Island Sinfonia Comes to Orcas

Island Sinfonia, under the direction of Ned Griffin. Photo courtesy of Marie Griffin

Saturday, March 24, at 1 p.m at Orcas Community Church

The Island Sinfonia will continue their spring concert series with a concert at the Orcas Community Church on Saturday, March 24, at 1 p.m.  Ned Griffin, director of the Island Sinfonia, has prepared a varied and challenging program including Mozart’s Exsultate, Jubilate featuring vocalist Ginni Keith, Haydn’s Symphony No. 104 (London Symphony), several movements of Handel’s Water Music and two Gershwin pieces.

This year, the string section of the Island Sinfonia has been enhanced and energized by local student musicians.  Mackie Blackburn, assistant concertmaster, is an Orcas High School senior and has been accepted into the music program at Western Washington University.   Other students include Sasha Hagen, Brigid Ehrmantraut, Emmy Carter, Anthony Kaskurs, Kendra Clifton and Michael Harlow.

The Island Sinfonia, a 25-member community orchestra in the San Juan Islands, is open to musicians who like to play classical chamber music.  Sam Windsor, who plays the second bassoon part on his saxophone, has articulated the experience of playing in the Island Sinfonia best when he said:  “Some of us are nearly as accomplished as we’ll ever be. The success of our performance comes from wise selection of program, inspired direction, the huge contribution of Ginni’s golden soprano and the courage of the students to push their abilities into new ranges of expertise. I am just delighted to be allowed to participate in such company!”

The Island Sinfonia will continue their spring concert tour with a concert at Grace Episcopal Church on Lopez on March 25 and conclude the season at the Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church on May 20.  There is no admission charge to the concerts although donations will be accepted.