2012-2013, Naples Orchestra & Chorus’  19th Anniversary Season

Presenting an exciting season of outstanding classical and popular music.

Conductor & Music Director, Robert Herrema, has assembled a repertoire you won’t want to miss.

Special Guest Artist, Alexandra Carlson

In February, we’ll bring you our very special guest this season, internationally acclaimed pianist, Russian Language Coach, and accompanist for the joint production of Eugene Onegin by Opera Naples and The Naples Philharmonic,  Alexandra Carlson.  Dr. Carlson will join us for Beethoven to Broadway with a performance of George Gershwin’s enchanting Rhapsody in Blue.

2012-2013 Season Highlights

Beethoven to Broadway

Feb. 16, 7:00 pm; Feb. 17, 2:00 pm

Beethoven: Prometheus Overture
Beethoven: Symphony No. 5
Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue,
Alexandra Carlson, Guest Pianist
Plus, a variety of Broadway Selections

Soloist: Alexandra Carlson, Pianist

Alexandra Carlson earned her Master of Piano Performance, and her Doctorate of Musical Arts from the St. Petersburg Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory, St. Petersburg, Russia. Dr. Carlson has won prizes at the Maria Yudina International Piano Competition (Russia), the Valentino Bucci International Competition (Italy) and an internship with the Boston Symphony Orchestra from the New Horizons Project (USA). She performs a wide range of solo and orchestral works in Russia, Europe and the USA.

Since coming to Naples, Alexandra has played at Moorings Presbyterian Church, the Port Royal Club, and served as accompanist and Russian diction coach for the Opera Naples & Naples Philharmonic’s joint production of Tchaikovsky’s opera Eugene Onegin. We are proud to bring her to you this season as NOC’s pianist/accompanist and featured artist.  Read More…

April 13, 7:00 pm; April 14, 2:00 pm

Four exceptional vocalists from Florida Gulf Coast University will join us for our season finale, War & Peace. 

Haydn: Missa in Tempore Bell
(Mass in Time of War)
Featuring soloists from FGCU’s Bower School of Music
Bach: Dona Nobis Pacem
Miller: Let there be Peace
Gould: American Salute
Gliere: Russian Sailors Dance

Orchestra & Chorus Holy Week Tradition

NOC is delighted to perform Theodore Dubois’ hauntingly beautiful and moving oratorio The Seven Last Words of Christ in area churches again this year. The work features three soloists, choir and orchestra. Hear this magnificent work on:

Palm Sunday – March 24, 2013
Wesley United Methodist Church
350 Barfield Drive South
Marco Island, FL

Friday – March 29, 2013
Moorings Presbyterian Church
791 Harbour Drive
Naples, FL

Robert Herrema, Conductor & Music Director

NOC has flourished under the baton of Maestro Herrema.  Please join us in celebrating his 5th anniversary season with us.

Our Season

Our season runs from November to mid-April with nine concerts each season; six performed at Golden Gate High  School, and three in area churches on Marco Island and Naples.

Musicians Welcome

If you’re a musician interested in joining a growing, vibrant ensemble, we’d like to hear from you. Please contact Marcia Reff: 239.775.8460 or marciareff@naples.net

Sign up for our Newsletter

You won’t want to miss next season’s performances. Sign up to receive our email alerts and you’ll be amongst the first to receive information about next season’s programs.

The 2011-2012 Season

February, 2012

Robert Dale Herrema, Conductor

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart ”Piano Concerto #10 for two pianos and orchestra”
Georges Bizet ”The Carmen Suite”
Francis Poulenc ”Concerto in D Minor for two pianos and orchestra”
Camille Saint-Saëns ”Carnival of the Animals”- with soloists from Florida Gulf Coast University
Dr. Michael Baron - faculty, and students Priscilla Nevarro and Lìgia Pucci.
For more information about these featured performers, click on Biographies

