Diane Ballweg Winterfest Concerts: Harp Ensemble, Opus One Orchestra & Sinfonietta Orchestra

You are invited to attend the 2023 Diane Ballweg Winterfest Concert Series. This event is open to the public, and tickets are now available online. Tickets will also be available in-person 30 minutes before the concert.

Harp Ensemble repertoire will include:

• Running River by Harriet Adie (b. 1980)
• Surviving Milestones by Jennifer Betzer (b. 1987)
• The Wayfaring Stranger, Traditional American Folk Song, Arr. Cindy Horstman

About Harp Ensemble

Directed by Jenny DeRoche Christian, the WYSO Harp Ensemble has two components: orchestral playing and participation in the ensemble. Students develop orchestral skills through individual and small group coaching, orchestra rehearsals, and performances. Additionally, the harp ensemble offers students the opportunity to learn chamber music skills.

Opus One Orchestra repertoire will include: 

• The Red Planet by Joseph Compello (b. 1942)
• Green Onions by Al Jackson Jr. (1935-1975), Lewis Steinberg (1933-2016), Booker T. Jones (b. 1944), Steve Cropper (b. 1941), Arr. Robert Longfield
  
• Black Diamond by Robert Longfield (b. 1947)
• Silver Moon by Yukiko Nishimura (b. 1967)
• Blue Danube Waltz by Johann Strauss (1825-1899)

About Opus One Orchestra                                                                              

In order to meet the needs of young string players and to provide an introductory ensemble experience, Opus One was formed in 2016. Conducted by Steve Kurr, this orchestra has a strong emphasis on technique, and incorporates string instrument fundamentals as well as ensembles skills. The opportunity to play in Opus One is valuable to all young musicians who are at the early stages of string instrument studies

Sinfonietta Orchestra repertoire will include: 

• Themes from Memoirs of a Geisha by John Williams (b. 1932), Arr. Ted Ricketts
• Rey’s Theme by John Williams (b. 1932), Arr. Paul Lavender
• Theme from Schindler’s List by John Williams (b. 1932), Arr. Calvin Custer, with Clayton Tillotson, Violin Solo
• John William’s Trilogy by John Williams (b. 1932), Arr. Calvin Custer

Sinfonietta Orchestra, conducted by Geri Hamilton, performs various levels of string orchestra literature from standard middle school to high school level. Members of Sinfonietta Orchestra should have at least three years of private study or school string experience, along with some ensemble playing. Sinfonietta Orchestra was founded in 1993.