Southern Delaware Orchestra to perform winter concerts

The Southern Delaware Orchestra will perform Winter Harmony concerts at 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, at Sussex Academy, 21150 Airport Road, Georgetown, and at 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 15, at Cape Henlopen High School, 1250 Kings Highway, Lewes.

The program will include pieces featuring the new brass section, as well as the strings.

“"In a time of conflict and tension around the world, we wanted to offer a program built on a theme of harmony and peace,” said James Allen Anderson, co-founder and music director. "Our musical selections bring together a wide variety of traditions from a broad range of cultures and countries, including France, Italy, Israel, England, Russia and Ukraine as well as traditional American favorites.”

A blend of musical selections that reflect the theme, include “Christmas Eve Suite“ by Russian composer Rimsky-Korsakov, “Polar Express Concert Suite” from the American classic movie, brass fanfares from England and France, and festive sounds of Hanukkah.

"We believe that music has the power to break down barriers. Our goal with this concert is to bring people together through the power of music," said Stephen Greifer, co-founder and board president. "We hope that our audiences will enjoy this celebration of global music and leave the concerts feeling uplifted and inspired."

In the spirit of the season, the orchestra will also share its music in two special places as part of its community outreach. An open rehearsal will be held at The Lodge at Historic Lewes, for residents and their family members. An assembly for the students of Sussex Academy will feature orchestra members performing selections from the concert, and a conversation with James Allen Anderson, orchestra music director and head of orchestral studies at University of Delaware.

For more information and to purchase tickets, go to sodelo.org.