December, 2011

Robert Dale Herrema, Conductor

Jay Althouse ”Sing We Now of Christmas” – the chorus with a brass ensemble
Antonio Vivaldi ”Magnificat”
Georges Bizet ”L’Arlesienne Suite No.1″
George Frederick Handel ”Hallelujah” from Judas Maccabaeus
George Frederick Handel ”Hallelujah” from Messiah
Jim Leininger ”Hodie Christus Natus Est” – the chorus with a brass ensemble.
“Christ Is Born” arranged by Marion Vree – for chorus
Kirby Shaw ”Jamaican Noel”
Christmas Music – arranged by John Cacavas
Irving Berlin ”White Christmas”
Leroy Anderson ”Bugler’s Holiday”
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” – arranged by David Willcocks
“The First Noel”- arranged by David Willcocks

The 2010-2011 Season

December, 2010

Robert Dale Herrema, Conductor

Jay Althouse from “Sing We Now of Christmas” – the chorus with a brass ensemble.
George Frederick Handel selections from Judas Maccabaeus ”Overture,” “Sound the Alarm,” “See the Conquering Hero,” “March,” “Sing Unto God,” and “Hallelujah.”
Arcangelo Corelli’s Christmas Concerto (Concerto Grosso in G Minor) – for strings only.
John Rutter ”Star Carol”
“Jingle Bells” – arr. by David Willcocks
Leroy Anderson “Sleigh Ride”
William Amadeus Mozart ”Sleigh Ride”
Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard ”The Polar Express” – Concert Suite arr. by Jerry Brubaker
Various carols including: “Sir Christèmas” by William Mathias, “Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming”- an old German melody harmonized by M Praetorius, “Adeste Fidelis” attributed to English hymnist John Francis Wade, and “First Nowell”

February, 2011

Robert Dale Herrema, Conductor

Gioacchino Rossini Tancredi Overture 
Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, Opus 64 - featured solist, Ming Gao
“A Salute to the Big Bands” – arr. by Calvin Custer, featuring “April in Paris,” “I’m Gettin’ Sentimental Over You,” “Pennsylvania 6-5000,” “Serenade in Blue,” and “Sing,Sing, Sing.”
Reinhold Glière ”Russian Sailors’ Dance, from The Red Popjay
Jacques Offenbach Overture to the operetta Orpheus in the Underworld
Guests: Lee County Pipes and Drums Bagpipe Ensemble, William Ferrigno, Musical Director
“Highland Cathedral”
“Scotland the Brave” – arranged by L. Davidson for pipes and orchestra
George MacIlwham ”Amazing Grace” for pipes and orchestra

April 2011

Robert Dale Herrema, Conductor

Alexander Borodin ”Polovetsian Dances”
Giuseppe Verdi ”Va pensiero” – from the opera Nabucco
Giuseppe Verdi ”Anvil Chorus” – from the opera Il Trovatore
Featured solist, International Tenor Star - Rodney Westbrook
Giuseppe Verdi ”La donne è mobile” – from the opera Rigoletto
Giuseppe Verdi ”Brindisi” – from the opera La Traiviata
Claude-Michel Schönberg ”Bring Him Home” – from the Broadway Musical Les Misérables

Excerpts from Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore - “Overture,” “We Sail the Ocean Blue,” “I’m Called Little Buttercup,” “When I Was a Lad,” “Finale”
“Richard Rodgers in Concert” – orch arr: Paul Murtha, choral arr: Mac Huff

The 2009-2010 Season

December, 2009

Robert Dale Herrema, Conductor

A Medley of Well-Known Christmas Carols, arr. by Arthur Harris
Pietro Yon: ”Gesu Bambino” – arr. by William Ryden with solo soprano, Carolyn Greiner
Robert Shaw and Robert Rusell Bennett: ”Many Moods of Christmas Suite 4″
Jeff Tyzik: ”Chanukah Suite”
Selections from “One Hundred Carols for Choirs” edited and arranged by David Willcocks and John Rutter
George Frideric Handel: - selections from The Messiah, including the “Hallelujah Chorus” with solist, Carolyn Greiner
Felix Mendelssohn: ”Hark! the Herald Angels Sing”
Victor Herbert ”March of the Toys” from Babes in Toyland - arr. by Otto Langey

