OC Music Scene: Rapidan Orchestra and BRAVO Spring Concert

Rapidan Orchestra and BRAVO performed two free community concerts the weekend of April 14 at The Music Room in downtown Orange. (Photo Credit: Kevin Hagood)

I’ve lived in Orange County, Virginia, for over 15 years, and our community’s talent and creativity continue to surprise and delight me. On Friday, April 14, the Rapidan Orchestra performed a wonderful spring concert at The Music Room in downtown Orange.

Playing for a packed house and conducted by Dr. Benjamin Bergey, the orchestra’s first piece was the rollicking “Rodeo Suite” by modernist composer Aaron Copland. Next, the orchestra was joined by the Blue Ridge Area Virginia Youth Orchestra (BRAVO), together playing the Overture from “The Barber of Seville” by Gioacchino Rossini.

The culmination of the evening was the “Piano Concerto in A Minor” by Robert Schumann, featuring internationally acclaimed pianist Jun Kanno. After a standing ovation, Kanno returned to the stage to play — solo — another piece by Schumann as an encore. The fact that one can find such talented musicians and experience an evening of free classical music in a little town like Orange—well, color me surprised and delighted.

The Rapidan Orchestra is a nonprofit volunteer ensemble that welcomes performers of all ages and abilities. The organization describes itself as “a wonderful gathering of musicians who enjoy the opportunity to rehearse and perform for the community, with an emphasis on ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all.” Offering concerts twice a year, the orchestra has been a feature in the town of Orange since 2014.

The Music Room is also home to BRAVO, which enables students in the area to study and play music not offered in the local public schools. Retired music educator Darlene Dawson teaches orchestral strings to students ages 8 and up and again, the programs are free.

One talented BRAVO musician, Audra, age 12, said, “It’s really fun. I like it a lot. I really enjoyed playing with the adults, too.”

For more information about BRAVO, email bravoyouthorchestra@gmail.com.  

Upcoming concerts this spring include a chamber music recital, music of the Renaissance played by the Rapidan Pops, and another show by BRAVO. The Music Room is located at 135 E. Main St. To learn more about the orchestra’s future events, sign up for their email list at rapidanorch@gmail.com. Do not miss this opportunity!