Berkshire Symphony

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The Berkshire Symphony is a 75-member symphonic orchestra comprising, in roughly equal proportions, Williams College music students, Williams music faculty members, and area professionals. The Symphony performs music by a range of composers, including Beethoven, Brahms, Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Schumann, Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, and Wagner. Students are paired with their teachers and mentors throughout the rehearsal period and throughout the performance season. Seated this way, the students are exposed to a level of professionalism and discipline that is rare in an educational setting. At the same time, the students’ infectious enthusiasm contributes to the Berkshire Symphony’s remarkable energy and rich sound. Four concerts are presented each season. The goal is to expose students to a broad range of symphonic repertory, while maintaining a commitment to perform music by living and American composers.

Each of the five rehearsals before a concert allows students to perfect their ensemble and listening skills. Intonation, accurate rhythm, balance, and period style are all developed as students become familiar with important stylistic elements and performance practices associated with each composer.

Students compete in the Berkshire Symphony Soloist Competition for a chance to perform a solo in the Berkshire Symphony’s final concert of the season. This final concert also features new compositions by student composers.

The Berkshire Symphony was founded in 1946 and is directed by Ronald Feldman.

Membership in the Berkshire Symphony is by audition only.

The Berkshire Symphony generally has at least four rehearsals in the two weeks preceding each concert
Tuesday, 7:30-10:00pm
Thursday, 7:30-10:00pm

Performances

  • 15:36

    Berkshire Symphony - Ileana Perez Velázquez - Marejadas (world premiere)

    Berkshire Symphony - Ileana Perez Velázquez - Marejadas (world premiere)

    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Ileana Perez Velazquez (b.1964) Marejadas (world premiere) March 10, 2023 Williams College Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA S031023
    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Ileana Perez Velazquez (b.1964) Marejadas (world premiere) March 10, 2023 Williams College Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA S031023
  • 45:33

    Berkshire Symphony - Antonín Dvořák - Cello Concerto in B Minor, op. 104 - Adrian Daurov, cello

    Berkshire Symphony - Antonín Dvořák - Cello Concerto in B Minor, op. 104 - Adrian Daurov, cello

    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Antonín Dvořák (1841 – 1904) Cello Concerto in B Minor, op. 104 I. Allegro II. Adagio, ma non troppo III. Finale: Allegro moderato — Andante — Allegro vivo Adrian Daurov, cello March 10, 2023 Williams College Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA S031023
    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Antonín Dvořák (1841 – 1904) Cello Concerto in B Minor, op. 104 I. Allegro II. Adagio, ma non troppo III. Finale: Allegro moderato — Andante — Allegro vivo Adrian Daurov, cello March 10, 2023 Williams College Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA S031023
  • 12:27

    Berkshire Symphony - Carl Maria von Weber - Der Freischütz: Ouvertüre

    Berkshire Symphony - Carl Maria von Weber - Der Freischütz: Ouvertüre

    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Carl Maria von Weber (1786 – 1826) Der Freischütz: Ouvertüre March 10, 2023 Williams College Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA S031023
    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Carl Maria von Weber (1786 – 1826) Der Freischütz: Ouvertüre March 10, 2023 Williams College Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA S031023
  • 20:03

    Berkshire Symphony - Mahler - Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen - Susannah Woodruff, mezzo-soprano

    Berkshire Symphony - Mahler - Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen - Susannah Woodruff, mezzo-soprano

