to entertain, educate, and enlighten Lowell audiences. All of the concerts are completely free, consistent with the LCO's mission to provide extraordinarily high level classical music performances and take down socio-economic barriers to access these concerts.

Related link: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra is proud to present ‘LCO Pride: A Rainbow of Repertoire’

LOWELL, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Lowell Chamber Orchestra is proud to present "LCO Pride: A Rainbow of Repertoire" on Sunday, June 5, 2022 at Middlesex Community College in Lowell, Massachusetts. This chamber concert will celebrate Pride Month by showcasing LGBTQ+ composers from the Lowell area and around the world.

Creative director of LCO, Em Russell, states that putting on this concert has been a dream of the theirs since the orchestra's very first season! As well as works by Jean-Baptiste Lully, Benjamin Britten, this concert will showcase a World Premiere by composer Julia Moss, featuring soloist mezzo-soprano Julianna Smith, as well as exciting works by four other living composers.

Queer people have made many significant contributions to the classical music community, yet their identities are often concealed. This concert is meant to embrace and celebrate these identities, which we hope can one day become the norm in classical music culture.

Stylistically, this concert really has something for everyone, from poetry lovers to rock metal-heads. While Kevin Lubin's string quartet "The Flower Shop" includes a spoken narration with words by Virginia Woolf; Hannah Rice has written a Heavy Metal string quartet called "SQ666," which has been composed using techniques from heavy metal rock music.

This concert also features a variety of ensemble sizes, varying from string quartets all the way up to large ensemble works conducted by LCO's music director Orlando Cela. Steven Sérpa's "An Invocation," for solo oboe and strings, is a tone poem inspired by his long-time collaborator, queer poet Jeffery Beam, about the small beauties of nature. Sérpa has also written about more difficult topics, including an oratorio on HIV stigma with Inversion Ensemble and an opera responding to the Pulse nightclub shooting with companies in Chicago, Montréal, Hartford, and Austin.

Ethan Soledad's "Why Wait," for a 9-person ensemble, is about his own journey of self-discovery and defeating self-doubt. Ethan's music has been described as "bold, dramatic, and unapologetically expressive."

The largest work of the afternoon will be a World Premiere by composer Julia Moss: "The World is Too Much for Us". Written for mezzo-soprano soloist Julianna Smith and a 10-person chamber ensemble, the work is based on conversations between the composer-performer pair about the feeling of being overwhelmed by the ever-growing clutter of life. Inspired by these ideas, she chose to set the piece to a poem by William Wordsworth about how we have become so obsessed with possessing material items and controlling nature.

"By drowning out nature," Moss says, "we are really drowning out ourselves. The piece is meant to be an optimistic and empowering reminder of what we should really be paying attention to." In the fall of 2022, Moss will enroll at the University of Southern California's (USC) Thornton School of Music to earn a Masters in Music Composition.

"We also wanted to show through our programming that queer composers have stood the test of time. There are so many composers whose music we play all the time and whose names most anyone would recognize, but nobody knows they were queer. Tchaikovsky, for instance. He was queer. Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, Samuel Barber, Benjamin Britten, just to name a few more of the "classics." And of course this doesn't even start to scratch the surface of the loads of queer composers living today, nor accurately represent the diversity that exists among them. But this is why we wanted to program someone as old as Baroque composer Jean-Baptiste Lully, who was born in 1632, to show that we really have been here all along, only now can we start to proudly assert our identities."

TICKETING / DONATION INFO:

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra is Lowell's first and only professional orchestra, demolishing the socio-economic barriers to classical music by always providing the area with music at a very high level, of all styles and eras. Consequently, this event is free of charge, but donations are kindly requested.

If you believe this concert to be a worthy cause and are able to contribute to the event funds, please donate at the link below. Thank you! https://glcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create?funit_id=2326

"LCO: Pride: A Rainbow of Repertoire"

Sunday, June 5, 3 p.m.

Richard and Nancy Donahue Academic Arts Center

Recital Hall

240 Central Street, Lowell, MA

Free to attend, no tickets, just show up - Mask required

For more information, visit: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/events

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/Mua2UoBBld0

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra is proud to present "LCO Pride: A Rainbow of Repertoire" on Sunday, June 5, 2022 at Middlesex Community College in Lowell, Massachusetts. This chamber concert will celebrate Pride Month by showcasing LGBTQ+ composers from the Lowell area and around the world.

