Before an audience of 500 people, the Norwood Symphony Orchestra made its long‑awaited public concert debut Sunday night in the Junior High School Auditorium. The stage, framed by spring flowers, provided a fitting backdrop for the orchestra’s first full performance under the direction of Professor John V. Dethier, whose leadership has been central to the ensemble’s formation and growth.
From the opening notes to the final selection, the orchestra—39 musicians strong—was warmly received. Audience members from Norwood and surrounding towns expressed surprise and pride at the depth of musical talent within the community.
Many remarked that the orchestra would serve as an inspiration to the hundreds of children studying music in the public schools, offering them a future path for ensemble performance after graduation.
A Community Orchestra With a Community Mission
The Norwood Symphony Orchestra was organized on February 4, 1947, with the goal of giving former high‑school orchestra members and other interested musicians in Norwood and nearby towns an opportunity to continue ensemble playing.
The undertaking is recreational, social, and philanthropic, made possible through the cooperation of the Recreation Department and the School Department. Rehearsals are held every Tuesday from 7:30–9:15 p.m. in Room 200 of the Junior High School, with the season running from October through May.
The presence of Professor Dethier—described by many as a rare musical asset—was widely praised. His willingness to give his time and talent to a community ensemble was seen as a major factor in the orchestra’s success.
Orchestra Personnel
Conductor
- John V. Dethier
First Violins
- George Lorusso (Concert Master), Samuel Kallgren, Silverio Antonico, Pleasantine Robinson, Frances D. Garner, Beverly J. Aasgaard, Barbara I. Mackie, Dorothy S. Murray, Eugene Wyman
Second Violins
- Jeanette Chamberlain, Barbara M. Cushing, Ruth A. Anderson, Martin Chipman, Joilnie M. Stupak, Frances M. Raymond, Dorothy E. McComb, Julia A. Collins, Marcia J. Tobin
Violoncellos
- Florence A. Dodge, Barbara A. Haskell
String Bass
- Raymond W. White
Piano
- Florence E. Garner
Flute
- Jane L. Young
Oboes
- Martha Findlay, Louise Foley
Clarinets
- Anthony R. Paul, Louis Manninen, Walter W. Dauksevich
Alto Saxophones
- Josephine V. Flaherty, Elizabeth Falconer
Trumpets
- Frank J. Paul, George H. Raymond, Paul A. Lund, Allan T. Garner
Horns
- Everett R. Davis, Dorothy A. Wyman
Trombone
- George Farnham
Tuba
- Joseph Guillemette
Percussion
- Mary Guillemette
Program Highlights
The evening’s selections showcased a wide range of classical and popular orchestral repertoire:
- Overture “Ruy Blas” — Mendelssohn
- Chorale — Bach
- Waltz “Gold and Silver” — Lehar
- Symphony in D Major — Haydn
- Adagio–Allegro
- Menuetto–Trio
- Allegro Spiritoso
Intermission
- Famous Favorites — Victor Herbert
- Waltz “Spring” — Link
- Overture “The Seraglio” — Mozart
- Selections from “Orange Blossoms” — Victor Herbert
- London Suite — Eric Coates
- Covent Garden – Tarantella
- Westminster – Meditation
- Knightsbridge – March
Each section of the orchestra was praised for both solo and ensemble work, with many audience members noting the high level of technical skill required for the program.
Sponsored by the Band Mothers’ Club
The concert was sponsored by the Band Mothers’ Club, with proceeds benefiting the Junior and Senior High School Bands. Their support made it possible for the bands to travel to Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, on May 20 to participate in the New England Band Conference.
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