Flower City Society Orchestra
elegant entertainment from
the rag time era
From the Elegant ‘Eighties and the Gay ‘Nineties
through the Great War, the leading restaurants, hotels and cruise lines had
musicians on hand to play light classical and dance music for their patrons’
enjoyment. Some of these establishments gained a reputation for their music as
well as their food and service. Shanley’s and Reisenweber’s in New York City
had well-known orchestras, and even the dining room at the Sibley, Lindsay
& Curr Co. store in Rochester featured the Vienna Trio for many years. Such
groups as these added an extra dimension to the enjoyment of the patrons. Hear a sample.
The Flower City Society Orchestra of Rochester,
New York, was organized in 1993, modeled on the “society orchestras” that
entertained guests in these upper-class restaurants and resorts at the turn of
the last century. Its large repertoire includes dance music, such as waltzes,
tangos and rag-time, and the very best in light classical music. Members of the
orchestra include teachers in local schools, students at the Eastman School of
Music, and gifted amateurs from the community.
The conductor, Dr. Philip Carli, has a deep interest
in the manners and mores of 19th-century society and culture. As a musical scholar he specializes in the performance practices of the
bands and orchestras recording in the early days of the phonograph, and his
large collection of cylinder and disc recordings allows him to study and enjoy
this music at first hand. Many of the pieces played by the Flower City
orchestra also exist in recordings made at the turn of the century. Mr. Carli
is able to bring their vivacity and grace to his live performances, and over
the years the players have developed a feel for the lilting swing of ragtime
jazz.
Contact Alice Carli at (585) 729-3873 or at
symphony@philipcarli.com