    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Susannah Woodruff, mezzo-soprano Gustav Mahler (1860 – 1911) - Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen (Songs of a Wayfarer) I. Wenn mein Schatz Hochzeit macht (When My Sweetheart is Married) II. Ging heut' Morgen über's Feld (I Went This Morning over the Field) III. Ich hab' ein glühend Messer (I Have a Gleaming Knife) IV. Die zwei blauen Augen von meinem Schatz (The Two Blue Eyes of my Beloved) Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA September 30, 2022 F093022 Berkshire Symphony Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen update
    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Susannah Woodruff, mezzo-soprano Gustav Mahler (1860 – 1911) - Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen (Songs of a Wayfarer) I. Wenn mein Schatz Hochzeit macht (When My Sweetheart is Married) II. Ging heut' Morgen über's Feld (I Went This Morning over the Field) III. Ich hab' ein glühend Messer (I Have a Gleaming Knife) IV. Die zwei blauen Augen von meinem Schatz (The Two Blue Eyes of my Beloved) Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA September 30, 2022 F093022 Berkshire Symphony Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen update
  • 13:43

    Berkshire Symphony - Bizet - Carmen Suite No. 1

    Berkshire Symphony - Bizet - Carmen Suite No. 1

    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Georges Bizet (1838 – 1875) Carmen Suite No. 1 I. Prélude II. Aragonaise III. Intermezzo IV. Séguedille V. Les Dragons d’Alcala VI. Les Toréadors Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA September 30, 2022 F093022 Berkshire Symphony Carmen Suite No. 1
    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Georges Bizet (1838 – 1875) Carmen Suite No. 1 I. Prélude II. Aragonaise III. Intermezzo IV. Séguedille V. Les Dragons d’Alcala VI. Les Toréadors Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA September 30, 2022 F093022 Berkshire Symphony Carmen Suite No. 1
  • 16:31

    Berkshire Symphony - Benjamin Britten - Matinées musicales

    Berkshire Symphony - Benjamin Britten - Matinées musicales

    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Benjamin Britten (1913 – 1976) Matinées musicales I. March II. Nocturne III. Waltz IV. Pantomime V. Moto Perpetuo Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA September 30, 2022 F093022 Berkshire Symphony Matinées musicales
    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Benjamin Britten (1913 – 1976) Matinées musicales I. March II. Nocturne III. Waltz IV. Pantomime V. Moto Perpetuo Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA September 30, 2022 F093022 Berkshire Symphony Matinées musicales
  • 9:54

    Berkshire Symphony - Samuel Barber "Dover Beach" - Paul La Rosa, baritone

    Berkshire Symphony - Samuel Barber "Dover Beach" - Paul La Rosa, baritone

    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Samuel Barber (1875 – 1937) "Dover Beach" op. 3 Paul La Rosa, baritone Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA September 30, 2022 F093022 Berkshire Symphony "Dover Beach"
    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Samuel Barber (1875 – 1937) "Dover Beach" op. 3 Paul La Rosa, baritone Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA September 30, 2022 F093022 Berkshire Symphony "Dover Beach"
  • 10:08

    Berkshire Symphony Student Soloist Gala - Alexandra Medeiros '20, Gabrielle Wolfe '20, pianos

    Berkshire Symphony Student Soloist Gala - Alexandra Medeiros '20, Gabrielle Wolfe '20, pianos

    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Alexandra Medeiros '20, Gabrielle Wolfe '20, pianos Francis Poulenc (1899 – 1963) Concerto pour deux pianos in D Minor, FP 61 (1932) I. Allegro ma non troppo Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA April 29, 2022
    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Alexandra Medeiros '20, Gabrielle Wolfe '20, pianos Francis Poulenc (1899 – 1963) Concerto pour deux pianos in D Minor, FP 61 (1932) I. Allegro ma non troppo Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA April 29, 2022
  • 5:54

    Berkshire Symphony Student Soloist Gala - Leah Rosenman '24, mezzo-soprano

    Berkshire Symphony Student Soloist Gala - Leah Rosenman '24, mezzo-soprano

    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Leah Rosenman '24, mezzo-soprano Henry Purcell (1659 – 1695) Thy hand Belinda/When I am laid in earth Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA April 29, 2022
    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Leah Rosenman '24, mezzo-soprano Henry Purcell (1659 – 1695) Thy hand Belinda/When I am laid in earth Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA April 29, 2022
  • 9:35

