Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra conductor signs five-year contract extension

PLYMOUTH — Conductor Steven Karidoyanes readies to lead 75-plus professional musicians who comprise the orchestra in a return to live, in-person performances. 

With his foundation of 27 seasons making him the orchestra’s longest serving conductor and music director in the Phil’s 106-year history, Karidoyanes added further assurance to the Phil’s solid future by signing a five-year extension to his contract.  

“I want to reaffirm my commitment to the Phil and the many who comprise our Phil family. I look forward to many more years with the orchestra I love so dearly,” said Karidoyanes. 

As individual artists lost a majority, if not all, of their income stream during the mandated closure period, arts organizations sought ways to survive. Fortunately, the Phil’s six consecutive years of surplus under the leadership of executive director Kim Corben put the organization in a relatively good position going into the closure. Moreover, a base of donors and sponsors continued their support, buoying the nonprofit into its next season of music set to begin in December. 

The Phil’s full orchestra performed for the first time in 18 months over Labor Day weekend, part of the Plymouth 400/Maritime Salute at the Plymouth waterfront. Next, the Phil will perform a special concert, part of “America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration,” at 7 p.m. Nov. 19 at Plymouth’s Memorial Hall, 83 Court St. Karidoyanes conducts “Seasons of Renewal,” a concert featuring Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons,” with guest violinist Irina Muresanu, and music by American composers George Gershwin, William Grant Still, and Cristina Spinei. 

The Phil’s new season officially begins in December.  

“We begin with Holiday Pops, our most beloved concert experiences that brings the best ingredients together: family, community and seasonal music favorites,” said Karidoyanes. “While our season starts later, it will be bigger than usual with three pops weekends, four classic symphonic programs and a benefit concert.” 

Opening weekend to the orchestra’s new season is Dec. 11-12 at Memorial Hall with three performances of traditional Holiday Pops including guest vocalists, soprano Kristen Watson and tenor Matthew Anderson, Santa and the “March of the Toys” community parade of giving to benefit the Children's Holiday Fund. 

Following the holidays and kicking off 2022, the Phil and Broadway guest vocalists celebrate iconic women of song with “Bette, Babs and Beyond,” music of Bette Midler, Barbra Streisand, Dolly Parton, Tina Turner and Cher at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 8 and 3 p.m. Jan. 9 at Memorial Hall. 

At 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29, the Phil will present “Two Worlds, One Land,” a concert featuring newly commissioned music: Tonya Wind Singer’s “Wampanoag Stories for All Time,” inspired by legends of the Wampanoag Nation, and Alex Berko’s “Mayflower,” evoking the origins of The Mayflower Compact.   The program also includes “Prayer and Celebration” by Brent Michael Davids and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, “Pastorale.” 

Classical crossover artists Sons of Serendip return to Memorial Hall at 7 p.m. Feb. 19 to perform a concert of inspirational storytelling, covers and originals. All proceeds from this fundraising concert benefit the orchestra. 

At 3 p.m. March 6, WCVB-Channel 5 meteorologist Mike Wankum forecasts a weather-related concert, “The Sound & the Fury: Music and Mother Nature.” This Sunday afternoon concert includes a preconcert instrument demonstration with the musicians and themed music such as J. Strauss Jr.’s “Thunder & Lightning Polka.” 

It’s an all-Beethoven at 7:30 p.m. March 26 and 3 p.m. March 27 when the Phil presents “Beethoven@250+” at Plymouth North High School Performing Arts Center. The program includes an “Ode to Joy” prelude, the composer’s Violin Concerto featuring Boston Symphony Orchestra associate concertmaster Alexander Velinzon, and the exciting and most famous Symphony No. 5. 

The “Mysteries of the Heart” concert on April 30 includes guest pianist Randall Hodgkinson, and members of the South Shore Conservatory’s Youth Orchestra playing side-by-side with the Phil musicians. Named for its emotionally charged pieces, this concert includes “Finlandia” by Sibelius, Piano Concerto by Amy Beach, and “Enigma Variations” by Edward Elgar. 

The Phil joins forces with world-class vocalists for a season finale pops weekend. “Jeans ‘n Classics: Music of Billy Joel” at 7:30 p.m. May 21 and 3 p.m. May 22.  

Details and tickets to the Phil’s new season are at https://plymouthphil.org.