Johnstown Symphony Orchestra to present annual family concert at Grand Halle

Kelly Urban, The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.
·2 min read

Mar. 7—JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — This afternoon concert will bring harmony, melody and family-friendly fun.

The Johnstown Symphony Orchestra will present its annual family concert at 3 p.m. Saturday at The Grand Halle on Broad Street, 306 Broad St. in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.

The concert is designed to ignite a love for music and the arts in children and families, making classical music accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Under the guidance of Music Director James Blachly, the orchestra will perform three energetic pieces with special appearances from two members of the Johnstown Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Inclined to Sing children's chorus.

Johnstown Symphony Youth Orchestra members RJ Shayesteh, a student at Bishop McCort Catholic High School, and Boyi Chen, a student at Richland High School, will perform Johann Sebastian Bach's "Double Violin Concerto."

Members of Inclined to Sing children's chorus, directed by Valerie Galczynski, will captivate with the dreamlike and beautiful "Ubi Caritas-Durufle."

Additional pieces to be performed include the lively "Dumbarton Oaks" by Igor Stravinsky and Bach's "Brandenburg Concerto No. 3."

Blachly said they are thrilled for their March concert, which will celebrate the idea of taking something old and making it new again.

"We will feature performances by children alongside our professional orchestra," he said. "We also will invite children to dance to Stravinsky. This is a concert for children of all ages, including the young at heart."

The event marks the second time the symphony, celebrating its 95th season, will be performing at The Grand Halle.

"We have a wonderful partnership with the Steeples Project and are happy to return to The Grand Halle," said Erin Codey, executive director of the JSO. "We hope families and children will enjoy the beauty of the space while dancing to the music from our talented musicians."

Tickets start at $5 and can be purchased by calling 814-535-6738 or online at www.johnstownsymphony.org.

Tickets also will be available at the door beginning at 2:30 p.m. on the day of the concert.