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longtime supporters, including Renee O’Leary, who’s participated in every fundraiser performance. “I can’t reveal her age, or I’ll be shot,” says Scott Mason, the president of the board.
Like the Chapel Street Players, the Newark Symphony Orchestra is a volunteer effort. But it has no problem finding participants. The orchestra, which will hold its final performance of the anniversary season on May 14 at the Independence School, has become so esteemed that professional musicians ask to join without expecting a fee. “They like playing with us so much, and we have such a good sound,” Rogers says.
There have only been three musical directors over the orchestra’s 50 years. The current director, Simeone Tartaglione, has broadened the orchestra’s reach. “He’s a mover and shaker,” Rogers says. “We’re breathless with trying to keep up with his energy level and his ideas.”
The performance on May 14 is an “ode to 50 years of musical joy,” she says. It will feature Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125.
The visual arts are also well represented, thanks to the Newark Arts Alliance, which moved locations several times over the years as its membership and its programming expanded. It’s currently located in the Market East Plaza on East Main Street.
The facility’s monthly exhibitions might feature a solo artist, a small group or a large show featuring multiple artists whose work illustrates a single theme. The shows are held in the Terry Foreman Gallery, which
is named for the alliance’s first executive director.
Through May 20, the alliance is featuring a juried graphic art exhibition, which includes cartoon and comic art, along with art that explores the pop aesthetic, says Linda Majewski, the current executive director. The show coincides with Free Comic Book Day on Saturday, May 6, at Captain Blue Hen Comics, which is located in the same shopping center.
Artists need not be based in Newark to participate in shows. However, the artists who sell their work in the onsite shop must be members. Selections include jewelry, fiber art, pottery and paintings.
The alliance also features classes, as well as free monthly programs focused on a variety of topics, including music, literature and painting—even belly dancing. There is
also a poetry and writers workshop.
To help nurture budding artists, the
alliance holds a two-week art camp each August for ages 7 to 12. “We offer scholarships, so it’s a neat opportunity for those who might otherwise not be able to attend,” Majewski says.
Newark’s arts organizations frequently work together and with University of Delaware arts groups. The Newark Symphony Orchestra in March performed “Swan Lake” with dancers from the First State Ballet. The May 14 performance features the University of Delaware Schola Cantorum.
Simeone Tartaglione serves as the current director as the Newark Symphony Orchestra celebrates 50 years.
It took three years to find the right date and the right venue. Schola Cantorum has 100 voices, which when added to the 80 musicians requires a sizable stage. “It will be,” Rogers concludes, “an impressive performance.”
For information:
The Chapel Street Players:
chapelstreetplayers.org
The Newark Symphony Orchestra:
newarksymphony.org
Newark Arts Alliance:
newarkartsalliance.org
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