Orchestra History
By 1965, after ten colorful years, Father Ferrara was ready to take a bold new step. Until then, the instrumental parts of the Society was classified as a symphonic band with the strings playing the parts of other instruments such as the oboe and the baritone. At this point, he again appealed to the younger generation of the parish and fond enough resources there to build a full compliment of strings – violin, viola, cello, and string bass. It took some time and a great deal of heard work but the results were well worth it.
By 1967, the Philharmonic Chorus was accompanied by a full-fledged symphonic orchestra and an intensive new music program had been started in most of the Hazleton Area parochial schools. The program taught the elements of music to grades 1 through 3. In the 4th grade, the students selected the stringed instrument of their choice and their musical education continued. The student’s ultimate goal was to become a member of the Senior orchestra. That year also witnessed the birth of Ferrwood Music camp, located in the beautiful Butler Valley just outside of Hazleton. At its peak, summer camp offered its students their own particular instrument and a chance to experience the professional leadership of performers from the Manhattan School of Music. As a bonus, they got to work under people such as the late Mr. Paul Cianci, a premier violinist and then assistant conductor of the late Broadway hit “Annie”. Also, they got to experience the talent of the late Nuncio “toots” Mondello who had won acclaim for years of solo work with Benny Goodman and, in later years, as a staff member with the CBS orchestra. All of this was provided for the remarkable fee of $35.00 per week. Today’s summer program includes as many as 4 open-air concerts at Ferrwood Music Camp. These free concerts include light classics, pop and show tunes, and occasional visits by local artists.
In 1973, the Philharmonic Society suffered a crushing blow. It received word that the Felley Theater complex had been sold and was about to be razed to make way for a parking lot. This proved to be the death knell for the Society’s yearly extravaganzas which, by then, had become the Hazleton tradition. The final performance on the Feeley stage was the full Broadway version of “West Side Story”. With no other place in Hazleton capable of housing the entire society, the orchestra was forced to take up the banner. In 1974, the Philharmonic Orchestra undertook a massive fundraising endeavor and, under the sponsorship of the Ambassadors For Friendship, went on a 3-week concert tour of Communist Romania.
Between 19754 and 1989 the orchestra continued to perform both within the city and at its summer workshop. During this time period, the orchestra appeared in concert for events such as the Hazleton Community Concert Association and a guest conductor appearance by maestro Donald Voorhees, the director of the Bell Telephone Hour symphony orchestra. It also traveled to Washing to D.C. to perform in the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception at the climax of a diocesan pilgrimage the year Elizabeth Ann Seton was canonized. In 1985 the orchestra was privileged to play for Pop Josh Paul II at his week’s general audience in St. Peter’s Square, Rome, Italy. There were approximately 35, 000 to 40, 000 faithful in attendance.
In 1990, the Society returned to the stage after a 15 year absence with a variety show format that, until last year, serves to showcase local talent of all types. The present day Philharmonic is a non-denominational, volunteer organization where ones expertise is not the primary concern. Furthermore, if an individual has always had a desire to play, but for some reason, never had the opportunity to study music, a Saturday morning program is available for beginners of all ages. The only prerequisite is a love of music and a genuine desire to work with others who have that very same love.
Reverend Joseph J. Ferrara, founder, Mr. Robert Lagana, director, and the Hazleton Philharmonic Orchestra look eagerly forward to an opportunity to share their love of music with you.
Present history of the HPSO:
Although with the loss of our mentor and guide this past year's Christmas eve of 2003, Father "Joe", his dream is still continued each and every day through my father, Mr. Robert J. Lagana.
Our members number at approximately 50, containing largely our "seasoned" citizens -- many going back to the original days with Father -- and also, many youngsters who are learning and growing in proficiency with their instrument every rehearsal.
Our summer camp still thrives today, and is currently undergoing a restoration process. It will soon be recognized as a National Historical Monument in this area and throughout Pennsylvania. Although some of the camp's original principles and ideas under Father Joe have been modernized, the camp excells in offering the instruction of various and sundry instruments. Also, during the day, it boasts regular summer camp activities.
The Saturday Workshop is going strong as our feeder program to the orchestra. It is fervently training its musicians to enter our orchestra and fulfill their musical capabilities. Anyone and eveyone is welcome to attend.
2010 -2011
Designed and maintained by Sarah Lagana