by Marianne Chirsty
It was a music-filled couple of days in Inlet as the Fulton Chain of Lakes Performing Arts Council, Inc. presented An Evening with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra on Friday, July 24, followed up by a free concert by the U.S. 10th Mountain Division Army Band on Sunday, July 26.
Both concerts were performed under the tent at Arrowhead Park, and according to FCLPAC Chairman Jerry Dupuis, both were well received by wildly enthusiastic audiences.
Dupuis said over 700 people filled the tent on Friday—the second largest crowd in the concert’s 17-year history—and approximately 750 attended on Sunday to listen to the music of the Army Band.
It was a first-time experience for new RPO Music Director Ward Stare at the Inlet venue, and from the get-go he knew what the returning orchestra already knew…that they were performing before an appreciative crowd.
When the audience rose to their feet following Three Dances from the Bartered Bride, he faced them and said in astonishment, “A standing ovation on the second piece?”
The upbeat mood continued throughout the performance. And on Sunday, the positive energy continued as folks gathered to enjoy one of the Army Band’s final state-side performances before their September deployment to Afghanistan.
Dupuis marveled at the quality of music played at both concerts and made special note of the supportive audiences.
“When I looked at the audiences, they were so reactive. I saw people overcome with emotion, some with tears rolling down their faces. If we can please a crowd to that extent, with tears and laughter, we have done our job,” he said.