Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra Kicks off 12th Season

Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra kicked off its 12^th season last night with a free "Captivating Masterpieces" concert at the Sean T. Connaughton Plaza.

Couples, families and picnic goers alike came out to enjoy the beautiful evening weather and free music.

The orchestra performed an hour-long concert of select classical compositions from composers Béla Bartok, Felix Mendelssohn, Edward Elgar and Gioachino Rossini.

In the middle of the Mendelssohn selections from "A Midsummer Night's Dream," a light rain started up, prompting the audience to seek shelter under covered walkways and the front of the stage.

Before the final Mendelssohn selection, the ever-popular "Wedding March," director Dr. Dana Eckensburg McCarthy invited the audience to sit up on stage.

A few audience members took Dr. Eckensburg McCarthy up on her offer and were afforded a unique view of the concert – on stage.

Clad in summer appropriate attire, white shirts and khakis, the Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra performed their elegant repertoire throughout the rain.

The finale of the concert proved to be an audience and orchestra favorite, as it was heavily applauded.

One of the "Captivating Masterpieces" by Gioachino Rossini, the "Barber of Seville Overture," rounded out the balmy evening.

Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra is a volunteer organization comprised of local professionals, semiprofessionals and season amateur string, brass and horn players.

On Oct. 23, the orchestra will be performing a music festival with special guests Jennifer Carsillo, violinist, and Michael Butterman, conductor at Covenant Presbyterian Church.