42 years of quality classical music at Music on the Hill

By Don Fowler
Posted 6/15/16

Music on the Hill concluded its 42nd season of quality classical music last week with a rousing Festival Finale at Cranston's Holy Apostles Catholic Church. The festival opened on June 1 at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Jamestown,

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42 years of quality classical music at Music on the Hill

Posted

Music on the Hill concluded its 42nd season of quality classical music last week with a rousing Festival Finale at Cranston’s Holy Apostles Catholic Church.

The festival opened on June 1 at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Jamestown, followed by four concerts at Warwick churches and another in Cranston.

“Churches are ideal settings for our concerts,” said Music on the Hill President Gerard Pellegrino. “The acoustics are excellent, and the atmosphere is great.”

The festival originally took place in East Greenwich, and the Pelligrino family took over the administration nine years ago, moving the concerts around the West Bay area.

“We’re looking forward to our tenth anniversary next June,” Pelligrino said. “This has been a labor of love, and our board works hard to raise the funding to bring in world renowned artists.”

Acclaimed pianist Joseph Kalichstein returned this year, performing Chopin’s Ballade No. 2, Schumann’s Kreisleriana, Op. 16, Brahms’ Sonata No.1, and Two Hungarian Dances, to a prolonged standing ovation.

Composer Fred Bretschger provided a big surprise when he brought bass to Cranston’s Immaculate Conception Church to perform his own composition, “Fantasy Duo for Cello and Bass,” with cellist Trevor Handy.

Local musicians who have moved on to play with world-renowned orchestras and chamber groups include festival artistic director John Mark Pellegrino and violinists Deborah Tien Price and Dr. Kristen Pellegrino of Warwick.

The Music on the Hill Board of Directors has kept the festival concert prices at $20 ($25 at the door), relying on donations and grants. If you would like to see the festival continue for many years to come, your donations would be greatly appreciated and put to good use. You can help by writing a check to Music on the Hill, Box 633, East Greenwich, RI 02818. Check them out at www.Musiconthehill.org.

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