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The NH Philharmonic is pleased to introduce Taige Wang!  Guest soloist for our February 2025 concert.  

14-year-old Taige Wang is a rising star in the world of classical music, celebrated for his virtuosic piano playing and dynamic artistry. Described by ClevelandClassical.com as “strong, virtuosic, and appropriately mischievous,” and by New York Concert Review for his “mercurial mood changes, extreme dynamics, and elements of atonality,” Taige’s musicality is both powerful and captivating.

A Young Steinway Artist and a scholar of the Lang Lang International Music Foundation, Taige studies at The Juilliard School with Yoheved Kaplinsky. He began his musical journey at the age of four and gave his first public performance soon after. By five, he appeared on China Central Television and won his first competition at the regional Steinway & Sons Competition. At just seven, he was invited to give a full solo recital by Steinway & Sons.

Taige has since earned numerous accolades in prestigious competitions, including the YAMAHA Piano E Competition, Los Angeles International Liszt Competition, Chicago International Music Competition, and the Rosalyn Tureck International Bach Piano Competition. In 2023, Taige became the youngest-ever quarterfinalist at The Cliburn Junior Competition, and was also one of three finalists at the Thomas and Evon Cooper International Piano Competition, where he performed with The Cleveland Orchestra.

In addition to his impressive piano achievements, Taige will showcase his extraordinary virtuosity in Sergei Rachmaninov’s Variations on a Theme by Paganini with the New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra. His performance of Paganini’s famous theme, highlighted by a captivating sequence of variations, will range from delicate and haunting to brilliantly complex, further demonstrating his exceptional technical prowess.

Taige’s performances have graced some of the world’s most renowned stages, including Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium, Lincoln Center, Severance Hall, Nixon Presidential Library Museum, Royal Palace of Godollo in Hungary, and Henan Grand Theater in China. He also appeared on NPR’s From the Top in 2021 and participated in its 2022 Gala, where he was selected as one of three nationally-recognized young musicians.

As a composer, Taige studies under Bruce Adolphe and has already earned recognition for his work. His piano trio Chopin vs Chopin 2.0 was commissioned by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and debuted at Alice Tully Hall in April 2023.

A dedicated young philanthropist, Taige received the American President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award in 2022 for his community service efforts. With his exceptional talents and unyielding dedication, Taige Wang is undeniably one to watch in the world of classical music.

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December 2024

Poems for the NH Phil
Holiday Pops

Written by Jack Cody

Every year, since the last century, a person or child sees in need.

You’d like and want to buy that as a Christmas present, indeed.

Most people on holidays are out shopping and screaming to get,

but there are more important things on special days yet.

 

Old traditional holiday music and songs can never fade away at all, whether any favorites you do or don’t wish to recall.

They would still help you to take your mind off the holiday rush, and our special music gives you a good-feel brush.

 

Holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanza involve presents for good recognition. You make and give your families and friends any talented gifts as a true tradition.

 

Fred Astaire in one Christmas special reminds us for a better cause. Wouldn’t we all want to be Santa Claus?

We give gifts to needy people, who can’t afford.

When one kind thank you comes to one, generosity is our word.

 

Celebrations with loving people and giving gifts in a thankful amen, there on earth peace, good will toward all men.

 

Holiday orchestral music brightens us at any concert hall.

From us to you, happy holidays to one and all!

October 2024

Poems for the NH Phil
Rhapsody in Blue

Written by Jack Cody

Good ol’ Manhattan still stands in the roaring twenties, a city full of blast!  Along with radio shows, or gangster violence, it’s the birth decade of swingin’ jazz. 

 

Ira’s got music, but George can ask for anything more.

The Gershwin brothers represents Americanism and Orchestral jazz you can explore.

 

Combined with a wah-wah trumpet, clarinet, saxophone or a trombone. And George as a pianist mainly composes a few piano solos alone.

 

A clarinet first narrates the beginning, then the piano tells the rest. Envision your New York time as one of the best.

