“From its humble beginnings as a music club to an ensemble that boasts 75 accomplished musicians, the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra has grown by leaps and bounds during its existence,” reads an editorial in Wednesday’s (9/13) Tribune-Democrat (Johnstown, PA). “This year marks the 89th season for the orchestra, and the group is looking toward the future by honoring its past…. ‘Concerts were usually performed in the auditoriums of high schools around the city, and they would pack in 1,000 or 1,200 people at every performance,’ [Executive Director Michael] Walther said…. Many musicians were also employees of the steel industry, he said…. Today, JSO members live in many neighborhoods across the region…. During September, The Tribune-Democrat is featuring a different musician daily…. ‘Our demographic is shifting,’ Walther said. ‘We’re seeing younger people attend concerts, and we’re seeing parents bringing children to concerts, and that’s a great sign.’ … [Music Director James] Blachly is a staunch supporter of all arts in the region and is convinced that Greater Johnstown will ‘become a hotbed for artists of all disciplines.’ … The JSO is a prominent piece of the region’s artistic machine, but it needs the continued, unwavering support of the community.”
Posted September 13, 2017
