Just about anyone can perform with the Philharmonia of Greensboro, the city’s non-audition orchestra, says Music Director Peter Perret, “provided that they can play the music.”
There’s also a simple application process, Perret says, and a small fee that can be offset by scholarships. “It’s only $25 a semester,” Perret says. “But we do have our expenses, so…”
Greensboro residents will have a chance to see the Philharmonia in action for free this weekend June 15 in LeBauer Park, on the UNCG Great Lawn as part of the city’s Music for a Sunday Evening in the Park series. MUSEP has regaled the city’s culturati for nearly 50 years and has relied on talent from UNC Greensboro for its entire history.
Currently, nine of the Philharmonia’s 56 members have degrees from UNCG, most of them holding undergraduate degrees in music, though there’s a sociology major among the crew and even a Master of Public Health. Besides their Spartan roots, they share a love of the music and the desire to perform for their community.
“Probably everybody who played in the Philharmonia at one time wanted to be a professional musician,” Perret says, “but they either couldn’t find the job they were looking for or didn’t qualify for whatever level the orchestra was, so they found other jobs. The Philharmonia allows them to rekindle dreams they had when they were young students.”
Perret gets it – he’s spent his entire career around those who follow the music. He spent 26 years as music director for the Winston-Salem Symphony. As Conductor Emeritus for UNCG Opera he has brought home awards that include second place in the America Prize for Opera for the 2020 production of Falstaff, and seven first place finishes in the National Opera Association Opera Production Competition.
The Philharmonia, he says, is a different sort of experience.
“In an academic setting, of course, there’s very little time,” he says. “And for this series, the added difficulty is that we never know what the weather is going to be like. If it’s humid, the bow wants to stick to the violin strings; it doesn’t want to bounce, doesn’t want to deliver a clean and sharp sound.”
This year he says they’ll take on a difficult piece by Igor Stravinsky, a ballet called “The Firebird.”
“It’s very difficult music,” he says. “But when they get to the end of it, they are so proud of themselves. ‘We did that!’”
MUSEP Schedule – MUSEP is a Greensboro summer tradition that all residents should check out. Shows run from 6-8 p.m. and are free and open to the public. Food trucks will be on site, and guests are welcome to bring their own picnics, lawn chairs, and blankets. In the event of rain, concerts will be moved to the Van Dyke Performance Space in the Greensboro Cultural Center, 200 N. Davie St.
June 16 – Concert Philharmonia of Greensboro, UNCG Great Lawn at LeBauer Park (nine musicians with UNCG ties), food by Parkside Pull-Up and Little Brothers Brewing
June 29 – Greensboro Concert Band, UNCG Great Lawn at LeBauer Park (six musicians with UNCG ties), food by Parkside Pull-Up and Little Brothers Brewing
July 13 – Del Ward and Sahara, Country Park Shelter #4 (indie pop/reggae), food by Kibi’s Crazy Casserole and Donut NV
July 27 – Kay Marion & the Neo Symphony, Lindley Park (neo-soul/R&B), food by Maho’s Bistro and Miki Bowls
Aug. 10 – Soultriii, Barber Park (soul/funk), food by Hot Diggity Dog and Ice Queen
Aug. 24 – The Phoebes and Nu-Blu, Keeley Park (rock, bluegrass), food from Mostly Melt and Knightly Rose
Story by Brian Clarey, University Communications
Photos courtesy of City of Greensboro
