“With an orchestra, you are building citizens, better citizens for the community.” ~ Gustavo Dudamel

By the virtue of their talents and willingness to be part of a seventy-five member, all volunteer symphony orchestra, this community was treated last night to the first of eleven complimentary, summer open-air concerts.

The first instrumental piece, offered by the Susquehanna Symphony Orchestra, called Harford Fan Fare, and an instrumental with vocal accompaniment, called I Chose the Mountain, were written specifically in honor of year the long celebration of Harford County’s 250th Anniversary of it’s founding. The gentleman who wrote both arrangements is a transplant from North Carolina to this community.

The other tunes were a nice variety and many recognizable from Souza to Brahms, to a Mozart Minuet, and quick sing-a-long of Sweet Caroline. At the end of the concert, the talented vocalist was presented a scholarship from the Community Foundation of Harford County.

Sheldon Bair, the Maestro, founded the SSO in 1978 and last night he shared the stage with two guest conductors, Ryan Bair (genealogical relation is unknown) and with a Maestro who had the great honor of directing the “Phantom” orchestra on Broadway. Last night he led the selections from “Phantom,” right in our community. Aren’t we fortunate? Phantom of the Opera recently closed out it’s run of 35 years in New York.

To read more about the SSO and the impressive places where they have had the honor of performing, visit their website.

It was a beautiful and well- attended evening at the William A. Humbert Amphitheater in Shamrock Park, Bel Air, Maryland. By the time the concert ended, there were hundreds of people gathered. Thank you to all members of the symphony for sharing your time and talents with your friends and neighbors.