Related link: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/

Lowell Chamber Orchestra makes landmark agreement with Universal Edition

LOWELL, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Lowell Chamber Orchestra and Universal Edition have partnered to give composers an unusual opportunity to promote their works in print. The orchestra recently announced its second call-for-scores in order to stimulate the creation of new works for chamber orchestra. Just like in the first, very successful call-for-scores, the Lowell Chamber Orchestra will select a work to be performed during its fourth season.

However, this time, in conjunction with Universal Edition, the winning composer will also win a way to publish their work with Universal Edition through their web tool scodo for one year - a value of about €600. Six finalists will win a voucher with which to publish a limited amount of works through Universal. Scores submitted through scodo can be obtained immediately via the Universal Edition website. Composers retain the large majority of rental fees.

"We are very happy with this new cooperation between the LCO and Universal Edition," says LCO's music director, Orlando Cela. "The orchestra provides a performance and professional grade audio and video for the composer to promote their work, so it's a perfect companion to have Universal Edition also promote the score in print."

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra is Lowell's first and only professional orchestra. LCO provides the Merrimack valley area with an ensemble that presents music at a very high level, of all styles and time periods, entirely free to the general population.

Now in its third season, the LCO has presented concerts that encompass established orchestral repertoire as well as multimedia works, stage works, lecture-presentations, and chamber music. As part of its mission of promoting, preserving and educating, the repertoire include works from the Baroque, to current commissions. The LCO has presented over a dozen local and world premieres by Anna Clyne, Dana Kaufman, Brian Raphael Nabors, José Luis Elizondo, Anthony R. Green, Bongani Ndodana-Breen, Jeremy Gill, and many others.

The deadline for submission to the call-for-scores is Sunday, May 1, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Learn more at: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/

https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/2022-call-for-scores

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/QXzrMgRyUng

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra and Universal Edition have partnered to give composers an unusual opportunity to promote their works in print. The orchestra recently announced its second call-for-scores in order to stimulate the creation of new works for chamber orchestra.

Related link: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra combines innovation, tradition, in latest offering

LOWELL, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- On Saturday, February 19, the Lowell Chamber Orchestra will become a vessel through which works explore the concept of new and old. "Antique Modernity" is a concert that revolves around Dana Kaufman's brand new work, written specifically for the Lowell Chamber Orchestra, and works by Francis Poulenc, Georg Philip Telemann, and Jean Philip Rameau, that challenge our concepts of contemporary and traditional.

Dana Kaufman's "Greyed Rainbow" was commissioned by the Lowell Chamber Orchestra and written in 2021. When asked about her inspiration for the work, Kaufman says "I considered the concept of 'Antique Modernity' in the context of the past two years of the COVID pandemic: what do we now consider 'antique,' and what do we now consider 'modern?' What is old, and what is new? I thought of a communal melancholy, a sense of optimism, and a continued surrealness in our daily lives."

An art connoisseur, Kaufman continues: "On a visit in 2021 to the Art Institute of Chicago (in my hometown), I saw what I thought to be a fitting exploration of this 'old and new' reflected in Jackson Pollock's Greyed Rainbow. Jackson Pollock's Abstract Expressionist work, which bridges traditional and contemporary 20th-century aesthetics in visual art, has always resonated with me. One of the painting's elements that I find particularly striking is its use of palettes that may initially appear to conflict with one another. Approximately two thirds of the painting is starkly monochromatic, while the bottom third of the painting incorporates hints of several colors. Pollock's work connects bleakness and solace."

The program starts with Francis Poulenc's "Suite Française d'après Claude Gervaise," a collection of Renaissance tunes. In 1935, Poulenc arranged (with his personal touch) a few dances in Claude Gervaise's "Livre de Danceries" for an unusual combination of winds, brass and percussion instruments - "unusual" for our times, but probably common during Gervaise's time.

The concert will continue with a concerto for two instruments seldom seen together: recorder, and transverse flute. Written by Georg Philip Telemann, this is the only concerto to make use of this combination, conceived at a time when the orchestras of the time were growing, and the sweet sound of the recorder was slowly being replaced by the traverso - the Baroque equivalent of the modern flute.

