The Hernando Symphony Orchestra and two smaller groups will honor Broadway and big band music.
By JOY DAVIS-PLATT
Published February 20, 2004
The Hernando Symphony Orchestra will share the stage with two smaller musical groups in its upcoming tribute to Broadway and big band music.
The program, titled "HSO on Stage," will feature the Milo Dixie Band and the Hernando Jazz Society Saxophone Quartet playing music from America's past, said Nelson Dellamaggiore, a member of the saxophone quartet.
"We won't be playing the usual classical or jazz selections," Dellamaggiore said. "We have a medley of tunes from the Tin Pan Alley era and a lovely arrangement of Fly Me to the Moon."
Patterned after a string quartet, the saxophone group is made up of one tenor sax, which plays the part of a viola; a baritone sax, which is similar in tone to the cello; an alto sax, which plays the part of the second violin; and a soprano sax, which plays the part of the first violin.
"It takes special players to be able to play in a quartet like this," Dellamaggiore said. "We have no rhythm section to keep us in time, so it's a bit like a trapeze act without the safety net."
Quartet members, who are affiliated with the Hernando Jazz Society, must rehearse until they are very familiar with the material and each other, he said.
"It's almost telepathic," said Dellamaggiore, who founded the group two years ago. "We get to know each other very intimately to be able to stay together. Otherwise, it falls apart."
Besides playing the saxophone, Dellamaggiore has had experience behind the baton.
In the early 1990s, he conducted the Spring Hill Community Orchestra, a group that became the Hernando Symphony Orchestra.
"It's huge now in comparison to what we had," Dellamaggiore said. "When I was there, we had maybe 30 or 35 members. I am delighted to see how the group has come along."
Now in its 20th season, the orchestra has grown to more than 65 musicians and counts some of the area's finest musical talents among its members. The symphony's program includes a salute to the music of Frank Sinatra, selections from the Broadway musical Evita and The St. Louis Blues.
- Joy Davis-Platt can be reached at 352 848-1435. Send e-mail to joy@sptimes.com
At a glance
WHAT: Hernando Symphony Orchestra's "HSO on Stage" concert series - a tribute to Broadway and big band music
WHEN: 2 p.m. Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Feb. 28
WHERE: Sunday and Tuesday performances are at Springstead Theatre, 3300 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. The Feb. 28 concert is at the Hernando High School Performing Arts Center, 700 Bell Ave., Brooksville.
ADMISSION: Reserved seating is $9. For tickets and information, call 799-8507.
