Tuscarawas Philharmonic begins 80th season this fall
By Teri Stein
August 12, 2015
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From 1935 to 2015, the Tuscarawas Philharmonic recently announced its 80th season via a special anniversary video at the Performing Arts Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas on Aug. 1 at the PACs season unveiling event.
The importance of the Tuscarawas Philharmonic to the community cannot be overlooked. As listed in the groups mission statement, it strives to provide an exceptional musical experience for its audience and the musicians alike.
The Tuscarawas Philharmonic works to foster knowledge and appreciation of great music and engage and inspire musicians with unique performances and educational opportunities.
The group has certainly met the last goal of its mission to establish itself as a long-term and essential contributor to the cultural fabric of the community.
I like to think of the Tuscarawas Philharmonic as just one of those things that is necessary because it enhances life beyond subsistence, beyond simply getting by day to day and doing what we need to do in order to live, conductor Eric Benjamin said in the video. It gives us something else, a place to go, a place to leave and maybe think some thoughts that wouldnt occur to us in the normal realm of things.
The new season begins on Oct. 24 with the show Must-Hear Masterpieces at the Performing Arts Center, the home of the orchestra. Dover native Sawyer Thomson will be featured on the cello.
A Halloween childrens concert of Peter and the Wolfe is scheduled for Oct. 31.
For the holiday season, two shows are scheduled. On Dec. 6 the group will offer a free performance of Handels Messiah at the First United Church of Christ in New Philadelphia. Christmas Down the Years will feature the Philharmonic Childrens Chorus and area baritone Ron Barkett on Dec. 12.
The Magical Music of Disney is billed as a family delight. Clips of Disney movies are set to live music on Feb. 13.
Celtic Cavalcade on March 12 will feature Tina Bergman, Bryan Thomas, piper Brian McElhinney and tenor Rob Frankenberry with an entertaining mix showcasing Celtic tradition.
On April 23, Reverberations! a show celebrating 80 years of local talent features the Honors Band, the Philharmonic Chorus and pianist Jerry Wong.
Back by popular demand, performers Jon and Liz Langford Estes, Debra Reb Robinson, and Jacob Stockdale will be the featured performers in the show Coming Home for Classic Country on June 4.
The Tuscarawas Philharmonic began in 1935 by Gilbert Roehm, a young conductor, who, after visiting a friend in Tuscarawas County, felt the musical talent of the area was undeveloped. He organized a group of community members from high school students, clerks, secretaries, beauticians, teachers and a few former professional musicians.
Roehm served as conductor until 1964 when Eugene Kilinsky of Cleveland Heights took the baton for four years. In 1968, Robert Cronquist, who also conducted the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra, became the conductor of the Tuscarawas Philharmonic for seven years.
Still a familiar name for many, Margery Kent Henke became the conductor and is credited with extending the season, featuring quality guests and adding both an adults and childrens choirs. Henke led the orchestra until her death in 1996.
Eric Benjamin originally filled in as a guest conductor during Kent Henkes illness, but was named music director/conductor of the Tuscarawas Philharmonic in August 1997. Though known for his wonderful sense of humor, it is a job he takes seriously.
One man had the vision to do this, to create a homegrown symphony orchestra in Tuscarawas County, and I think that it behooves us to take this inheritance that we have received and nurture it and make it flourish so it survives for years and years to come, Benjamin said.
