a tempo Summer 2008Philharmonia turns 90
(This article originally appeared in The Sentinel-Tribune, the local newspaper in Bowling Green.) The Bowling Green Philharmonia (the university orchestra) celebrated its 90th birthday Sunday, April 20, and had plenty of company on stage to help. The concert featured the combined forces of the Philharmonia and the Toledo Symphony. Also featured on the program was the University Choral Society, under the direction of Mark Munson, performing Antonin Dvorak’s Te Deum Laudamus with soloists Cat Randall, master’s candidate, and Kelly Anderson. The orchestra was started in 1918 at the behest of then college president Homer E. Williams. According to a history of the orchestra compiled by the university, Williams wanted an ensemble to play at college’s functions. Professor Calvin Biery brought together students and faculty who played instruments. It was something of a motley ensemble of about 18. The provisional nature of the ensemble became evident when it went into hiatus shortly after it formed. It was Merrill McEwen in 1922 who brought the ensemble back. Over the years the orchestra grew in size and stature under the leadership of McEwen and others. Emily Freeman Brown, the 19th person to conduct the orchestra, said it continues to be a presence on campus, though its service is largely with the College of Musical Arts. In addition to its own concerts, the symphony serves as the pit orchestra for operas and works with the University Choral Society to perform major choral works. In the spring, it provides the springboard for the performances of the winners of the college’s competitions in music performance. In fall it performs contemporary orchestral works during the New Music Festival. |
Issue Date: Tuesday 5 August 2008 | Contact the CMA | Disclaimer