 

Since 1920s, right after ragtime from Scott Joplin,

American and worldwide audiences have desired mixed music joining in. Notable pianists in past and current years

Have played Gershwin favorites in their ears. 

 

So now, we take you to New York City’s orchestral jazz without further ado. Ladies and Gentlemen, 100 years ago and now, Rhapsody in Blue.

NH Premiere Performance of Rhapsody in Red, White & Blue

Composer – Peter Boyer   

Piano Soloist - Jeffrey Biegel

Saturday, October 26th at 7:30pm

Sunday, October 27th at 2pm

Live streaming available for Sunday concerts.  

​We are now celebrating the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue”. This remains one of the most popular pieces of music composed in the 20th century, a crossover piece combining elements of jazz along with classical music forms.

 

To celebrate the anniversary of this iconic work, Grammy nominated composer Peter Boyer has written an homage to Gershwin entitled “Rhapsody in Red, White & Blue”. Boyer collaborated with Steinway artist Jeffrey Biegel to embark on a unique introduction of this new work for piano and orchestra.

 

One orchestra in each US state will give the local premiere of the music over the next three years. The New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra was asked to be the New Hampshire based orchestra to play the state’s premiere performance. This is a great opportunity to showcase the orchestra and will be one that we widely promote.

 

This is not the orchestra’s first premiere performance of a new work, but it will be the first premiere on a national scale. In addition, the concert includes Rhapsody in Blue, Bernstein's Candide Overture, Tower's Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman, and Wm. Grant Still's Third Symphony.

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CONCERT CHOIR SINGS IN SALEM: KSC AND PSU JOINED FORCES WITH NH PHILHARMONIC TO PERFORM MAHLER

February 24 & 25, 2024 - Musically driven students and faculty from the Keene State College Concert Choir and the Plymouth State University Choirs had the chance to showcase their talents alongside the New Hampshire Philharmonic as part of a series of concerts showcasing Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 on Feb. 18, 24 and 25 at Plymouth State University, and the Seifert Performing Arts Center in Salem, N.H.

The KSC and PSU choir members and faculty provided the vocal component for Symphony No. 2. Vocal solos were provided by KSC’s soprano soloist Dr. Evan Leontis, and PSU’s alto soloist Hannah Murray.

KSC music Professor Dr. Sandra Howard sang alongside the choir and said the performance opportunity correlates with student success.

Howard said two choral professors, two solo vocalists and an orchestra, among other musicians, collaborated to realize the performance.

“This isn’t something our students have the chance to experience often,” Howard said. “This is a fantastic chance for our student musicians to level-up their musicianship, and hopefully build confidence that can translate into their future goals.”

Howard said the collaborative concert offered interdisciplinary opportunities to musically-minded members of the KSC community.

“Concert Choir is open to anyone on campus. We’re not just talking choral students, but anyone who connects with music. We have members from over 20 different majors, including instrumental students who wanted the chance to get up close and personal with the professional level New Hampshire Philharmonic,” said Howard.

Val Zanchuk is a trumpet player and the treasurer of the New Hampshire Philharmonic’s board of directors. Zanchuk said the Mahler concert series was the orchestra’s first collaboration with college-level musicians.

“This isn’t an opportunity they have every day, being able to play with a professional orchestra doesn’t happen all too often, and it was exciting for all of us,” Zanchuk said. “They did a great job, and we didn’t have to rehearse for more than one session. The choir came in so softly that it felt like heaven.”

Zanchuk added, “I hope they had the chance to embrace the personal, emotional, and spiritual feeling you get from performing for an audience,” Zanchuk said.

Junior James Slipp, a music performance major who sang with the Concert Choir, said Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 was a challenging and rewarding piece to work on.  “This semester has been almost constant work on Mahler. It’s a challenging piece, and most people don’t get to perform at this level until later in their musical careers,” said Slipp.  “It’s been great to work alongside so many talented people, and I hope the audience feels the same kind of awe we do. Mahler knew exactly what he was doing,” Slipp said.

