From Berks Sinfonietta
The Berks Sinfonietta returns to one of Pennsylvania’s most iconic natural settings for the sixth consecutive year on Saturday, June 13, at 2 p.m. (rain date of Sunday, June 14, at 2 p.m.). The ensemble will perform both well-known classics and regional premieres at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary’s outdoor amphitheater.
“This year’s program includes some fabulous, but lesser-known repertoire,” said Artistic Director David McConnell, “including three regional premieres, two of them by women: Amy Beach and Mel Bonis. Beach’s ‘Romance’ is a lovely work, lyrical and deeply touching. She is an American composer whose brilliance, almost a century after her death, is finally being recognized.”
The program also includes Vaughan Williams’ “Harnham Down,” an early work that his estate had prevented from being performed until the ban was recently lifted. “The music is an evocative aural picture of the Wiltshire countryside, and it feels particularly apt for performance at Hawk Mountain,” added McConnell.
Sinfonietta co-founder, James Gilmer, notes that for the sixth year in a row, the Hawk Mountain performance “has become one of our audience’s most beloved concerts. We are so grateful to the Smith family for their generosity, the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary board and staff for their hospitality, and to the audience members for coming out and making each year an even greater success.”
Program highlights
The program has been selected to complement the natural splendor of Hawk Mountain, blending beloved classical staples with works that echo the spirit of the landscape.
- Vaughan Williams — Harnham Down, Impression for Orchestra
- Amy Beach – Romance for Violin and Orchestra
- Felix Mendelssohn — Overture: The Fair Melusine, Op. 32
- Mel Bonis — Suite en forme de valses
- W.A. Mozart — Symphony No. 40 in G minor
About Berks Sinfonietta
Berks Sinfonietta is a chamber orchestra committed to presenting innovative, inclusive, and artistically compelling performances. Bringing together homegrown musicians of all ages — professionals, educators, students, and dedicated amateurs — the ensemble reimagines repertoire from the Baroque era to today, with a special emphasis on works by women, composers of color, and historically underrepresented voices. Through its concerts and educational outreach, Berks Sinfonietta enriches the cultural life of Berks County and brings people together to foster deeper appreciation of the transformative power of music.
About Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, located along Kittatinny Ridge near Kempton, PA, is the world’s first refuge for birds of prey and a leading center for raptor conservation and education. Founded in 1934, it attracts visitors from around the globe who come to witness one of North America’s most spectacular annual raptor migrations. The sanctuary’s forested ridgeline, sweeping vistas, and dedication to conservation make it an extraordinary backdrop for this special musical event.
