Southern Delaware Orchestra concerts set July 19, 20

The Southern Delaware Orchestra will perform a concert at 3 p.m., Saturday, July 19, at Milford High School. The orchestra will play again at 3 p.m., Sunday, July 20, at Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes.

The program includes works by some of America’s greatest composers including Aaron Copland, George Gershwin, John Williams, Richard Rodgers and Irving Berlin.

Stephen Czarkowski, an internationally recognized conductor and cellist, will be the guest conductor. Featured soprano Dr. Makeda Hampton is a renowned soloist who has appeared at the Metropolitan Opera and Lyric Opera of Chicago. 

“We are truly excited about a program that raises the bar high for the orchestra and features the talents of these amazing guest artists,” said Stephen Greifer, co-founder and board president. “We promise an evening of favorites, plus exploration and discovery, as we stroll through some of the greatest music from some of the most iconic composers this nation has ever produced.”

Violinists and local high school graduates Sigrid Evers, Olivia Passwaters and Shelby Troyer will join the performances.

A Milford graduate, Evers will attend Haverford College, where she will major in urban planning and minor in music. She will return to play in summer programs while she is in college.

Troyer, who graduated as salutatorian from Greenwood Mennonite School, will attend University of Delaware classes in Georgetown and then study nursing at the Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing. Because she will still be living nearby, she will continue to play with the orchestra throughout the year. 

A Cape graduate, Passwaters will attend Salisbury University.

“It is the nature of a community orchestra to include performers of all ages and backgrounds,” said Greifer, “and it is a special moment for us to wish Sigrid, Olivia and Shelby great success in the next steps in their lives, education and musical careers.”

To learn more, go to sodelo.org.