February, 2010

Robert Dale Herrema, Conductor

Hector Berlioz: Roman Carnival Overture
Johannes Brahms: ”Hungarian Dance No. 5″
Antonin Dvorak: ”Slavonic Dance, Op. 46, No. 8″
Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky: excerpts from The Nutcracker Ballet
Leroy Anderson: ”The Waltzing Cat”
Guests: Wendy Willis and Flute Cocktail

March, 2010

Robert Dale Herrema, Conductor

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Coronation Mass
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Symphony No. 40 in G Minor
Patriotic Works:
Aaron Copeland ”Hoe Down” from Rodeo
John Williams ”Olympic Fanfare and Theme” – arr. Donald Riggio
Duke Ellington ”A Medley for Orchesrra” – arr. Calvin Custer
George M. Cohan ”You’re a Grand Old Flag”
Irving Berlin ”God Bless America”
Julia Ward Howe ”Battle Hymn of the Republic”

The Naples Orchestra and Chorus also performed
Théodore DuBois Seven Last Words of Christ at
First Presbyterian Church of Naples. Wesley United Church and Moorings Presbyterian Church.
Soloists: Dori Smith – soprano, Peter Gilbody – tenor (March 28th), John Ostrowski – tenor (March 30th and April 2), and Douglas Renfroe – baritone

The 2008-2009 Season

December, 2008

Robert Dale Herrema, Conductor

Lloyd Pfautsch: Fanfare for Christmas
Georges Bizet: L’Arlesienne Suite # 1: Overture, Minuet, Adagietto, Carillon
George Fredrick Handel: excerpts from The Messiah
“Sing We Now of Christmas” arr. by Jay Althouse
“What is this Lovely Fragrance?” (French) – arr. by Healey Willan
“Dunda” (Hebrew)
Peter Tinturin: “Santa Claus 4 President”
M. Leontovich ”Carol of the Bells” (Ukrainian) – arr. and words by Peter J. Wilhousky
Leroy Anderson: Sleigh Ride 
Leroy Anderson: A Christmas Festival

February, 2009

Robert Dale Herrema, Conductor

Joseph Haydn:TrumpetConcerto in E Flat – for orchestra with solist David Dash
Joseph Haydn: The Creation (abridged) – for orchestra and chorus with soprano solist, Jeannie Darnell

March, 2009

Robert Dale Herrema, Conductor

Aaron Copeland: “Hoe-Down”
“Happy Birthday Medley”
Johann S. Bach: Violin Concerto No. 1 in A minor
Richard Rogers: “It’s a Grand Night for Singing”
Ralph Stewart: “Berceuse”
Robert Herrema: “Ogden Gnashed”
Robert Herrema: “Night Baseball”
Ludwig van Beethoven: “Bottom of the Ninth!” – arr. by Lee Wilkins
Wolfgang A. Mozart: “Saw-ve Verum Corpus” – arr. by Lee Wilkens
Wolfgang A. Mozart: “Who Spiked the Mozart?” – arr. by Lee Wilkins
Johann Pachelbel: “Taco-Bell Canon” – arr. by Lee Wilkins
Leroy Anderson: “Bugler’s Holiday”
Lee Wilkins: Symphony No. Neine by Yura Dumpfkopf
Gary Booker and Keith Reid: “A Whiter Shade of Pale” – arr. by Lee Wilkins
Guest: Lee Wilkins

The Naples Orchestra and Chorus also performed
Théodore DuBois Seven Last Words of Christ at
St. John the Evanglist Catholic Church, St. Peter The Apostle Catholic Church, and Moorings Presbyterian Church.
Soloists: Dori Smith – soprano, John Ostrowski – tenor, and Peter Clapp – bass