The end of the program is a suite from the opera "Castor et Pollux," by Jean-Philippe Rameau, which tells the fantastic origins of the constellation Gemini. The music, which at the time was designed to be arranged for whatever instruments were available at a given ensemble, finds a modern design in LCO's brand new orchestration. The suite will be accompanied with a slideshow that will tell the story of the opera.

The concert is free to attend, as always. Attendees will be able to meet composer Dana Kaufman. For more information, please visit https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/

WHEN:

Saturday, February 19, 2022, 7:30 p.m.

WHERE:

Richard and Nancy Donahue Academic Arts Center

240 Central Street, Lowell, MA

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/0Rd37JM1DIE

On Saturday, February 19, the Lowell Chamber Orchestra will become a vessel through which works explore the concept of new and old. "Antique Modernity" is a concert that revolves around Dana Kaufman's brand new work, written specifically for the Lowell Chamber Orchestra, and works by Francis Poulenc, Georg Philip Telemann, and Jean Philip Rameau, that challenge our concepts of contemporary and traditional.

Related link: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/

Lowell Chamber Orchestra presents ‘As One,’ the most produced contemporary opera in North America, on the Transgender Day of Remembrance

LOWELL, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- Lowell Chamber Orchestra is proud to present "As One" on Saturday, November 20, 2021, 7:30 p.m., at Middlesex Community College. The critically acclaimed, 75-minute chamber opera created by composer Laura Kaminsky and librettists Kimberly Reed and Mark Campbell with film by Ms. Reed, has had nearly 50 productions around the world and, according to OPERA America, is the most produced contemporary opera in North America.

In "As One," two voices-Hannah after and Hannah before-share the part of a sole transgender protagonist. Fifteen songs comprise the three-part narrative; with empathy and humor, they trace Hannah's experiences from her youth in a small town to her college years-and finally traveling alone to a different country, where she realizes some truths about herself.

For the first time in the opera's history, "As One" will be performed by an entirely gender-expansive cast: mezzo-soprano Tona Brown and baritone Rahzé Cheatham will play "Hannah after" and "Hannah before," respectively. Further, the work will be performed on the Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day that commemorates violence against the transgender community.

Says Ms. Brown: "Hannah's story is a story of struggle, self discovery and triumph...and anyone can relate to that even if they don't know much about transgender people. For the first time in history transgender people can see themselves represented on the stage of an opera! This performance will go down in history!"

Orlando Cela, music director for Lowell Chamber Orchestra, will conduct with stage direction by Em Russell.

Like all Lowell Chamber Orchestra concerts, the concert is free of charge, but donations are kindly requested. Audiences must show proof of vaccination upon entry and remain masked during the entirety of the opera.

Learn more: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/events/as-one

SUMMARY:

"As One"

Saturday, November 20, 7:30 p.m.

Richard and Nancy Donahue Family Academic Arts Center

Middlesex Community College

240 Central Street, Lowell, MA

Presented by Middlesex Community College "A World of Music" Concert Series

Sponsored by the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, and Parma Recordings

REVIEWS:

"As One forces you to think, simultaneously challenging preconceptions and inspiring empathy." - The New York Times

"Its universality is key to As One's becoming the hottest new American opera of recent years. It challenges us to ponder questions of authenticity, identity, compassion and self-love. And it does so without preachiness." - The Chicago Tribune

Lowell Chamber Orchestra is proud to present "As One" on Saturday, November 20, 2021, 7:30 p.m., at Middlesex Community College. The critically acclaimed, 75-minute chamber opera created by composer Laura Kaminsky and librettists Kimberly Reed and Mark Campbell with film by Ms. Reed, has had nearly 50 productions around the world and, according to OPERA America, is the most produced contemporary opera in North America.

Related link: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra earns recognition in national competition

LOWELL, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Lowell Chamber Orchestra has been awarded third place in The American Prize Competition for the Performing Arts. The orchestra was recognized for their performances in its inaugural season, in a division that appraises professional orchestras around the United States.

The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts is the nation's most comprehensive series of contests in the classical arts. The American Prize is nonprofit, unique in scope and structure, and is designed to evaluate, recognize and reward the best performers, ensembles, composers, directors and administrators in the United States, based on submitted recordings.

