Saturday
April 27, 2024 
From modest beginnings in the 1950s to present day, the Bucks County Symphony Orchestra continues to mesmerize classical music lovers of all ages with a wide-ranging repertoire of works by the likes of Mozart, Brahms, Dvorak, Bach, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Stravinsky and countless other celebrated composers.
“The first thing that struck me, even before I was officially selected to be Bucks County Symphony’s new music director back in 2022,” noted Jose Dominguez, “was the incredible level of talent, commitment and ‘can do’ spirit instilled within these remarkable musicians who literally come from all different walks of life to participate in this community orchestra experience.”
The Chilean born Dominguez joins an illustrious list of maestros who have preceded him and who collectively are responsible for building the highly acclaimed and ever-growing ensemble into what it has become.
“I credit the diversity of ages, different life experiences and varied musical backgrounds within the orchestra as being one of our greatest strengths,” observed Dominguez.
Indeed, he along with assistant conductor, confidant and collaborator Sebastian Grand, have put together an impressive 71st concert season, evidenced by a first-ever sellout Winter performance at Central Bucks High School South, just a few short weeks ago. It featured renowned pianist Henry Kramer and works by 19th-century composers Mikhail Glinka, Peter Tchaikovsky and Johannes Brahms.
Grand, originally from the United Kingdom, shared the spotlight with Dominguez in this latest concert.
“The two of us have a great relationship and it’s been really great to watch how he works with the orchestra members to bring life to the music we as a group perform,” observed Grand, adding that he feels they’re a great team and compliment each other very nicely.
Grand, for his part, became involved with the symphony some seven years ago, to assist then-Maestro Gary Fagen with educational outreach programs and conducting.
He’s quick to admit he loves working alongside community musicians and respects not only their extraordinary talent, but also their ability to balance their musical avocation with their often-demanding professional lives.
To be sure, you’ll get no shortage of accolades for the duo of Dominguez and Grand from BCSO President Beth Clark.
“We are beyond thrilled to have not one, but two outstanding conductors who have graced the international stages in numerous countries,” said Clark, speaking for herself and the orchestra. “Both bring a vast wealth of experiences and unique perspectives to our BCSO family.”
Indeed, the words “family” and “community connection” may be the best words to describe the many successes this orchestra has realized on its more than 70-year musical journey.
“Our mission is sharing the joy of symphonic music through live performance and educational outreach,” explained Concert Organizer Scott Teschner.
To that end, collaborations with student musicians, an annual Family Concert featuring an ensemble from one or more of the Central Bucks schools and classroom visits by guest artists rapidly fill the orchestra’s calendar.
These plus participation in community events such as The Doylestown Arts Festival, Mercer Museum collaborations and performances at area retirement communities further underscores the impact music can have on those of all ages.
“There’s even an annual scholarship which we award to exemplary high school students,” Teschner says.
Upcoming events for the Bucks County Symphony Orchestra include a Pops concert — “Broadway Meets Opera” — Saturday at Delaware Valley University’s Life Sciences Building; a Spring Soiree, featuring award-winning violinist Elizabeth Pitcairn April 25 at 61 E. Dark Hollow Road in Pipersville; and a spring concert April 27 at 8 p.m. at Central Bucks High School South featuring Pitcairn and works by Beethoven, Brahms and others.
For tickets and information, visit buckscountysymphony.org or call 215-348-7321.
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