From Bach to Marsalis
Melissa Dvozenja-Thomas, Executive Director, Arts Mid-Hudson
In the Hudson Valley, we are lucky to have the talent of major cities while enjoying the beauty of nature all around us. Audiences can experience an evening with Broadway musicians Rachel Handman and Keve Wilson, who join the Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra for a performance titled “;From Bach to Marsalis.” Scheduled for Friday, August 29, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., this concert will be held at the Stissing Center for Arts and Culture in Pine Plains, NY.
Founded in 2006 to provide top-quality live orchestral performances at family-friendly prices, the Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra (NDSO) is now in its 19th season. The ensemble comprises 40 to 50 musicians, depending on the repertoire. Each season includes five main concerts alongside special events. Kathleen Beckmann has served as both conductor and artistic director since the orchestra’s inception.
“This concert features music that spans centuries and genres - from baroque to pop to tango to the contemporary rhythms of Wynton Marsalis. NDSO musicians are joined by Broadway musicians and lifelong friends Rachel Handman and Keve Wilson,” stated Dave Baxter, President of the NDSO Board. “This is our 5th annual Labor Day weekend concert, and the others were all sellouts - order tickets now so you won’t miss this evening of joyful celebration!”
Rachel Handman, a virtuoso violinist, and Keve Wilson, a skilled oboist, first crossed paths as children at The Rink in Hyde Park, NY. Their mutual love for music and shared aspiration of performing on Broadway forged a lifelong bond between them. Over the years, they have fulfilled this dream, playing in the orchestra pits of renowned Broadway productions such as “Carousel,” “Something Rotten!,” “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” “Miss Saigon,” “Dr. Zhivago,” “West Side Story,” and “Company.” Their collaboration extends far beyond Broadway, with international performances in countries like Bolivia, Germany, and South Korea, showcasing their extraordinary talent around the globe.
“From Bach to Marsalis” is not just a concert but a narrative woven with the personal stories of Handman and Wilson’s enduring friendship. The program begins with the enchanting sounds of Bach’s Concerto for Violin and Oboe in C Minor, a piece that highlights the intricate dialogue between the violin and oboe, showcasing the duo’s exceptional synergy. The concert then transitions into the lively and rhythmic world of Wynton Marsalis with his “Fiddle Dance,” a piece that fuses classical elements with modern jazz influences.
Listeners will also be treated to Alec Wilder’s evocative “Air for Oboe and Strings,” a composition known for its lyrical beauty and emotional depth. The haunting beauty of Astor Piazzolla’s “Oblivion” will add a touch of Argentine tango to the evening, captivating audiences with its melancholic yet passionate melodies. The program will also feature Aaron Copland’s “Hoe Down,” bringing a burst of energetic Americana that celebrates the vibrant spirit of American folk music.
Adding a delightful twist to the evening, Handman and Wilson will present cabaret highlights from their acclaimed show at Feinstein’s 54 Below in New York City. These selections will offer a glimpse into their versatile musical range and captivating stage presence, leaving audiences thoroughly entertained.
This concert is more than just a performance; it is a celebration of lifelong friendship, shared dreams, and the universal language of music. The enchanting blend of classical andcontemporary works promises an evening that will resonate with music lovers of all ages and backgrounds.
If you go:
From Bach to Marsalis
The Stissing Center for Arts and Culture, 2950 Church Street in Pine Plains, NY 12567
Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm
Contact: 845-445-9606
www.ndsorchestra.org