Upon hearing about the award, LCO music director Orlando Cela said: "The orchestra is honored and grateful to have been awarded this prize. Congratulations to the other winners, and best wishes for their continuing musical endeavors."

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra provides the city of Lowell and surrounding areas with an ensemble that presents music at a very high level, of all styles and time periods, entirely free to the general population.

Upcoming offerings include performances of established masterpieces and brand new compositions by living composers, as well as lecture presentations in collaboration with Middlesex Community College, Lowell City of Learning, and other local organizations.

Visit https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/ for more information about the ongoing season.

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/qOCHXV7QqUM

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra has been awarded third place in The American Prize Competition for the Performing Arts. The orchestra was recognized for their performances in its inaugural season, in a division that appraises professional orchestras around the United States.

Related link: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra opens their third season with cosmic music, premieres

LOWELL, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Lowell Chamber Orchestra opens its third season this Saturday, September 25, with music inspired by the cosmos. The three works by Anna Clyne, Micah Roberts, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, all allude to a cosmic object.

The program starts with "Hypernovae," written by Tennessee composer Micah Roberts. "Hypernovae" was written for the Lowell Chamber Orchestra's first ever call-for-scores. Roberts' score was measured against about other 120 from nine different countries, and the judges were impressed by its driving force and unusual orchestration. "Hypernovae" will receive its first ever performance at the beginning of the program, and the composer will be present.

Following a world premiere, the second work in the program will be heard for the first time in Massachusetts. Anna Clyne's "Three Sisters" is a concerto for mandolin and string orchestra inspired by the three stars that make the "belt" of the constellation Orion.

About her piece, Clyne says "It's a piece I actually wrote in 3 locations. And one of the locations was my apartment in Brooklyn that had access to a rooftop and I would sit on the rooftop looking at the stars, often seeing the constellation Orion, which is also known as 'Three sisters.' So just thinking about the stars, the passage of time, and that journey."

Joseph Brent will be the featured soloist of the evening. Called, "one of the truly exceptional musicians of his generation," Brent has worked closely with many of the great modern composers, and has performed with many well-known chamber ensembles, including The International Contemporary Ensemble, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, among many others. He is a published author of mandolin pedagogy, and has released a few albums. "By the time I was 13 I knew mandolin was my voice," says Brent about his musical career's beginnings. Today, Brent plays mandolins with 5, 8, and 10 strings, all custom-made for him.

The concert ends with the very well know forty-first symphony by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Truthfully, Mozart was not thinking about Jupiter - the planet after which the symphony is named - when he wrote this symphony. According to a story, the nickname comes from a British publisher, who upon hearing the opening chords, thought of the thunderbolts of the ancient Greek god Jupiter. However, the symphony's majestic structure and use of instruments does compare with the largest planet of the solar system.

The concert is free to attend, but donations are most welcome. Audience is required to show proof of vaccination, and to be masked while indoors.

Learn more at: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/

WHEN AND WHERE:

Saturday, September 25

7:30 p.m.

UTEC

35 Warren Street, Lowell MA

MEDIA CONTACT

Antonio Mak

Lowell Chamber Orchestra

admin@lowellchamberorchestra.org

Phone Number: 781-583-6160

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO: Interview with composer Anna Clyne about her work "Three Sisters." https://youtu.be/j7ktdbLM44k

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra opens its third season this Saturday, September 25, with music inspired by the cosmos. The three works by Anna Clyne, Micah Roberts, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, all allude to a cosmic object.

Related link: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/

Presenting 7 living composers, 6 soloists, and an opera about a transgender woman, the Lowell Chamber Orchestra announces its most exciting season yet

LOWELL, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- After successfully ending an entirely virtual second season, the Lowell Chamber Orchestra returns to live concerts with "A Season of Inclusion," its third and most ambitious season to date.

In following with its mission of promoting new music and educating about established works, the Lowell Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Orlando Cela, will be presenting six entirely free concerts showcasing, among other things, seven works by living composers, six soloists, a wide variety of genres, and many well-known works, encompassing over 300 years of musical development

In order to promote the creation of new classical music, the LCO has commissioned composer Dana Kaufman for a brand new work. Kaufman, known for her masterful ability to blur the lines between classical and pop cultures, is the ideal creator for a work that intersects the styles of Baroque styles and contemporary music.