The 2007-2008 Season

December, 2007

Dr. Marian Dolan, Guest Conductor

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Deutsche tanz K. 586 #1, a German dance, for orchestra.
“Pifa,” Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s re-orchestration, from George Frideric Handel’s Messiah – for orchestra.
“Glory to God,” Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s re-orchestration, from Handel’s Messiah – for chorus and instruments.
Johann Sabastian Bach How beautifully shines the morning star [Words by Philip Nicolai] – a cantata.
Felix Mendelssohn ”There Shall Be A Star” from “Jacob Come Forth,” from Christus.
An audience carol.
Johann Sabastian Bach Sleepers, Wake! [Words by Philip Nicolai] – a chorale.
Michael PrÊtorius “In dulci jubilo,” a composition for woodwinds based on Bach’s “Sleepers, Wake!.”
An audience carol.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Deutsche tanz #12, a German dance, for orchestra.

William Grant Still Romance, adapted by Douglas Yeo for classical saxophone and orchestra, featuring Adam Muller.
“Ani Ma’amin,” a traditional Jewish song, a commissioned new arrangement by Paul Caldwell and Sean Ivory.
“What child is this,” words by William Chatterton Dix, arr. by Grant Cochran.
“Prayer for Peace,” Abbie Burt Betinis, based on texts by Bates Burt, a carol, a commissioned new arrangement by Abbe Burt Betinis.
A Polish carol for the orchestra.
Two Scandinavian carols for chorus and keyboard
Dan Kantor Night of Silence - with the audience

February, 2008

Robert Dale Herrema, Guest Conductor

Ludwig von Beethoven: Symphony 5. First Movement.
Ludwig von Beethoven: Overture to Egmont
Ludwig von Beethoven: Choral Fantasia, with Laura Fernando as piano soloist - for chorus and orchestra.

Leonard Bernstein (music), and Stephen Sondheim (lyrics), Highlights from West Side Story for orchestra
“Hush! Somebody’s Callin’ My Name,” arr. by Brazeal Dennard, – for chorus with piano
“Plenty Good Room,” arr. by Kirby Shaw, – for chorus with piano
Irving Berlin A Symphonic Portrait, arr. by Hawley Ades, – for chorus and orchestra.

April, 2008

John Giacco, Guest Conductor with friends

George Gershwin: An American in Paris Suite, arranged by John Whitney – for orchestra
Richard Rogers: Richard Rogers in Concert, arr. by Mac Huff and Paul Murtha, – a medley for chorus and orchestra
Jerry Bock: Fiddler on the Roof, arr. by Felton Rapley and Ralph Stewart – a medley for chorus and orchestra
Frank Loesser: Guys and Dolls, arr. by Calvin Custer, – a medley for chorus and orchestra
“Ballads by Bennett,” arr. by John Giacco – with vocal soloist, Don Juceam
“Songs by Sinatra” arr. by John Giacco – with vocal soloist, Don Juceam
Marvin Hamlisch A Chorus Line, arr. by Calvin Custer – a medley for orchestra
John Phillip Sousa: Washington Post March - for orchestra
Music of MGM, arr. by Greg Gilpin and Pete Schmutte – a medley for chorus and orchestra
Don Raye: This is my Country, arr. by Hawley Ades and Don Ringwald – for chorus and orchestra

The Naples Orchestra and Chorus also performed
Théodore DuBois Seven Last Words of Christ at
San Marco Catholic Church, St. Peter The Apostle Catholic Church, and St. William catholic Church.
Soloists: Roxylyn Theard – soprano, John Ostrowski – tenor, and Peter Clapp – bass.

The 2006-2007 Season

December, 2006

Richard Holmberg, Conductor

Ludwig von Beethoven: “Hallelujah Chorus” from Christ on the Mount of Olives
Ludwig von Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 2, with Lan Lam, piano soloist
Leroy Anderson: Sleigh Ride
Wilde/Konecky: Happy Hannukah My Friend, arr. Ed Lojeski, – with chorus
Gian Carlo Menotti“Shepherd’s Chorus” from Ahmal and the Night Visitors - with chorus
Coots & Gillespie Santa Claus is Coming to Town - with women’s chorus
Shaw and Bennett Many Moods of Christmas Suite No.4 with chorus