    Berkshire Symphony Student Soloist Gala - Hanbin Koo '22, flute

    Berkshire Symphony Student Soloist Gala - Hanbin Koo '22, flute

    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Hanbin Koo '22, flute W.A. Mozart (1756 – 1791) Flute Concerto No. 2 in D Major, K.314 Allegro aperto Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA April 29, 2022
    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Hanbin Koo '22, flute W.A. Mozart (1756 – 1791) Flute Concerto No. 2 in D Major, K.314 Allegro aperto Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA April 29, 2022
  • 5:21

    Berkshire Symphony Student Soloist Gala - Izaki Metropoulos '22, tenor

    Berkshire Symphony Student Soloist Gala - Izaki Metropoulos '22, tenor

    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Izaki Metropoulos '22, tenor Gaetano Donizetti (1797 – 1848) Una Furtiva Lagrima Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA April 29, 2022
    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Izaki Metropoulos '22, tenor Gaetano Donizetti (1797 – 1848) Una Furtiva Lagrima Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA April 29, 2022
  • 9:27

    Berkshire Symphony Student Soloist Gala - Sara Stebbins '24, soprano

    Berkshire Symphony Student Soloist Gala - Sara Stebbins '24, soprano

    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Sara Stebbins '24, soprano Igor Stravinsky (1882 – 1971) “No Word from Tom,” from The Rake’s Progress Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA April 29, 2022
    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Sara Stebbins '24, soprano Igor Stravinsky (1882 – 1971) “No Word from Tom,” from The Rake’s Progress Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA April 29, 2022
  • 23:59

    Berkshire Symphony Student Soloist Gala - Rebecca Christainsen '21, viola

    Berkshire Symphony Student Soloist Gala - Rebecca Christainsen '21, viola

    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Rebecca Christainsen '21, viola Béla Bartók (1881 – 1945) Concerto for Viola and Orchestra I. Moderato II. Lento; Adagio religioso; Allegretto III. Allegro vivace Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA April 29, 2022
    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Rebecca Christainsen '21, viola Béla Bartók (1881 – 1945) Concerto for Viola and Orchestra I. Moderato II. Lento; Adagio religioso; Allegretto III. Allegro vivace Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA April 29, 2022
  • 23:39

    Berkshire Symphony Student Soloist Gala - Christopher Chung '22, violin

    Berkshire Symphony Student Soloist Gala - Christopher Chung '22, violin

    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Christopher Chung '22, violin Henri Vieuxtemps (1820 – 1881) Violin Concerto No. 5 in A Minor, op. 37 I. Allegro non troppo II. Adagio III. Allegro con fuoco Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA April 29, 2022
    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Christopher Chung '22, violin Henri Vieuxtemps (1820 – 1881) Violin Concerto No. 5 in A Minor, op. 37 I. Allegro non troppo II. Adagio III. Allegro con fuoco Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA April 29, 2022
  • 8:35

    Berkshire Symphony - Kaska & Stewart - "Sondheim Celebration"

    Berkshire Symphony - Kaska & Stewart - "Sondheim Celebration"

    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Kevin Kaska (b. 1972) and Louis Stewart (b. 1944) Sondheim Celebration (2020) **World Premiere** March 11, 2022 Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA Dan Czernecki, recording Keith Forman, videography
    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Kevin Kaska (b. 1972) and Louis Stewart (b. 1944) Sondheim Celebration (2020) **World Premiere** March 11, 2022 Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA Dan Czernecki, recording Keith Forman, videography
  • 36:05

    Berkshire Symphony - Mozart - Piano Concerto in C Major - Sara Davis Buechner, piano

    Berkshire Symphony - Mozart - Piano Concerto in C Major - Sara Davis Buechner, piano

