May 10, 2021 By Lawrence Budmen
Michael Tilson Thomas led the New World Symphony in an American program Saturday night. File photo: Brandon Patoc
The musicians of the New World Symphony have played under some highly gifted conductors during this season of intimate streamed concerts but when artistic director Michael Tilson Thomas returned to the podium for an all-American program on Saturday night, the difference was palpable. There was added spark in the players’ articulations, rhythms crackled and tonal sonority gleamed.
Tilson Thomas described the five composers on the evening’s menu as “ground-breaking” creative artists. He had a very personal connection to the program’s opening work –
Dave Slater, volunteer firefighter with the Community Fire Company of Cornwall Borough, attended his first borough council meeting as the newly elected president of the fire company. When it was Slater s turn to speak, Councilman Thomas Burton asked him how many times he was going to bring his bucket to the well. Slater told Burton he did not understand his question.
Burton suggested that the fire company often comes to the council for money and questioned what the members do to raise their own funds. Slater said the fire company raised $500 in March from a sub sale.
Burton asked Slater if the company has approached the Mount Gretna Fire Company to learn how they do fundraising. Slater told him he is not familiar with Mount Gretna Fire Company business. Council President John Karinch said the Mount Gretna company has a social hall, giving them an advantage in fundraising.