Reporter: Ryan Pacheco can be contacted at rpacheco@kscequinox.com

https://kscequinox.com/2024/03/concert-choir-sings-in-salem/

2023 - 2024 Season

October 14 and 15, 2023

Dvorak’s 7th Symphony, Bohemian Rhapsodies

Sorry Queen fans, but these are rhapsodies by real Bohemians. This vibrant concert explores the rich tapestry of Czech and English music, traversing spirited overtures, evocative suites, fantastical scherzos, soul-stirring concertos, and impassioned symphonies. The evening begins with Smetana's energetic Overture to The Bartered Bride, transitioning seamlessly into the pastoral scenes painted by Kaprálová in her Suita Rustica. The ethereal beauty of Suk's Scherzo Fantastique lends a whimsical touch, before the concert delves into the profundity of Elgar's Cello Concerto, a cornerstone of the Romantic era. Concluding the night is Dvořák's Symphony No. 7, a triumphant blend of folk elements and symphonic tradition. This concert provides a captivating journey through diverse emotional landscapes, perfectly showcasing the enduring charm of these musical masterpieces.

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Beloved harp of Salem women donated to Manchester Community Music School


For more than 50 years, Diana Kolben of Salem captivated audiences playing the harp her parents gave her when she graduated college with a music degree.


“I’ve played a lot of weddings” with the secondhand 47-string Lyon & Healy Style 23 Gold harp, Kolben said. She also played it during the high-profile funeral of a former Massachusetts congressman.


But the 6-foot, 1-inch tall instrument became tough for the 74-year-old widow to transport between practices and performances. After recently trying to sell the 82-year-old harp online, she decided to donate it to the Manchester Community Music School to improve access for young musicians.


The same model harp, known for its Victorian-era floral designs, is also used by the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic.


SALEM, NH - Dr. Diana Kolben, a Salem, New Hampshire resident, is parting with her beloved harp after more than fifty years. For instrumentalists, parting with an instrument is like parting with a dear old friend. Diana, who studied music at Oberlin College and worked as a music educator throughout her life, is no longer able to play. She is, however, determined to donate her instrument to a home that would continue fostering the love of music and the harp in all people. That new home is the Manchester Community Music School (MCMS) located in the historic north end of Manchester, NH.


When she began looking for place to donate her harp, Diana reached out to Robin Neill, a board member for The New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra, and initially offered to donate her instrument to The Phil itself. After consulting with the orchestra’s hosts at Salem High School, The Phil contacted Manchester Community Music School, whom they thought might have a stronger need for such a grand harp. The Music School was delighted.


Harp in its new home at MCMS

The Phil has frequently collaborated with MCMS for concerts and educational programming, and many students from the school have soloed or played with The Phil over the years. In several ways, Diana’s gift fulfills several important parts of The Phil’s mission: it helps bring music to youth; it fosters connections between musical communities; it offers an instrument that is rare and costly to deserving students; and it serves as a reminder of the harp’s importance in orchestral literature.


“We are so happy to continue working with MCMS and its own mission to change lives 'through the power of learning, sharing and making music,’” says Mark Latham, Music Director of the NH Philharmonic Orchestra.  “Both institutions - the NH Phil, and the Manchester Community Music School - understand the necessity and joy of collaboration, of working with fellow institutions to help fulfill their missions.  John Donne might have written, ‘No institution is an island.’ When we share our energies and our resources, we are all the better for it, and our outreach is greater.” 


When asked how music impacts youth, Diana, a long-time music educator, replied: “It impacts everything! There isn’t a thing that music doesn’t touch.” She hopes that students at MCMS will gain a love of the instrument as she has. “It is a rather difficult instrument to play,” says Diana, “the 4th most difficult instrument.”


Diana’s instrument is a Lyon and Healy Model 23 concert grand, built in 1938 with a gold base and crown. The instrument was completely refurbished in 1983, and before donating her harp, Diana had the harp completely restrung.