    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Sara Davis Buechner, piano solo cadenza by Sara Davis Buechner W.A. Mozart (1756 – 1791) Piano Concerto in C Major K. 503 I. Allegro maestoso II. Andante III. Allegretto March 11, 2022 Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA Dan Czernecki, recording Keith Forman, videography
    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Sara Davis Buechner, piano solo cadenza by Sara Davis Buechner W.A. Mozart (1756 – 1791) Piano Concerto in C Major K. 503 I. Allegro maestoso II. Andante III. Allegretto March 11, 2022 Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA Dan Czernecki, recording Keith Forman, videography
  • 3:42

    Berkshire Symphony - Leonard Bernstein - "Danzon" from Three Dance Variations, from Fancy Free

    Berkshire Symphony - Leonard Bernstein - "Danzon" from Three Dance Variations, from Fancy Free

    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Leonard Bernstein (1918 – 1990) Three Dance Variations, from Fancy Free III. Danzon March 11, 2022 Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA Dan Czernecki, recording Keith Forman, videography
    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Leonard Bernstein (1918 – 1990) Three Dance Variations, from Fancy Free III. Danzon March 11, 2022 Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA Dan Czernecki, recording Keith Forman, videography
  • 24:59

    Berkshire Symphony - Leonard Bernstein - Symphonic Dances from “West Side Story”

    Berkshire Symphony - Leonard Bernstein - Symphonic Dances from “West Side Story”

    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Leonard Bernstein Symphonic Dances from “West Side Story” March 11, 2022 Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA Dan Czernecki, recording Keith Forman, videography
    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Leonard Bernstein Symphonic Dances from “West Side Story” March 11, 2022 Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA Dan Czernecki, recording Keith Forman, videography
  • 3:44

    Berkshire Symphony - Ukrainian National Anthem

    Berkshire Symphony - Ukrainian National Anthem

    Berkshire Symphony performance of Ukrainian National Anthem Ronald Feldman, director Chapin Hall, Williams College Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA Dan Czernecki, recording Keith Forman, videography
    Berkshire Symphony performance of Ukrainian National Anthem Ronald Feldman, director Chapin Hall, Williams College Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA Dan Czernecki, recording Keith Forman, videography
  • 4:26

    Berkshire Symphony - Giovanni Gabrieli Canzon septimi toni no. 2

    Berkshire Symphony - Giovanni Gabrieli Canzon septimi toni no. 2

    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Giovanni Gabrieli (c. 1556 – 1612) Canzon septimi toni no. 2 October 1, 2021 Williams College Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA
    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Giovanni Gabrieli (c. 1556 – 1612) Canzon septimi toni no. 2 October 1, 2021 Williams College Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA
  • 40:46

    Berkshire Symphony - Beethoven - Piano Concerto no 3 in C Minor, op. 37, Victor Rosenbaum, piano

    Berkshire Symphony - Beethoven - Piano Concerto no 3 in C Minor, op. 37, Victor Rosenbaum, piano

    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 – 1827) Piano Concerto no. 3 in C Minor, op. 37 Victor Rosenbaum, piano I. Allegro con brio II. Largo III. Rondo – Allegro Victor Rosenbaum, piano October 1, 2021 Williams College Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA
    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 – 1827) Piano Concerto no. 3 in C Minor, op. 37 Victor Rosenbaum, piano I. Allegro con brio II. Largo III. Rondo – Allegro Victor Rosenbaum, piano October 1, 2021 Williams College Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA
  • 10:09

    Berkshire Symphony 2023 Student Soloist Gala - Ray Wang '25, viola

    Berkshire Symphony 2023 Student Soloist Gala - Ray Wang '25, viola

    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Ray Wang '25, viola Paul Hindemith (1835 – 1921) Der Schwanendreher I. Zwischen Berg und tiefem Tal (Between Mountain and Deep Valley) Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA April 21, 2023 S042123 Berkshire Symphony
    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Ray Wang '25, viola Paul Hindemith (1835 – 1921) Der Schwanendreher I. Zwischen Berg und tiefem Tal (Between Mountain and Deep Valley) Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA April 21, 2023 S042123 Berkshire Symphony
  • 13:41

