New York has its Philharmonic, Boston has its Symphony Orchestra and Pops, but Franklin County has a cultural treasure all its own — The Pioneer Valley Symphony Orchestra. One of the oldest community orchestras in the United States, the PVS was founded to serve the Pioneer Valley by performing symphonic and choral music; by providing members of the community the opportunity to participate in making music; and through musical education, particularly by introducing young children to live orchestral music.

The orchestra, under the leadership of Music Director Paul Phillips, provides professional musical direction for over 200 volunteer musicians. Approximately 95 instrumentalists and over 120 singers participate annually, producing five symphonic concerts, a choral concert (under the direction of Chorus Director Terry Larsen) and family and educational programs. Participants range in age from high school to retirement years. The geographically diverse membership of the orchestra — from 36 different communities in western Massachusetts, and six communities in Connecticut, New Hampshire and Vermont — is testimony to the orchestra’s reputation and quality.

I may be prejudiced (both Don and I sing with the PVS Chorus) but this is as fine a community orchestra as you're likely to find anywhere. The repertoire is diverse but always enjoyable, and it's great fun to watch Maestro Phillips at the podium. I am constantly amazed with the level of artistic talent in the Pioneer Valley and the PVS is a premier example. The fact that we have such a fine group of musicians in our midst that is so willing to share great orchestral and choral music with its neighbors and friends is truly wonderful.

The PVS concert season lasts from October through June, and you can catch its final program of Spring 2003 this Friday, at 7:30 PM, at the Greenfield High School Auditorium. The family-friendly concert, celebrating Greenfield's 250th Anniversary, includes works by Rossini, Grieg and Haydn. Of special note will be selections from Rogers and Hammerstein's Carousel, a performance of Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf with narration by WHAI's Nick Danger and Strauss' Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks accompanied by a dynamic shadow puppet presentation with the Underground Puppet Theater. Tickets will be available at the door, or you can call the PVS office at (413) 773-3664 for reservations.

Much more information can be found on the Pioneer Valley Symphony website at http://www.pvso.org.

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