The Hazleton Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra
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 1974 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 Saint Pope John 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.
Mr. Robert Lagana, director, and the Hazleton Philharmonic Orchestra eagerly look forward to an opportunity to share their love of music with you.
2014: Noteworthy Year Celebrating 60 Years
Image courtesy of Jill Whalen, Standard Speaker.
Joe Palaggi, member of the Hazleton Philharmonic since its conception, was interviewed along with his wife, Carmella, in February of 2014. Click here to read the article.
Image courtesy of Jill Whalen, Standard Speaker.
Gertrude DeFluri recalled her time spent with the Hazleton Philharmonic Chorus this past November. Sadly, 'Gerti' passed away not long after this article was published. Click here to read the article.
Image courtesy of Amanda Christman, Standard Speaker.
Bob and Judy Lagana recalled their orchestral concert (1985) at the Vatican in Rome for Pope John Paul II who was recently canonized. Click here to read the article.
Current Activity of the HPSO
Father Joe's mission is still carried out under the direction of Mr. Robert J. Lagana.
Orchestra members number at approximately 50, containing largely our "seasoned" citizens -- several of whom date back to the earliest of days with Ferrara.
Ferrwood Music Camp thrives today, though not currently under the management of the Hazleton Philharmonic. Ferrwood is recognized as a National Historical Monument in this area and throughout Pennsylvania. Although some of the camp's original curriculum established by Ferrara have been modernized, the camp excells in offering the instruction of various and sundry instruments. It also boasts 'old-fashioned' summer camp activities throughout the days and evenings.
The Saturday Workshop serves as a feeder program to the orchestra. It is fervently training its musicians to enter our orchestra and fulfill their musical capabilities. Anyone at any age is welcomed to attend.