Southern Del. Orchestra celebrates American music with Summer Concert Series

The summer series of American music concerts starts July 19. (Photo courtesy of SODELO)

The Southern Delaware Orchestra (SODELO) is tuning up for a vibrant summer, headlined by a series of concerts titled “A Summer Celebration of America’s Music.”

The performances, taking place in July and August, spotlight some of the nation’s most iconic composers and reflect the orchestra’s ongoing mission to foster a love of orchestral music across Southern Delaware.

The summer series kicks off with two performances: July 19 at Milford High School and July 20 at Cape Henlopen High School, both beginning at 3 p.m.

These concerts will mark a milestone for SODELO, with the Milford performance serving as the orchestra’s debut at the first public high school in Sussex County to offer string education.

Under the baton of internationally acclaimed conductor and cellist Stephen Czarkowski, and featuring Metropolitan Opera soprano Dr. Makeda Hampton, the program will include works by American greats such as Aaron Copland, George Gershwin, John Williams, Richard Rodgers, and Irving Berlin.

“We are truly excited about a program that raises the bar high for the orchestra and features the talents of these amazing guest artists,” said SODELO Co-Founder and Board President Stephen Greifer. “We promise an evening of favorites, plus exploration and discovery, as we stroll through some of the greatest music from some of the most iconic composers this nation has ever produced.”

Tickets for the Cape Henlopen concert are priced at $25 for adults and $10 for students, with free admission for children 10 and under.

At Milford, veterans, students, faculty, and staff will be admitted free of charge as a gesture of welcome to the community.

The orchestra will also take the stage at the Freeman Arts Pavilion on August 12 at 7 p.m., performing selections from the “America’s Music” program. Tickets are $19, with free admission for children 12 and under.

Honoring young musicians

The summer performances will also serve as a send-off for three young violinists embarking on new chapters. Sigrid Evers of Milford High School, who joined SODELO as a freshman in 2022, is heading to Haverford College, while Cape Henlopen graduate Olivia Passwaters will attend Salisbury University.

Shelby Troyer, Salutatorian of Greenwood Mennonite School, plans to pursue nursing through the University of Delaware and Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing, and will continue performing with SODELO.

“It is the nature of a community orchestra to include performers of all ages and backgrounds,” Greifer said, “and it is a special moment for us to wish Sigrid, Olivia and Shelby great success in the next steps in their lives, education and musical careers.”

Expanding outreach efforts

Beyond the concert hall, SODELO is deepening its educational outreach this summer through a new partnership with the Children’s Beach House in Lewes.

The orchestra’s musicians will offer 25 half-hour sessions to underserved youth, featuring percussion, soprano recorder, dance, singing, and hands-on introductions to orchestral instruments.

Founded in 2022, SODELO began as a 32-member string ensemble and has since grown into a full symphony of 75 volunteer musicians.

Its members include students, teachers, veterans, professionals, and retirees, united by a shared passion for music and community.

For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.