Greater Rochester Women’s Philharmonic Orchestra

Who are they, you ask? What kind of music do they play? When and where do they perform? Apparently, the group was established and is conducted by Nancy Strelau, an Assistant Professor at Nazareth College, in 1991. That’s as much information as is provided in the program of their recent Chamber Orchestra concert of the Beethoven Triple Concerto at Nazareth’s Linehan Chapel. I only found out about the performance from my singer friend Chelsea, who is also a proper violinist, and just joined the Women’s Philharmonic. The group is comprised of all volunteers, including students, teachers, amateurs, and professionals (I recognized one of the violists from a Concentus concert she accompanied, and Ms. Strelau informed us that several of the musicians were with the RPO and would be heading over to Kodak Hall right after the performance for the RPO’s concert that evening). I tried googling them when I got home, but they mysteriously have no website; I could only find some old concert postings, and some one-off Facebook events. The chapel was pretty full, so they must be doing a great job just with word of mouth!

Ms. Strelau introduced the piece and the outstanding soloists (Corinne Stillwell, violin; Mimi Hwang, cello; Elinor Freer, piano), and explained that the piece is seldom performed because of its level of difficulty – “the cello part is brutal.” She remarked that the orchestra was there to support the wonderful soloists, and that the performance was “the orchestra’s gift to them.” It was a wonderfully played gift, and the soloists didn’t disappoint in their acceptance – they all seemed to be enjoying the piece, especially the pianist, and they all made their performances appear effortless. I could have listened to them all afternoon, except for the exceedingly uncomfortable pews (why must the venues with the best acoustics also be the ones deliberately designed to make the audience uncomfortable?).

I chatted briefly with Chelsea at the conclusion, and shared my amazement that this excellent music was offered to us free of charge. She said the group occasionally does perform for donations – not for themselves, but to benefit other causes (for example, Alternatives for Battered Women). I wish I could get on their distribution list for future concerts, but I’m not sure they even have one!