Piano Soloist Will Be Featured

Several years ago, Ken Laudermilch, conductor of the New Holland Band, considered doing a concert featuring George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" as transcribed for wind band. The catch was that Laudermilch wanted the featured pianist to be his friend and fellow musician Dr. Ronald Matthews.

"We have played together," said Laudermilch. "I know him personally, and I have always admired his playing." The concert was planned for the spring of 2021, but COVID-19 restrictions interfered. "I can't think of anyone else I want to (present this piece) with," said Laudermilch. "I thought I would try one more time."

Laudermilch's efforts appear to have paid off. The New Holland Band will present "A Rhapsody in Blue" as its opening concert of 2022 at Lancaster Bible College, 901 Eden Road, Lancaster, on Sunday, March 6, at 3 p.m.

Laudermilch has planned the concert to include Dmitri Shostakovich's "Festive Overture," Haydn Wood's "Mannin Veen," Mark Camphouse's "Foundation," and "Be Still My Soul, played to the melody of "Finlandia." Laudermilch has planned three marches for the event: John Philip Sousa's "With Pleasure" and "Stars and Stripes Forever," along with "The Purple Pageant March" by Karl L. King.

Matthews is a Philadelphia native, a world-class pianist and the president of Eastern University. He began his classical piano studies at age 4. He completed his undergraduate degree in church music and organ at Westminster Choir College and his Master of Music in choral conducting from Temple University. He did his doctoral work at Combs College of Music in composition. He has conducted, recorded, and performed throughout Europe, as well as in Israel and at the Vatican.

The concert is free for students through 12th grade or age 18. There is a cost for adults to attend. Readers may purchase tickets at http://www.newhollandband.org or by calling 717-355-5096. More information on the band is available by searching for "The New Holland Band" on Facebook.