Middletown High School musicians, accompanied by the Hartford Symphony orchestra, gave an inspired performance last night at the Bushnell Theater in Hartford. The performance hall was full of proud families and other supporters of Middletown's outstanding music program. As a special treat, strings players and selected other musicians in the elementary schools were given up to 4 free tickets each for the performance.
It was more than simply an artfully wonderful musical performance, it was a celebration of the city, its youth, and the support for music in the schools. Superintendent of Schools Michael Frechette, Wesleyan President Michael Roth, and Mayor Sebastian Giuliano each tipped their hat to the dedication shown by parents, educators, and especially students. Marco Gaylord, director of the Middletown schools music program, received repeated plaudits and applause for his leadership.
Maestro Edward Cummings, long-time director of the Hartford Symphony, has been instrumental in nurturing Middletown's biennial collaboration with the Symphony. He passionately praised Middletown residents, who have kept this project going through a period when funding for the arts has been perilous at best. Gesturing towards a stage full to its edges with student musicians, he expressed his awe, "...look at this!"
Cummings is retiring after this year, and Giuliano took the occasion to present him with a plaque announcing that today, May 12th, is Edward Cummings Day in Middletown.
Photos by Brian Stewart, of Maestro Gaylord after the performance, and of Concertmistress Helen Pinch tuning the orchestra.
Nice piece. A magnificent concert is an understatement. I can not put into words the emotions that filled the venue...both from the music itself and the significance for the students and their families. Marco, you are an irreplacable treasure. Maestro Cummings, I hope your predecessor can fill you enormous shoes bith in talent and humor. It was a day to be proud you came from Middletown.
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