February, 2007

Richard Holmberg, Conductor

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Ave Verum - with chorus
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Symphony No. 41, ”The Jupiter”
Jacques Offenbach Neighbor’s Chorus - with chorus
Harold Arlen Get Happy, arranged for string orchestra by John Giacco
Miles Remembered [A Tribute to Miles Davis] arr. for trumpet and orchestra by John Giacco
Andrew Lloyd Webber A Concert Celebration, arr. Mark Brymer and Calvin Custer, – with chorus
Miller/Jackson Let There Be Peace on Earth, arr. Hawley Ades, – with chorus

March, 2007

Richard Holmberg, Conductor

Franz Joseph Haydn ”The Heavens Are Telling” from The Creation - with chorus
Johann Sebastian Bach Concerto in C Minor for Violin and Oboe, 1st Movement, with soloists Joan Vazakas, violin, and Jeanne Dow, oboe
George Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue for orchestra and piano, with solo pianist Georgia Kovacs
Jaromir Weinberger ”Polka and Fugue” from the opera Shvanda Dudak
John Williams Star Wars
Howard Shore Lord of the Rings
Richard Rodgers selections from Carousel ”Waltz,” “June is Bustin’ Out All Over,” “If I Loved You,” “Soliloquy,” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone” – with chorus
“Our America”, a medley of American songs, arr. John Higgins

The Naples Orchestra and Chorus also performed
Théodore DuBois Seven Last Words of Christ at
St. Peter The Apostle Catholic Church, and St. William catholic Church.
Soloists: Roxylyn Theard – soprano, John Ostrowski – tenor, and Peter Clapp – bass.

The 2005-2006 Season

December 2005

Richard Holmberg, Conductor

Ludvig von Beethoven: Symphony # 1
Piotr Tchaikovsky: Waltz of the Flowers
John Leavitt: Ose Shalom (“The One Who Makes Peace”) - John Giacco, clarinet soloist, with chorus
Pietro A. Yon: Gesù Bambino - with Christine Brinning Bronson, soprano soloist and Douglas McGeogh, baritone soloist
O Holy Night, a medley of carols, arranged by John Rutter - with Christine Brinning Bronson, soprano soloist and Douglas McGeogh, baritone soloist
Ken Darby: Twas the Night Before Christmas, arr. by Fred Waring for chorus
Leroy Anderson: A Christmas Festival - with chorus

February, 2006

Richard Holmberg, Conductor

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Overture from The Marriage of Figaro
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Piano Concerto # 21 in C Major K.467 - Karen Davis, piano soloist
Pietro Mascagni: Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana
Pietro Mascagni: Anthem to Spring from Cavalleria Rusticana – with chorus
Victor Herbert: March of the Toys
Victor Herbert: Italian Street Song - Roxlyn Theard, soprano soloist and chorus
George Gershwin: Medley from Poggy and Bess - with chorus

March,2006

Richard Holmberg, Conductor

Georges Bizet: Symphony # 1 in C Major
Georges Bizet: Carmen Suite
Peter Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto - Robert Radliff, solo violinist
Georges Bizet: Farandole from L’Arlesienne
Richard Rogers: Richard Rogers in Concert A medley for chorus: Slaughter on tenth avenue, The sound of nusic, Surrey with the fringe on top, I whistle a happy tune, The march of the Siamese children, My funny valentine, So-re-mi, There is nothing like a dame, June is bustin’ out all over, and Oklahoma.
Duke Ellington: A medley for orchestraDon’t Get Around Much Anymore, Do Nothin’ ‘Till You Hear From Me, Sophisticated Lady, It Don’t Mean A Thing, If It Ain’t Got That Swing
Al Jacobs and Don Raye: This is My Country - with chorus
Sy Miller and Bill Jackson: Let There be Peace on Earth - with chorus

The Naples Orchestra and Chorus also performed
Théodore DuBois Seven Last Words of Christ at
St. William Catholic Church and St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church.
Soloists: Roxlyn Theard, John Ostrowski, and Peter Clapp.