Butler Symphony conductor bids adieu
An era ended as the curtain fell on Butler County Symphony Orchestra's season and conductor Matthew Kraemer took his final bow Saturday evening.
"The Golden Age of Hollywood" concert in Butler Intermediate High School auditorium was a night of reminiscence and recognition. Many were honored, and many more were impressed by the talented instrumentalists gracing the stage.
It was Kraemer's farewell concert with Butler Symphony after 11 years as its conductor. He soon will man the post of music director and conductor for the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.
Kraemer was recognized at the concert’s end by the symphony board, specifically by president Carl Fry.
“We thank you so much for your service. (Kraemer’s) brought this orchestra to a level not just for a small town, but fit for a large-town venue,” he said.
Everyone in the venue then stood with rousing applause for the maestro.
“Chapters open and close in our lives, but this one is particularly tough for me,” Kraemer said in his closing remarks. “I’ve been here a quarter of my life. If this was just a job, it’d be one thing, but this is family.”
He went on to express his gratitude to the fellow musicians on stage.
“Every season I go home and study because you continually raise the bar,” he said. “I will always cherish this memory of Butler.”
Kraemer was presented a proclamation and a key to the city from Butler Mayor Bob Dandoy for his “dedication and success” as a musical community leader.
“You really don’t need the key, because for you, the door’s always open,” he said.
The concert featured stylings from Academy-award winning films, and the musical group navigated the songs with such dexterity, you almost could see the scenes play out.
Kraemer provided background on Hollywood’s Golden Age at the preshow lecture, which spans from the end of the silent film era into westerns and blockbuster classic films such as “Gone With the Wind.”
"I’m very fortunate my last concert here is one of my favorite genres of music. I love movies," he said. “This was the dawning of a new era in Hollywood.”
Fans of Alfred Hitchcock thrillers were in for a treat, with the orchestra’s rendition of “Vertigo" themes turning the room on its head. The string section depicted the jarring and dreamlike juxtaposition of the film with complex harmonies and phrases rising and falling like a spiral staircase.
Audiences immediately were entranced the familiar "Moon River" from the film "Breakfast at Tiffany's," and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from “The Wizard of Oz.” Some even participated in humming and singing the lyrics.
The music of classic westerns were represented with Dimitri Tiomkin's "High Noon" and John William's "Cowboys Overture." The full company played with wide contrasts between floating ballad portions and suspense-filled staccato sections.
A selection from "Ben Hur" was triumphant, bold and brassy. One could picture the galloping horses and chariots thanks to the horn section’s clear tones.
The longing refrains of “Tara’s Theme” from “Gone with the Wind” was presented with a moving vivacity, one that put audience members in a trance.
During the concert, awards were presented to three individuals for their work in the musical community and the symphony organization.
The Outstanding Music Educator award was given to Beth Ackelson, who has been a teacher for more than 30 years.
The Symphony Musician award was presented to to Vincent Sanzotti, who has played with the symphony for 61 years.
The Symphony Service recognition was awarded to Charles Stitt, a symphony board member who died last year.
Honorees were provided a reception following the performance.
