The Riverside Chamber Symphony takes the stage at the Wildish Theater in Springfield on Tuesday, December 16 at 7:30pm, offering audiences an intimate winter performance featuring three standout soloists from within the ensemble and the sparkle of a classic Haydn symphony. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $10, making it an accessible and celebratory night of music for the community.
This year’s program highlights the deep talent within the orchestra. Concertmaster Cathy Page opens the evening with Czardas by Monte, a virtuosic work inspired by Hungarian Gypsy dance traditions—full of dramatic tempo shifts, glittering runs, and expressive fire. Principal Cellist Patti TenBrook performs Rachmaninoff’s Vocalise, a hauntingly lyrical piece originally written for voice that has since become a beloved showcase for instrumentalists. Principal Flutist Mindi Calabrese rounds out the solo features with selections from Mozart’s 1778 Concerto for Flute, an elegant and playful work commissioned by a Dutch surgeon with a love for music.
The concert concludes with Haydn’s Symphony No. 99, one of the celebrated “London Symphonies.” Written during Haydn’s 1794 visit to London, the four-movement work is notable for being the first of his symphonies to feature clarinets—adding warmth, color, and brilliance to its trademark wit and charm.
For longtime fans of the Riverside Chamber Symphony, the program reflects what this ensemble has always done best: offering thoughtful, high-quality performances driven by the passion of the musicians themselves.
Formed in 2000, the Riverside Chamber Symphony is composed of advanced volunteer players from across the region, united by a commitment to the study and performance of fine orchestral repertoire. Under the leadership of Conductor Philip Bayles and Associate Conductor Jared Fischer, the group has become a staple of the local arts scene—known for approachable concerts, adventurous programming, and a genuine love of sharing great music with the public.
Their December 16 performance promises an evening of expressive solo moments, lively classical masterworks, and the kind of community warmth that has defined the orchestra for nearly 25 years. Doors open at 7pm, and early arrival is recommended.
For more information, visit riversidechambersymphony.org