Many people may associate this majestic, 47-stringed instrument with the famous introduction to Waltz of the Flowers from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, and those who have attended The Phil’s Holiday Pops concert would certainly recognize this famous solo. In the time of a pandemic, many concert-goers will have to enjoy Tchaikovsky’s suite live-streamed this year.


The harp’s angelic strummed arpeggios are also recognizable in Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet music and Rimsky Korsakov’s Scheherazade. Of course, the harp is a wonderful instrument in its own right, without the orchestra, and there are many wonderful pieces for solo harp and small ensembles.


“We hope and anticipate that one day, a student from MCMS, having studied on Diana’s harp, will perform these iconic solos with The Phil,” says Latham.


Piper playing Harp for Diana at Diana’s house when she donated to MCMS

Executive Director of MCMS, Piper Runnion-Bareford understands the value of a harp like Diana’s as well, for she too is a brilliant harpist.


"It is so exciting and inspiring when our whole community comes together to see lives changed through the power of music,” says Runnion-Bareford. “Diana’s generosity is an illustration of this -- the Philharmonic thinking of the school and its students, and her legacy of education that inspired her to give such an immense gift. As a harpist, I know the value of access to an instrument and what possibilities that can open up in the life of a young student.  In this year of challenges, it is wonderful to celebrate in this way the power of music and community that brings such hope for the future!"


Emily, a student at MCMS (and performer for The Phil)

While the Coronavirus has led to many live events being postponed this season, The Phil is steadfast in its pursuit to bring the joy of classical music to audiences near and far as they develop programming for live-streamed concerts. Meanwhile, young musicians are also tenaciously practicing their instruments as they engage in remote lessons at MCMS.


“Young people are of course the future.  Our future. Of our planet, our country and of music,” says Latham.  “Music is such an integral part of all of our lives.  A world without music is unimaginable!  It has the capacity to bring about harmony, fellowship, community, responsibility and peace.  What better way to foster a brighter future for all, by making the learning and playing of music more accessible and more possible.”



 

Additional Note: Upon Diana’s arrival at MCMS to see her harp in its new home, Emily a harp student at MCMS decided to play two special harp pieces for Diana as a thank you for the donation. The second piece played for Diana was Ebb Tide by Robert Maxwell. Unknown to Emily, Diana’s best friend also played the harp and her favorite piece to play was Ebb Tide by Robert Maxwell. This piece was very popular in their day, being number 1 on the radio charts. The piece was incredibly special to Diana because her dear friend played it everywhere she went. It was her signature piece. Emily had no idea about this special story until seeing Diana cry during the piece. She had an incredible connection to the piece. It’s one of Emily’s favorite pieces to play too. One of the things Emily loves about playing the harp is the connection and emotion that the music brings. How it’s different and personal for everyone.

The NH Phil is rehearsing again!! Although we will have to wait for an all clear signal to return to our home base at Salem High School, we have made arrangements with the Manchester Community Music School to utilize their rehearsal space, all decked out with socially distanced seating and other precautions. We're just rehearsing our string section at this point, but this gives them the chance to explore the rich library of music for strings, something we don't do when we're working on music for full orchestra. This is a great opportunity to strengthen the ensemble playing of our wonderful strings.


Mark Latham, conducts a socially distanced rehearsal of the string section.

The NH Phil string section rehearsing in the Manchester Community Music School.

Mark Latham, conducts a socially distanced rehearsal of the string section.

Ticket Prices are as follows, unless otherwise noted:
$35 Adults
$30 Seniors
$10 Students
$5 Salem Students
$15 Online Streaming - Sunday concerts only (Seifert Performances only)
To Purchase Tickets Click Here 

For Discount Tickets, click here

 

To contact us please call, email or write to us here:

Tel: 603.647.6476 | Email: info@nhphil.org | P.O. Box 1651 Concord, NH 03302

NH Philharmonic Orchestra performs at Seifert Performing Arts Center, 44 Geremonty Drive, Salem, NH 03079.  Located at Salem High School.  Unless otherwise noted in our concert listings above.  Please do not send correspondence to Seifert to reach The Phil, send to our PO Box.

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