Westmoreland Winds offer eclectic program at Hempfield Park
Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra continued its Live on the Lawn outdoor summer concert series Friday with a performance by the Westmoreland Winds.
In their second season, the concerts are presented at the Smail Auto Group Amphitheater at Hempfield Park. This week’s concert featured an ensemble including Tom Godfrey, flute; Renate Sakins, oboe; Ryan Leonard, clarinet; Carrie McCormack, horn; and Steve Ehrin, bassoon.
“They’re all symphony members,” WSO Executive Director Endy Reindl said. “It’s an opportunity to get them out and highlight the good work they do.”
The varied program included Scott Joplin’s “Maple Leaf Rag,” 17th-century Hungarian dances, three sea shanties and a suite from Georges Bizet’s famous opera “Carmen.”
Among those attending was Unity oncologist Dr. Terry Evans, accompanied by granddaughters Emma, 8, and Olivia Naylor, 11, of Irwin. The girls, who, respectively, are taking piano and violin lessons, were creating artwork while listening to the concert.
“We’re trying to give them some culture,” Evans said.
Barbara Ferrier of Greensburg, a season subscriber to the symphony for two decades, enjoyed the concert’s outdoor setting. “This shows that they’re thinking outside the box. They want to branch out,” she said.
Aaron Siko, director of parks and recreation for Hempfield, said the addition of the symphony concerts last summer was well-received.
“It continues to expand the cultural programming we offer to our residents,” he said.
The next Live on the Lawn concert is set for 7 p.m. Aug. 6 and will feature the orchestra’s Trio Phonon — including flute, cello and harp.
Suggested concert admission is $10; donations also are welcome. Advance registration is requested but not mandatory at westmorelandsymphony.org.
Those attending should bring bring chairs or blankets for seating. No pets or outside food are allowed.
Meanwhile, the township offers its own summer concert series of various styles of music at 6 p.m. every other weekend at the amphitheater.
Offering a mix of country and rock, East Coast Turnaround and Sourmash will perform on Saturday. Visit hempfieldtwp.com for details.
Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant Area and Derry Area school districts and their communities. He also reports on transportation issues. A journalist for more than three decades, he enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at jhimler@triblive.com.
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