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AUBURN, Mass. – The weather was gloomy all weekend, but Mother Nature decided to play nice just in time as the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra played a concert in Auburn on Sunday night.
The performance, which was originally scheduled for Friday until rain pushed it back, inaugurated the Riley-Pappas Performance Pavilion at the Dr. Arthur and Dr. Martha Pappas Recreation Complex.
“The town of Auburn is so fortunate to have this pavilion,” said Town Manager Julie Jacobson. “Through the generosity and commitment of the Pappases, the residents of the town of Auburn will be able to enjoy this beautiful facility, this beautiful complex for generations to come.
“Arthur and Martha, we thank you for your philanthropy and for all that you have done for the town of Auburn,” Jacobson continued.
All ages came out to take in the sounds of the orchestra, who played a pops concert with songs from Beethoven, Anderson, Handel, Berlioz and Verdi. There were also selections from “The Sound of Music,” including the famous songs “My Favorite Things,” “So Long, Farewell” and “Do, Re, Mi.”
Other Broadway show selections were from “Wicked” and “Porgy and Bess.” The performance ended with music from Jennifer Lopez, Bob Seger and John Philip Sousa.
The “Classics to Broadway” concert featured Maestro Myron Romanul conducting the orchestra and solo vocalists Jane Shivick and Michael Calmès.
Jacobson said that the concert was funded through donations from Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital and an anonymous donor who contributed to the town to support the concert. Jacobson also thanked the other contributors to the complex, including the Friends of the Pappas Recreation Complex, and the local elected officials for their support.
There will be free weekly concerts at the Pappas Recreation Complex throughout August. All concerts in August are on Thursday at 6 p.m.
On Aug. 2, Kings Row will perform; on Aug. 9, Southern Rail; on Aug 16, Outriggers; on Aug. 23, Christine Taylor will present Broadway favorites with Auburn community players.
Groups interested in performing can contact Ken Fairbanks, highway superintendent, at 508-832-7814.
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