Longmeadow-Native is the Featured Performer at the Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s Season Grand Finale
When Maestro Kevin Rhodes first met Griffin McMahon years ago, the would-be organist was already impressively talented—and his career had barely begun. “Griffin first played an audition for me as a middle-school student, and he literally blew me away,” recalled Rhodes. “I told him then that we would someday do something special together on stage, and that day has come.” Indeed it has. On Saturday, May 7th, the
Kevin Rhodes (Photo submitted)
Griffin McMahon SSO guest pianist (Photo submitted)
Springfield Symphony Orchestra will deliver its final performance of the 2015-2016 Concert Season – with McMahon featured as organist soloist. The evening’s performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Springfield Symphony Hall (34 Court Street, Springfield, MA 01103), with doors open at 6:00 p.m. To purchase tickets, contact the SSO Box Office at 413-733-2291, visit in person at 1350 Main Street, Springfield, MA or order online at SpringfieldSymphony.org.
Griffin McMahon Takes Center Stage, for Program Dedicated to French Composers
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s final performance of the season will feature an evening of French compositions, including works by Gabriel Fauré and Camille Saint-Saëns. In absence of a pipe organ, a special organ installation will be created at Symphony Hall for the evening’s performance—with Griffin McMahon at the helm. Currently an emerging organist on the New York City music scene, McMahon found his love for the organ as a teenager living in Longmeadow, MA, where he first met Rhodes. Following his time as a student at NYC’s Julliard School, McMahon became a passionate music teacher in Brooklyn, as well as the Organ Scholar for Christ Church United Methodist in Manhattan. He also plays in Workman Song, a four-piece art rock band.
John Salvi, SSO guest baritone May 7, 2016 (Photo Submitted)
The evening’s program includes performances of Fauré’s “Requiem,” as well as Saint-Saëns’ “Symphony No. 3.” For “Requiem,” McMahon will be joined by the voices of visiting vocalists Dana Lynn Varga (soprano), and John Silva (baritone), as well as over 150 voices of both the Springfield Symphony Chorus (Nikki Stoia, Director) and the Pioneer Valley Symphony Chorus (Jonathan Harvey, Director). Together, these forces will bring two epic French compositions to life on the Springfield stage. “This program will have more than just a hint of the great Notre Dame Cathedral,” said Maestro Rhodes. Peter T. Salerno, Executive Director, adds, “Celebrating our Season Finale with a local and renowned artist is something very special. Mr. McMahon brings his many talents to the Symphony Hall stage and sets the tone for a wonderfully enjoyable evening in downtown Springfield. This concert caps a great season for the SSO, and sets the stage for next season’s program – which promises to be both exciting and enjoyable for all of our ticketholders.” That evening, Rhodes will also announce the winner of the Paris Raffle Prize, who will enjoy a week’s trip
Dana Lynne Varga, SSO guest soprano May 7, 2016 (Photo Submitted)
for two to Paris this fall, featuring tickets to see the Maestro perform at the historic Paris Opera Ballet and an exclusive dinner with Rhodes. To purchase raffle tickets, contact the SSO Box Office at 413-733-2291.
Every Concert Ticket Includes Free, Secure Parking
Free concert-night parking is available for ticket holders at the I-91South and I-91North Springfield Parking Authority (SPA) garages, and the Tower Square / Marriott garage. “We have plenty of free, secure parking, all very close to Springfield Symphony Hall,” said Marketing Director, Ann Rasmussen. “Even during the I-91 Viaduct and MGM construction work, ticket holders will find it easy and convenient to park. And our website also includes updated information on downtown construction detours.”
Dinner & the Symphony All-Inclusive Package
On concert night, the SSO is offering a special all-inclusive package that lets concertgoers enjoy an exciting evening out, that’s stress-free and super-convenient. Their Dinner & the Symphony package features a three-course, pre-concert dinner at the famed Student Prince restaurant, the best seats at Symphony Hall for the concert, and round-trip Peter Pan coach transportation from Wilbraham or Longmeadow – all for only $80 per person. Call the SSO Box Office for more info and to reserve your seats.
Sponsoring Organizations & Ticket Info
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra extends thanks to the organizations sponsoring the Season Finale performance. The evening’s Concert Sponsor is the MassMutual Financial Group (who is also the Official Sponsor of the 72nd concert season.); the Soloist Sponsor is Health New England; and the Media Sponsor is WGBY-TV Public Television. For more information on this performance, and the upcoming 2016-2017 Concert Season, call the SSO Box Office at 413-733-2291 or visit www.SpringfieldSymphony.org.
