Southern Delaware Orchestra to perform March 28-29

Southern Delaware Orchestra will present Old World, New World at 3 p.m., Saturday, March 28, at Epworth United Methodist Church, Rehoboth Beach, and at 3 p.m., Sunday, March 29, at Cape Henlopen High School, Lewes.

The program will open with the overture to Mozart's opera, “The Magic Flute,” a work of fantasy and fairy tales.

Renowned vocalists Joseph Turi, bass-baritone, and Ellen Turi, coloratura soprano, will also perform beloved duets and arias from other Mozart operas.

After intermission, the orchestra will perform Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, "From the New World," which the composer wrote and premiered in America. Deeply influenced by American spirituals and folk traditions, the work is a cornerstone of the orchestral repertoire and Dvořák’s most familiar piece – so familiar that Neil Armstrong even took a recording of it to the moon. Including this piece reflects the orchestra’s support of America’s 250th anniversary.

Music Director James Allen Anderson said, “This program celebrates the human spirit, bridging the wit of the old world with the boundless energy of the new.” 

Since its founding in 2022 as a string ensemble of 32 players, the organization has grown to a full orchestra of 75 musicians, including winds, brass and percussion. Its diverse membership of musicians includes students, professionals, music teachers, retirees, veterans and more.

To learn more, go to sodelomusic.org.