These past years haven’t been easy on the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra's staff, its musicians, or the renowned maestro Stuart Malina.
is ready to go back home. And the music lovers who have remained faithful through these years of protests and pandemic couldn’t be happier. The symphony’s 2022-23 season will open Saturday once again at the Forum Auditorium in Harrisburg, and Executive Director Matt Herren isn’t alone in looking forward to a return to a venue of drama and elegance, even if repairs are still underway.
But let’s face it, these past years haven’t been easy on the symphony’s staff, its musicians, or the renowned maestro Stuart Malina. 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. There’s been the constant threat of COVID rampaging among musicians and staff. Then, there was the shutdown that forced cancellation of a season of concerts. Add to that the move to a temporary home at the Scottish Rite Cathedral while the Forum underwent repairs.died after a sudden illness. She had been with the symphony since 2016, and it was her passion. Gloria Giambalvo was a long-time employee of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, and her recent death was a profound loss for the entire community. Gloria Giambalvo was far more than an employee of the symphony. She was one of its solid stone pillars. Her death was a gut punch not only to the symphony and its supporters, but to the entire Harrisburg community. She was a former Harrisburg city employee under former Mayor Stephen Reed and remained a city booster even after he left office, and she found a new love with the symphony. That’s one of the reasons why Saturday’s return to the Forum will be so momentous. There’s no doubt Gloria’s spirit will there, especially among those who knew her and her dedication to the symphony and the city at large.The symphony’s return this weekend to the Forum indeed will be the joyous occasion Herren anticipates because of the people and the memories that have made it possible. And Maestro Malina is promising even more. He has designed a season not only to please the ear but to touch the heart.by Richard Strauss, William Grant Still’s upliftingThe Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra performs at a 2016 concert. Sean Simmers, PennLive.com And on Saturday, Nov. 5 and Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, the symphony will pay tribute to the Great Ladies of Jazz with the opener to its . Capathia Jenkins and Aisha de Haas will star in a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Judy Garland, and other legends of the uniquely American art form of jazz.The Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra has announced a stellar lineup of performers for its 2022 Capital Blue Cross Pops Concert Series. With more people vaccinated and boosted, the hope is people will feel safe enough to join the joyous reunion at the Forum this weekend, and take whatever precautions they feel appropriate, including masking if they choose. And they’re making it as easy as possible to enjoy great music in a great venue,This Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra has been serving our region for more than 90 years, and these last few have been as tumultuous as any in its history. It’s more than time for this great orchestra and those who love it to return home. Joyce M. Davis is PennLive’s Outreach & Opinion Editor. Follow her on Facebook and on Twitter @byjoycedavis. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra. 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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