Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra Visits Daniels Farmstead for Patriotic Concert Under the Stars

Milford, MA — The Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra — the region's premiere professional symphonic ensemble — will present a "Patriotic Concert under the Stars" at Daniels Farmstead in Blackstone on Saturday evening, September 11, 2010 at 6 PM. This performance, which has been rescheduled from its original July 10th date, is sponsored by International Power Blackstone and Unibank. The Daniels Farmstead grounds and concession kitchen will open at 4 PM and there will be a Silent Auction to benefit the Daniels Farmstead Foundation on going from 4:30 to 7:30 PM. Admission to the concert is free, though there is a suggested donation of $5 for parking at Daniels Farmstead. The raindate for this concert is Sunday, September 12th at the same time.

"For the past five years, the Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra has been visiting Daniels Farmstead each summer, bringing a performance of the Claflin Hill Symphony Summer Winds," stated Paul Surapine, Executive & Artistic Director of the CHSO. "For the first time ever, we are presenting the full symphony orchestra in an outdoor performance this year. We had planned a Patriotic Concert for July 10th, which had to be postponed because of inclement weather that weekend, however the September 11th date - with the anniversary of the attacks on America is all the more appropriate for a patriotic program at this beautiful venue."

The CHSO will perform a rousing and uplifting program of music of American composers, from Aaron Copland to Morton Gould. Highlights of the concert will include the orchestra's tribute to members of the United States Armed Forces, as well as music from Broadway, renditions of "God Bless America", "America the Beautiful", and a special musical tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. A special feature of the concert will be a performance of Aaron Copland's "Our Town" - written for the Thornton Wilder play - accompanied by images of Blackstone, Mendon and surrounding communities projected on a giant outdoor screen.

The Boards of Directors of both The Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra and Daniels Farmstead Foundation have also begun discussions over the past year to plan the building of a permanent music performance pavilion on the grounds of Daniels Farmstead, which will become the future summer home of the CHSO.

"The CHSO has just recently completed its Tenth Anniversary Season," said Surapine, "and in only ten short years, has already become of the finest regional, professional orchestras in the country - in the words of Ron Della Chiesa - noted classical music radio host and the voice of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. With the growing relationship between Claflin Hill and Daniels Farmstead, both organizations feel it would be both an economic and cultural stimulus for the region to go forward with this concept. Although still in the early planning and discussion stages, we have already presented this idea in conversation to numerous political and business leaders of the region, and have found overwhelming moral support for it. We are all excited about the possibilities this project can bring to life, and look at this unique concert on September 11th as the beginning of our own "Tanglewood" for Central Massachusetts and the Blackstone Valley."

For more information about Daniels Farmstead or The Claflin Hill Symphony, visit their websites at www.danielsfarmstead.org or www.claflinhill.org.

# # #

About The Claflin Symphony Orchestra
The Claflin Symphony Orchestra, located in Milford, MA, is a powerful regional musical force. Through passionate performances presented by masterful musicians, the CHSO plays a leading role in the cultural enrichment and vitality of Central Massachusetts and MetroWest communities. The CHSO sponsors a remarkable outreach program that helps youth perfect their musical talents and build long-lasting appreciation for music.

# # #

About the Chamber

The mission of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce is to promote the economic vitality of the Blackstone Valley and meet the needs of the Chamber's business members, while providing leadership on issues which impact the economy and quality of life in the Valley. The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce serves the eleven towns in the Massachusetts BV Region: Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton and Uxbridge. For more information on the Chamber please contact administrator@blackstonevalley.org or call 508 234 9090 X101.