The Update | Warren Philharmonic to Open Season; New Music Guild Sets Concert
WARREN, Ohio – Christopher Cicconi will lead the Warren Philharmonic Orchestra in concert for the first time at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at First Presbyterian Church, 256 Mahoning Ave. NW.
Cicconi was hired this year as the WPO’s music director and conductor. He replaced longtime music director Susan Davenny Wyner, who retired after the 2023-24 season after 24 years at the helm.
Cicconi, an Austintown native and graduate of Fitch High School and Youngstown State University, has an extensive background in music education, orchestral conducting and community engagement.
The 46-year-old Cicconi is also the director of bands and professor of music at James Madison University, and principal conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra.
Saturday’s concert, titled “Songs and Dances,” will open the WPO’s 59th season. It will begin with a performance by the Warren G. Harding Symphonic Band.
The WPO will then perform “Overture to Die Fledermaus” by Richard Strauss, “Pavane” by Gabriel Fauré, Danzon No. 2 by Arturo Márquez and Symphony No. 8 by Antonin Dvorak.
Cicconi has posted his program notes on the WPO’s website.
Tickets are $30 ($15 for students; children under 13 are admitted free with a parent or guardian) and will be sold at the door. Call the WPO office at 330 399 3606 for more information.
New Music Guild Concert with the Considines
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The New Music Guild will open its 2024-25 season with a concert by Brendan and Karen Considine at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, in the basement social hall of the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 343 Via Mount Carmel, downtown.
The concert will commemorate the late board member William Gorman.
The Guild performs works by living composers and sponsors visits by guest composers and performers. The season culminates with the nationally recognized May Festival, which includes concerts and lectures as well as elementary and high school educational events.
At Sunday’s concert, violinist Brendan Considine and pianist Karen Considine will perform music by classical and modern composers.
Brendan Considine plays with the Greenville and Youngstown symphonies, Warren Philharmonic and Opera Western Reserve. He is an educator and director of the Mahoning Valley Montessori School.
Karen Considine performs with the Youngstown and Greenville Symphonies, Warren Philharmonic and Stellare Strings and is choir accompanist at First Presbyterian Church of Hubbard.
The concert will open with performances by New Music Guild coordinators Gwyneth Rollin, violin, and Robert Rollin, piano.
An after-party will follow the performance.
‘Global Language of Headwear’ at the Hoyt
NEW CASTLE, Pa. – A hat can reveal who you are, where you live, what you believe and how you fit into your community.
Art & Education at the Hoyt’s current exhibition shares the stories behind 89 hats and headdresses from 42 countries across the globe.
“The Global Language of Headwear: Cultural Identity, Rites of Passage, and Spirituality” is on display at the Hoyt through Dec. 26.
From the Bolivian Tarabuqueño helmet to the Vietnamese bishop’s miter, one can see how hats have been used to express a person’s identity, social rank, faith and values.
Hats can be explored further at these related events:
- Nov. 14, 6 to 8 p.m.: Gallery talk with Stacey Miller, curator of the exhibit, about the cultural significance of hats and headdresses.
- Nov. 24, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Holiday open house. Make multicultural ornaments, hunt for hats and pick up a copy of the exhibit coloring book.
- Dec. 5, 6:30 to 8 p.m.: Speed-friending: Ethnic Potluck. Bring a dish and make a friend while sharing stories from your heritage.
- Dec. 7, 10 to 11:30 a.m.: Creative play for ages 3 to 7. Kids can tour the exhibit and make a hat of their own.
- Dec. 19, 6 to 8 p.m.: Community Maker’s Night. Find inspiration from the exhibit and materials provided to craft your own headwear. All ages welcome.
YSU Music Students Win at competition
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Erika Walker, a student in the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University, and Dana alumna Rachel Gardner earned first and second place, respectively, at the Fall 2024 National Association of Teachers of Singing Ohio Chapter Student Auditions last month at Kent State University.
The two are students of voice professor Misook Yun.
Walker and Gardner’s success follows the announcement that two YSU musical theater students, Brooke May and Ryan Bedi, were awarded first place in their respective performance categories at the 2024 NATS Tri-State Chapter Student Auditions Competition last month at West Virginia University.
Santa Claus Coming to Eastwood Mall
NILES, Ohio – Santa Claus will come to Eastwood Mall’s center court from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, as part of a day of events to usher in the Christmas season. The activities will be repeated at 6:30 p.m. that day next to Ollie’s.
The Salvation Army will kick off its annual Red Kettle campaign with The Art of the Red Kettle contest winner.
Then, Ballet Western Reserve will give a performance of excerpts from “The Nutcracker,” followed by local school choirs performing holiday classics.
The day will culminate with a performance by Santa’s Elves.
Pictured at top: Chris Cicconi will conduct the Warren Philharmonic Orchestra for the first time Sunday.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