The season opens with another world premiere: Micah Roberts' "Hypernovae," a fantastic overture inspired by the cosmos, which also marks the conclusion of the LCO's first ever call-for-scores. Roberts' score was selected from over 120 compositions, which came from 9 different countries. Other featured living composers include Anna Clyne, Arnold Friedman, Mark Berger, Karl Henning, and Lowell's own Aaron Rosenberg.

The highlight of the season also features the work of well-known living composer, Laura Kaminsky. As One - the most produced opera in North America in the last eight years - is a timely and soul-stirring chamber work about the challenges, fears, and joys of its transgender protagonist. With a poignant and witty libretto by Mark Campbell and Kimberly Reed and film by Ms. Reed, As One is an unforgettable experience. And the LCO production of the opera is a special event: with singers Tona Brown and Rahzé Cheatham, it marks the first time a gender-expansive cast has performed the work.

Brown and Chatham are also two of the few soloists featured this season. Well-known works by Mozart and Shostakovich - featuring flutist Wei Zhao and pianist Pei-Yeh Tsai, respectively - will interweave with compositions that feature surprising instruments: Joseph Brent highlights the mandolin in Anna Clyne's mystical concerto, and Aldo Abreu epitomizes the subtle éclatthe recorder.

Finally, the LCO also preserves and educates about the classical musical traditions, and for that purpose, well-known masterpieces such as Mozart's Symphony No. 41 "Jupiter," Prokofiev's Symphony No. 1 "Classical," and Vaughan Williams' "Fantasy on a Theme by Thomas Tallis" can be heard in different venues across Lowell in the upcoming season.

Please visit https://lowellchamberorchestra.org to find out more about the aforementioned events, and more.

About the Lowell Chamber Orchestra:

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra is the city of Lowell's first and only professional orchestra. We provide the area with an ensemble that presents music at an extremely high level, of all styles and time periods, entirely free to the general population. Lowell is a gateway community, rich in cultural diversity but economically challenged in many respects so access to high-quality arts is essential. The interactive nature of the performances, is especially important for audiences who many not have enjoyed arts programming previously.

After successfully ending an entirely virtual second season, the Lowell Chamber Orchestra returns to live concerts with "A Season of Inclusion," its third and most ambitious season to date. The season opens with another world premiere: Micah Roberts' "Hypernovae," a fantastic overture inspired by the cosmos

Related link: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra makes final round in The American Prize Competition

LOWELL, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Lowell Chamber Orchestra is one of the finalists for The American Prize in the orchestral performance competition, professional divisions. While the competition is still ongoing, the Lowell Chamber Orchestra is being recognized for superb past performances during its three years of existence.

Performing in different venues around Lowell under the baton of Orlando Cela, the orchestra presents music of incredible variety, from symphonies to small chamber music works, stage works, and constantly commissions new works. Some of these works were used to judge the orchestra on its performing abilities.

The American Prize is a series of new, non-profit, national competitions designed to recognize and reward the very best in the performing arts in the United States-in schools and churches, and at community and professional levels. The American Prize was founded in 2009 and is awarded annually.

Having survived a year-long virtual season due to the pandemic, the Lowell Chamber Orchestra has announced its third season, which starts this September.

The future events - which feature four soloists, an opera, numerous living composer, and established masterpieces - can be found in their website: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/.

About the Lowell Chamber Orchestra:

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra is the city of Lowell's first and only professional orchestra, providing the area with an ensemble that presents music at a very high level, of all styles and time periods, entirely free. The performances take place at Middlesex Community College, the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and at other venues around the area. Some of these locations allow students to attend concerts without leaving their respective campuses, and allow the public in general to attend a concert at a proper performance space.

SOCIAL:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lowellchamberorchestra

Twitter: @lowellorchestra

Instagram: @lowell_chamber_orchestra

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/fxJZl4yOWM4

MEDIA ONLY CONTACT:
Antonio Mak
General Coordination
(781) 583-6160
admin@lowellchamberorchestra.org

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra is one of the finalists for The American Prize in the orchestral performance competition, professional divisions. While the competition is still ongoing, the Lowell Chamber Orchestra is being recognized for superb past performances during its three years of existence.

Related link: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/