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People on different sides of the gun issue, the abortion decision and even the Donald Trump presidency can find common ground listening to the strains of Bach or belting out the joyous lyrics of a gospel hymn.
Joyce M. Davis | jdavis@pennlive.com Music can be a great unifier. And as our divided nation faces another July 4th, we need a unifier now more than ever. It’s true, not everyone feels like celebrating.
Some are even questioning whether America has lost its way. But people on different sides of the gun issue, the abortion decision and even the Donald Trump presidency can find common ground listening to the strains of Bach or belting out the joyous lyrics of a gospel hymn. That and more is possible this holiday weekend, thanks to the abundance of musical talent in our region. Stuart Malina's contract with the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra has been extended through 2023. Malina has been the music director of the orchestra for 20 years. Under the baton of Maestro Stuart Malina, the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra is leading the way with four free concerts starting 8 p.m. June 30 at Lebanon Valley College in Annville and ending with the big deal July 4th blowout at Reservoir Park in Harrisburg. There’s even a plan B in case of inclement weather at all the events that include:Lebanon Valley College, 101 College Ave, Annville, PA 17003Inclement weather venue: Lutz Hall/Bertha Brossman Blair Music Center, Lebanon Valley College CampusMillerstown Community Park, 110 W Juniata Pkwy, Millerstown, PA 17062Inclement weather venue: Greenwood Middle/High School, 405 E Sunbury St, Millerstown, PA 17062Negley Park, 210 Cumberland Rd, Lemoyne, PA 17043Inclement weather venue: The Scottish Rite, 2701 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, PA 17110The Academic Quad at Dickinson College, 28 N College St, Carlisle, PA 17013Inclement weather venue: A.T. Schlecter Auditorium, 360 W Louther St, Carlisle, PA 17013Reservoir Park, 100 Concert Dr, Harrisburg, PA 17103Inclement weather venue: The Scottish Rite, 2701 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, PA 17110which features Michelle Mayne-Graves and Lifeline Quartet starting July 2. There’s even a full gospel worship service on at 10 a.m. July 3.Amy Yovanovich has been singing since she was little. Her father told her early on it was a gift from God, and she's sharing that gift in concerts and by teaching children at the State Street Academy of Music in Harrisburg. February 12, 2021 Sean Simmers |ssimmers@pennlive.com Mezzo Soprano Amy Yovanovich is music director at the State Street Academy of Music in Harrisburg. And tenor Chris Seay is Artistic Director of the Capital Area Music Association a community choral organization with emphasis on the music of the African American Composers and Culture. Both Yovanovich and Seay bring serious vocal talent to a wide range of genres, from spirituals to Broadway. "An Interfaith Call to End Gun Violence in Harrisburg" community prayer service organized by the Mayor's Interfaith Advisory Council was held at Goodwin Memorial Baptist Church on February 11, 2020. Chris Seay sings during the service. Vicki Vellios Briner | Special to PennLiveIf nothing else soothes your weary soul, the voices of Yovanovich and Seay will do the trick. Even after the July 4th holidays, Gretna Music will continue to provide a musical respite throughout the month, with one of the highlights being the McGill/McHale trio at 3 p.m. July 10. The members of this trio manage to harmonize their music despite the obvious differences in their instruments and native cultures. Brothers Anthony, principal clarinet of the New York Philharmonic, and Demarre McGill, principal flute of the Seattle Symphony, met Irish pianist Michael McHale at a residency and something just clicked. Brothers Anthony and Demarre McGill found a unique sound in blending their flute and clarinet with the piano of Michael McHale, a native of Ireland. Anthony is principal clarinet of the New York Philharmonic, and Demarre McGill is principal flute of the Seattle Symphony. When they harmonize with McHale, their fans promise the result is an unforgettable musical experience. If these gifted musicians can’t unify us this July 4th, at least they can help us forget our differences, if only for a little while. Joyce M. Davis is PennLive’s Outreach & Opinion Editor. Follow her on Facebook and on Twitter @byjoycedavis. Quality local journalism has never been more important. You deserve the best. Not a subscriber yet? Please considerNote to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission.
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