Cambridge Orchestra celebrates 20 years of music in the community

The Cambridge Symphony Orchestra is gearing up to celebrate 20 years in the community with a new Beatles-themed concert.

For the last 17 years, Sabatino Vacca has been the engine that drives the orchestra after taking over as the conductor and creative director in 2007. 

"We've got an exciting, ambitious season planned for the 20th. It's a real milestone these days for an arts organization to hit that mark and we're in pretty good shape looking forward to future seasons," said Vacca. 

When he came on the Cambridge Orchestra was a small group of volunteer musicians who would gather to perform, honing their skills as professional players. 

Over the past decade, the band has started gaining notoriety among Ontario musicians, drawing in highly skilled professional players who are now being paid for their services. 

"It's been a nice long journey growing and developing steadily, getting more players on board and expanding our repertoire. The orchestra has been getting better and stronger each season and that opens up our repertoire possibilities for us," he noted. 

The orchestra plays all over Cambridge from the Gaslight District to the Hamilton Family Theatre and local churches. Vacca adds the addition of the Gaslight District has opened up a new world of concerts for the band. 

"It is such a beautiful space and it allows the audience to be close to the music, but also if they want to grab a drink from the bar they're right there," he said. "We just played there recently and I doubt there is a venue in all of Canada where you could get a show like that." 

Going into its 20th season, the orchestra is looking to draw in new listeners while also appealing to its longtime fans. 

They will be kicking off the tour with a Beatles-inspired concert that will see all of the Fab Four's biggest hits recreated in symphonic melodies. 

In total, there will be eight different events starting on Sept. 13 at the Hamilton Family Theatre with their Beatles Forever concert. 

"We wanted to pick a group of music that is known not only by the older generation, but is timeless in the fact that every generation can enjoy the Beatles," said Vacca. 

"We also do a Nutcracker show that is one of our most popular that we haven't done in a few years. We will be bringing that back on Nov. 29 during our seasonal concert."

The 20th season tour will run from Sept. 13 until May 29th with the final show being Movie Magic, playing classic and popular songs from movie soundtracks at Tapestry Hall. 

Vacca has been proud to be a part of the long history of the orchestra, helping it grow and introduce classical and symphonic music to the younger generation. 

The Cambridge Orchestra has a program that invites young musicians to play with the seasoned pros and perform at special concerts. 

At this year's Cambridge Celebration of the Arts the young budding violinists, cellists and other young members of the orchestra played renditions of movie soundtracks to eager listeners. 

Vacca notes this program is an excellent way for musicians to take their playing to the next level and give them experience performing with a larger band. 

"We are really proud to be here in Cambridge and the response from the community has always been so supportive. We are truly grateful," said Vacca. "Here is to another 20 years playing in Cambridge." 

To find out more about the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra and their upcoming concert schedule, please visit their website.