Published: October 28, 2008 03:08 am         

MEDINA: Genesee Symphony Orchestra performance draws crowd

The strings soared and the horns shook the walls of St. Mary’s in Medina Monday night, as the Genesee Symphony Orchestra performed its first concert of the year.

The 45-member ensemble played a variety of classical pieces, including works by Mozart, Puccini, Vivaldi, Beethoven, Saint-Saens, Fauré and Kohn. Orleans Renaissance Group Inc. of Medina sponsored the event.

“The concert was held in memory of Norris L. Webster, a local attorney who passed away two years ago,” explained Andrew Meir, a member of the Renaissance. “Norris was very instrumental in helping the original Orleans Renaissance Group organize — he did a lot of legal work to get things set up. The group wanted to remember him for his work on behalf of the organization.”

Orleans Renaissance was originally formed in the 1990s, and served to promote cultural activities throughout the county. Meir said as people became busy, the organization became dormant. However, this concert marks its revival, and members hope to see more concerts sponsored by the group in the future.

According to Christopher Busch, vice president, the last time the Orleans Renaissance Group sponsored a concert was more than nine years ago, when the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra came for a performance.

“We’ve had conversations with the GSO a number of years ago — recently, when we got back together we decided to look into the group again, because it was something we always wanted to do,” Busch said.

The Genesee Symphony Orchestra is in its 62nd season. President Marjorie Fulmer, principal flute player, said she believes it is the longest-running community ensemble in the country. The musicians range in age from 11 to more than 80, and live throughout the greater Rochester and Buffalo area — including Monroe, Livingston, Wyoming and Genesee counties.

“We rehearse every Monday evening and put on four concerts a year,” Fulmer said. “A number of our players are students at the Eastman School of Music, and our conductor is Raffaele Ponti, who has been with the organization for 11 years.”

Each year, the organization sponsors a string workshop in February for local students. For one Saturday, the students have the chance to work with the orchestra and play one piece with them during the February concert. For more information, contact Susan McEvoy at smcevoy250@yahoo.com.

“We’re just thrilled to be playing here,” Fulmer said. “This is such a gorgeous church, and the high ceilings make for very live acoustics.”

Three students who participated in the winter workshop had the opportunity to play with the orchestra Monday night. Charles Smith featured with his cello, Leighann Howland gave a well-received performance on the violin and soprano Emily Tworek Helenbrook sang with the ensemble on three pieces.

The GSO will perform again at 4 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Stuart Steiner Theatre in Batavia, where it will feature a variety of seasonal music for its holiday concert. For more information on the organization, visit the Web site at www.geneseesymphony.com.

Contact editor Jessica Wasmund at 798-1400, ext. 8225.