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Established in 1976, the all-volunteer Delaware County Symphony (DCS) made music for more than 30 years under Music Director Roman Pawlowski until his retirement in 2010.
After an entire year and multiple auditions, the symphony and board members unanimously concluded that Pawlowski’s successor would be the orchestra’s current music director, Jeremy Gill.
A sense of relief and appreciation swept through members as Gill agreed to take up the DCS baton and lead the symphony in a new direction. Gill uses his impeccable academic credentials, real world experiences and in-depth understanding of classical music to better develop the orchestra’s talent and increase their passion.
Bill Conville, a board member of the Delaware County Symphony, states that, “If ever there is an argument for the existence of mental telepathy it would easily be made by watching Jeremy Gill conduct. With the first motion of his baton the orchestra becomes a collective entity and enters into an unspoken symbiosis with the conductor. Mr. Gill’s blend of musical leadership and esthetic sensitivity allows such effortless excellence to occur.”
When Gill arrived for his new position he was met with a fully functioning orchestra. Because all members had such an input in his selection, Gill did not experience any challenges coming in. His previous experience as a music professor at Temple College prepared Gill for Delaware County Symphony, enabling him to give better instructions to his orchestra members. After leaving Temple, Gill expressed that he “was not made for teaching in a university environment and [would] much rather educate [his] members’ on how to see the music in a new light.”
Since becoming a part of the team, Gill has begun to play more music by living composers. As a composer himself, he ‘is very interested in what other composers are doing.’ Gill thoroughly enjoys being able to guide and shape the symphony as he is enthusiastic about performing –the greatest music ever written.” He further explains that the orchestra’s music “is meaningful and when played with such dedication it allows [the players] to connect with the audience creating an excitement that soothes us all from within.”
Satisfied with their choice, board and orchestra members whole-heartedly support Gill’s changes. In the upcoming season the Delaware County Symphony will be premiering new work to audiences. Gill is anxious, yet prepared to start the season. The first performance is on October 14 and features the remarkable pianist Ching-Yung Hu. The DCS’s second performance on December 2 features the Pacific Encore Performances. On March 3, the symphony spotlights Blanka Bednarz, and on May 5 the symphony showcases a new resident composer, David Carpenter, into its performance.
As the conductor, Gill “enjoy[s] having the best seat in the house,” proclaiming that his members are a must see. For tickets and other information on The Delaware County Symphony, visit www.dcsmusic.org/Tickets
