This Saturday, August 17, 2024, beginning at 6:00pm in Blair Square, Hollistonians and others will be able to enjoy a free concert by this nearby musical gem. Just bring a chair or sit in one of the newly placed Adirondack chairs, to enjoy symphonic music at twilight.
Below is an excerpt from the orchestra’s publicity that is written by a golfer, singer, book author, frequent user of our Rail Trail, and I’m happy to say, a friend. As his piece points out, the highlight of the Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra’s season is the Christmas concert which is well worth the modest admission fee.
Notes from CHSO Super-fan, Peter Black
A Night with the Orchestra
When Miranda and I moved to Milford from New Jersey fourteen years ago, we didn’t know quite what to expect. We knew it would be good to spend our retirement years near to our daughter Nancy and her family. And indeed, being a part of our grandsons’ lives has been rewarding to us and helpful for them on their up and down journey from tots to high school. Milford has also turned out to be the right move in other ways.
Music and golf have always been important in my life, but little did I know that landing in Milford would present opportunities to take these activities to a whole new level.
For golf, I was fortunate to join a wonderful group of guys who play twice a week on an assortment of local courses. These men and their wives have all become good friends. As for music, I wondered what we would find, removed from the attractions of New York. symphonies and operas.
In my wildest dreams, I never would have guessed what we discovered in Milford. An amazing musical jewel, the Claflin Hill Orchestra!
I have since learned that there is a fascinating book waiting to be written, about how, over twenty years ago, Paul Surapine and his wife Susan, created a professional standing orchestra in the humble town of Milford. And how, against all odds, they have continued to sustain its high excellence and annual program. And all the while, creating evermore musical events around the greater Milford area.
‘You MUST go see the Claflin Orchestra!’ I beseech everyone I know. And there’s no need to travel to Tanglewood or Boston, I tell them. Because there is great music right here!
And attending Claflin Hill is so special… First, you must buy a ticket. But it’s such a bargain!
The experience begins as you approach the Milford Town Hall and admire its beautiful white tower.
Then you enter the nineteenth century ballroom, which if it’s December, is gorgeously decorated for the Christmas concert.
You’re now in a throng of several hundred bustling, animated concert goers, ready to enjoy their part in Milford’s cultural highlight of the year.
Embrace the warm social scene in this historic setting and likely you’ll come across some folks you know. And the music hasn’t even started.
7:30 arrives. Everyone is in their seat. Fifty professional Claflin musicians check their music. To warm applause, the Greater Milford Choir files onto the stage behind the orchestra. I take my seat in the second back row of the chorus and look out at the full house, feeling a bit nervous. However, we have been rehearsing this night for three months, I know it will be fine.
A few seats from me Susan Surapine, president of our choir, sneaks a photo of the assembly. It will include her son Zach who is in the first violins.
The players are tuning up. The amazing hum of twenty different instruments on the same note is giving me goose bumps. It always does.
For me, to be immersed in live music is a superior dimension to recorded sound. I am reveling in my closeness to a real orchestra. I can’t wait to witness the flowing movements of strings, the exertions of the winds, the clamor of the timpani. To behold the skills and artistry of the musicians, to become inspired by the magnificence of a masterwork.
The music makers are now tuned a ready to go. Silence reigns as we await the entrance of the conductor.
Paul is on his way to the podium to heavy applause. A beloved figure. He checks his music. Raises his baton. And we’re off!
And it’s all happening in little, old Milford. AMAZING!
Peter Black
Peter Black is also one of the more talented members of the Greater Holliston Senior Men’s Golf Association who donate their combined season’s winnings and losses for a generous contribution to the Holliston Food Pantry.
What a beautiful, and accurate, tribute to Claflin Hill! We are so very lucky to have these amazing performances without the struggles of getting into the city or taking out a loan