    Berkshire Symphony 2023 Student Soloist Gala - Anabella Cheong '24, piano

    Berkshire Symphony 2023 Student Soloist Gala - Anabella Cheong '24, piano

    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Anabella Cheong '24, piano Camille Saint-Saëns (1835 – 1921) Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, op. 22 I. Andante sostenuto Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA April 21, 2023 S042123 Berkshire Symphony
    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Anabella Cheong '24, piano Camille Saint-Saëns (1835 – 1921) Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, op. 22 I. Andante sostenuto Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA April 21, 2023 S042123 Berkshire Symphony
  • 8:12

    Berkshire Symphony 2023 Student Soloist Gala - Carolyn Mielke '23, soprano

    Berkshire Symphony 2023 Student Soloist Gala - Carolyn Mielke '23, soprano

    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Carolyn Mielke '23, soprano Gioachino Rossini (1792 – 1868) "Una Voce Poco Fa," from Il Barbiere di Siviglia Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA April 21, 2023 S042123 Berkshire Symphony
    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Carolyn Mielke '23, soprano Gioachino Rossini (1792 – 1868) "Una Voce Poco Fa," from Il Barbiere di Siviglia Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA April 21, 2023 S042123 Berkshire Symphony
  • 10:19

    Berkshire Symphony 2023 Student Soloist Gala - Chen Chen Huang '23, flute

    Berkshire Symphony 2023 Student Soloist Gala - Chen Chen Huang '23, flute

    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Chen Chen Huang '23, flute Carl Reinecke (1824 – 1910) Ballade for Flute and Orchestra in D Minor, op. 288 Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA April 21, 2023 S042123 Berkshire Symphony
    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Chen Chen Huang '23, flute Carl Reinecke (1824 – 1910) Ballade for Flute and Orchestra in D Minor, op. 288 Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA April 21, 2023 S042123 Berkshire Symphony
  • 19:36

    Berkshire Symphony 2023 Student Soloist Gala - Matt Wisotsky '23 Concerto for Orchestra & Jazz Combo

    Berkshire Symphony 2023 Student Soloist Gala - Matt Wisotsky '23 Concerto for Orchestra & Jazz Combo

    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Matt Wisotsky ‘23, composer Matt Wisotsky ‘23 (b. 2001) Concerto for Orchestra and Jazz Combo *world premiere* Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA April 21, 2023 S042123 Berkshire Symphony
    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Matt Wisotsky ‘23, composer Matt Wisotsky ‘23 (b. 2001) Concerto for Orchestra and Jazz Combo *world premiere* Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA April 21, 2023 S042123 Berkshire Symphony
  • 10:56

    Berkshire Symphony - Offenbach - Orpheus in the Underworld Overture

    Berkshire Symphony - Offenbach - Orpheus in the Underworld Overture

    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Jacques Offenbach (1819 – 1880) Orpheus in the Underworld Overture Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA September 30, 2022 S042123 Berkshire Symphony Offenbach - Orpheus in the Underworld Overture
    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Jacques Offenbach (1819 – 1880) Orpheus in the Underworld Overture Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA September 30, 2022 S042123 Berkshire Symphony Offenbach - Orpheus in the Underworld Overture
  • 9:07

    Berkshire Symphony - Copeland - Buckaroo Holiday

    Berkshire Symphony - Copeland - Buckaroo Holiday

    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Aaron Copland (1900 – 1990) Rodeo I. Buckaroo Holiday Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA April 21, 2023 S042123 Berkshire Symphony - Copeland - Buckaroo Holiday
    Berkshire Symphony Ronald Feldman, director Aaron Copland (1900 – 1990) Rodeo I. Buckaroo Holiday Chapin Hall Williams College Williamstown, MA USA April 21, 2023 S042123 Berkshire Symphony - Copeland - Buckaroo Holiday